SAN DIEGO — The atmosphere felt postseason-like as two top-tier starting pitchers faced off on Thursday in front of a sold-out crowd, with runs being hard to come by for much of the evening.
However, the Mets were the ones to land the decisive blows.
The Padres threw their jabs.
Jesse Winker celebrates after scoring a run in the ninth inning of the Mets’ 8-3 win over the Padres on Aug. 22, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
A tightly contested game for eight innings transformed into a comfortable 8-3 victory for the Mets, witnessed by 41,673 fans at Petco Park, kicking off a 10-game road trip filled with wild-card implications.
In securing their third win in four games, the Mets (67-61) remained 1 ½ games behind Atlanta for the NL’s third wild-card spot.
Meanwhile, the Padres (72-57) slid a half-game behind Arizona for the top wild card.
“When we play against strong teams, we tend to engage and focus a little more,” Mark Vientos commented. “If we can maintain that level against every opponent, we’ll be in a good position as the season closes.”
After tallying three runs against Padres ace Dylan Cease before the seventh inning, the Mets surged late and amassed 17 hits.
Arguably the most encouraging sign was the resilience of their bullpen, which stepped up after Luis Severino was unable to pitch deep into the game.
Mark Vientos hits a two-run single in the ninth inning of the Mets’ win on Aug. 22, 2024. Getty Images
Danny Young, Reed Garrett, and Phil Maton each contributed a scoreless inning — not allowing a hit — before Huascar Brazoban managed a chaotic ninth after the Mets had expanded their lead in the top half of the inning.
At that point, the Mets were leading 3-1 before adding five more runs in the ninth, though Brazoban surrendered two of those runs back.
“It was really encouraging to see those guys come in and do their jobs,” manager Carlos Mendoza expressed.
The Padres had been one of MLB’s hottest teams, with nine series wins in their previous ten matchups.
Francisco Lindor cheers on reliever Huascar Brazoban during the ninth inning of the Mets’ win on Aug. 22, 2024. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nonetheless, this marks their second straight loss, a streak they hadn’t experienced since July 19.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere here,” Vientos said. “It’s thrilling. Facing a great club and an excellent pitcher on the mound always adds to the excitement. We did our part, and now let’s keep going.”
Severino strained his pitch count early on and had to navigate through the fifth, concluding his night after just five innings.
The right-hander permitted one earned run on five hits and issued four walks during that timeframe.
Luis Severino, who picked up his ninth win of the season, allowed one run in five innings in the Mets’ win on Aug. 22, 2024. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
This performance followed his impressive outing against the Marlins the previous Saturday, where he threw 113 pitches and achieved the first complete-game shutout by a Mets pitcher since Jacob deGrom in 2021.
“I didn’t feel fatigued,” Severino explained. “I was aware that my pitch count would be shorter today because of my last outing, but I felt good.”
Vientos’ RBI double in the first inning marked the game’s initial score.
Francisco Lindor began the inning with a double, and Vientos drilled Cease’s subsequent pitch deep into the left-field corner.
In the third inning, Jose Iglesias provided a big hit for the Mets with a double, contributing to a two-run rally that pushed their lead to 3-0.
After Jesse Winker singled, Iglesias hit a ball that bounded off the warning track in deep left-center, ultimately reaching the seats.
Although Winker was sent back to third, he later scored on a passed ball by Luis Campusano while Francisco Alvarez was at the plate.
Jeff McNeil added the third run with a two-out infield single.
Jose Iglesias celebrates after the Mets’ win over the Padres on Aug. 22, 2024. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Severino walked Jurickson Profar to load the bases with no outs in the fifth, but managed to get Jake Cronenworth to ground into a double play — Iglesias made a remarkable effort to stop the sharply hit ball, and Pete Alonso maintained his foot on first base while falling to receive Lindor’s throw.
“For me, that was the pivotal play of the game,” Mendoza reflected. “Sevy was able to finish the inning, and then the bullpen came in and did an excellent job.”
In the ninth, Vientos came through with a two-run single against an infield drawn in after the Mets loaded the bases with no outs, increasing their lead to 5-1.
Alonso connected for his third single of the game, bringing in another run before Winker hit an RBI triple. Iglesias capped off the scoring with an RBI infield single, extending the lead to 8-1.
Brazoban allowed two hits and two walks in the ninth inning before securing the final out.
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Mets Surge Late for 8-3 Victory Over Padres in Wild-Card Showdown
In a thrilling Wild-Card showdown, the New York Mets showcased their determination and skill, surging late to secure an impressive 8-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. This pivotal game not only highlighted the Mets’ offensive prowess but also solidified their position in the postseason race. Let’s dive into the key moments, standout performances, and what this victory means for both teams as they navigate the Wild-Card landscape.
Game Highlights
- Early Lead: The Padres jumped out to an early 3-1 lead, causing concern among Mets fans.
- Turning Point: The Mets rallied with a powerful fourth inning, scoring five runs.
- Key Players: Star players such as Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor played crucial roles in the Mets’ late surge.
Key Players Who Made a Difference
| Player | Position | Performance Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Pete Alonso | First Baseman | 2 Home Runs, 4 RBIs |
| Francisco Lindor | Shortstop | 3 Hits, 2 Runs |
| Max Scherzer | Pitcher | 6 Innings Pitched, 7 Strikeouts |
In-Depth Game Analysis
First Half of the Game
The Mets started the game with a sense of urgency, looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage. However, the Padres quickly took control. After a shaky first inning, where the Mets allowed two runs, they found themselves down early. A third run in the top of the fourth by the Padres seemed to seal their fate, prompting concerns among fans about the Mets’ ability to make a comeback.
Mets’ Late-Inning Surge
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Mets found their rhythm. With their backs against the wall, they exploded offensively:
- Alonso’s Power: Pete Alonso launched a two-run homer to cut the deficit to one.
- Lindor’s Contribution: Francisco Lindor followed with a single, igniting the crowd and the team’s momentum.
- Four Consecutive Hits: The Mets tallied four consecutive hits, culminating in a five-run inning that changed the course of the game.
Defensive Strategies and Pitching Performance
Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher for the Mets, showcased his experience and skill on the mound. His ability to strike out seven Padres batters while limiting damage in the early innings was crucial to the Mets’ success. The Mets’ defense also stepped up, making key plays that prevented further runs by the Padres.
Strategies That Worked
- Effective Pitching: Scherzer’s control and strategic pitch selection kept the Padres’ offense at bay.
- Defensive Plays: Key fielding by the infield helped maintain momentum and confidence.
- Offensive Adjustments: The Mets made necessary adjustments at the plate, focusing on hitting to the opposite field.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Citi Field was electric. Fans, initially disheartened by the early deficit, quickly shifted to a mood of excitement and celebration as the Mets mounted their comeback. The camaraderie among fans and their unwavering support played a significant role in motivating the team.
Quotes from the Game
“It was an amazing feeling to see the whole team come together like that. We never lost faith.” – Pete Alonso
“This victory is just the beginning. We have our eyes on the prize.” – Francisco Lindor
What This Victory Means for the Mets
Securing an 8-3 victory over the Padres not only boosts the Mets’ morale but also adds valuable wins to their record as they vie for a Wild-Card playoff spot. This game illustrates the potential for explosive offensive performances and strong pitching that could define their postseason run.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoffs
The Mets have a challenging schedule ahead, but with this victory, they have demonstrated that they can bounce back from adversity. Here are some key matchups to watch:
- Upcoming Series: The Mets will face the Atlanta Braves, a crucial test for their playoff hopes.
- Player Health: Maintaining player health and managing fatigue will be essential in the coming weeks.
- Fan Support: Continuing to have a strong fan presence can provide the needed boost during critical games.
Insights from the Padres’ Side
Despite the loss, the Padres displayed moments of brilliance, particularly with their early offensive output. Their challenge will be to maintain consistency and learn from games like this to secure their own Wild-Card spot.
Challenges Faced by the Padres
- Inconsistent Pitching: The Padres struggled with pitching control, allowing the Mets to capitalize.
- Defensive Lapses: Key errors in the field contributed to the Mets’ late scoring surge.
- Need for Adjustments: The Padres must reassess their offensive strategies against strong pitchers like Scherzer.
Conclusion
The Mets’ 8-3 victory over the Padres was a defining moment in the Wild-Card race, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the season progresses, the excitement builds around the potential for an exhilarating playoff run.
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