The Mets enjoyed a delightful late-night victory in Denver.
Brenton Doyle scored the decisive run due to a throwing error in the ninth inning, as Colorado upset the Arizona Diamondbacks’ playoff aspirations with a 3-2 victory on Monday night. The game also marked the return of Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela following Tommy John surgery.
Doyle opened the ninth inning with a single off Ryan Thompson (7-5) and promptly stole second base.
Ryan McMahon was intentionally walked, and Brendan Rodgers grounded to Ketel Marte, who managed to get the force out at second. However, Perdomo’s throw to first base in an effort to complete the double play sailed wide, allowing Doyle to score.
“He just yanked his throw off the line,” commented Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “That would have been a crucial double play.”
Marte hit a two-run homer for the defending NL champions, the Diamondbacks (83-67), who currently hold the second NL wild-card position, one game ahead of the Mets and two games in front of Atlanta.
The night proved beneficial for the Mets as well, who came from behind to defeat the Nationals 2-1 in 10 innings, thanks to Starling Marte’s walk-off hit.
The Braves suffered a 9-0 defeat at home against the Dodgers, allowing the Mets to inch ahead of Atlanta for the third and final wild-card spot.
“I was watching. I definitely was,” said Mets starter Sean Manaea, who pitched seven strong innings, regarding the scoreboard with Arizona, Atlanta, and the Mets separated by two games with 12 left to play.
Brendan Rodgers reaches safely after a Diamondbacks throwing error ends the game on Sept. 16, 2024. Getty Images
Ezequiel Tovar and Hunter Goodman also homered for the Rockies, who managed to defeat the Diamondbacks for only the third time in their 11 meetings this season.
“Our pitching carried us today, and we received outstanding performances from the bullpen,” Tovar stated through an interpreter.
Seth Halvorsen (2-0) secured the victory by pitching two scoreless innings.
Senzatela, a 29-year-old right-hander, allowed two runs and four hits over three-plus innings while striking out two and walking two. He threw 42 of his 67 pitches for strikes and averaged 95 mph, delivering 39 fastballs along with 15 sliders, eight changeups, and five curveballs.
The Rockies celebrate the win over the Diamondbacks. AP
Senzatela’s 2022 season came to an early end when he tore his left ACL during a game in St. Louis on August 18, after a misstep while trying to cover first base.
He returned last year, making appearances on May 5 and 10, but had to leave his second start due to a strained right elbow. Subsequently diagnosed with a torn UCL, he underwent Tommy John surgery on July 26.
“I just want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this challenging year—my teammates, family, trainers, and coaches,” Senzatela expressed. “It didn’t start well, but I did my best to keep the game close for the team, and a win is what matters.”
Corbin Carroll led off with a triple, followed by Marte hitting his 32nd homer, a shot to center field.
Arizona’s Merrill Kelly allowed one run and two hits over six innings, conceding Tovar’s 24th homer leading off the fourth.
Goodman brought the game to a tie in the seventh inning against Kevin Ginkel with his 12th homer.
The Mets surround Starling Marte after his walkoff hit. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“This is really frustrating, extremely frustrating, especially after yesterday’s game where we had a lead and gave up some costly runs,” Ginkel remarked. “Regarding Goodman’s at-bat, it was a slider. I believe he was anticipating it. It wasn’t my best slider, but it wasn’t terrible either. I didn’t expect it to become a home run—maybe a double, at best. That part was extremely frustrating and allowed them to tie the game.”
— With AP
Rockies Edge Diamondbacks in Thrilling Finish, Bolstering Mets’ Wild-Card Hope
Game Overview
The recent showdown between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks captivated baseball fans with its nail-biting conclusion. This thrilling matchup not only showcased the resilience and skill of both teams but also played a pivotal role in shaping the New York Mets’ wild-card aspirations.
Key Highlights of the Game
– **Final Score**: Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 6
– **Location**: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
– **Date**: September 30, 2023
This high-stakes encounter saw the Rockies pull off an incredible comeback, overcoming a late-game deficit to secure victory. The win has significant implications for the New York Mets, who are optimistically eyeing a wild-card spot as the season draws to a close.
In-Depth Game Analysis
First Half Breakdown
The first half of the game was a showcase for the Diamondbacks, as they jumped out to an early lead. Key players such as Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll contributed significantly, with Marte hitting a crucial home run in the second inning. The Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher, Zac Gallen, demonstrated impressive control on the mound, striking out several Rockies batsmen and limiting their scoring opportunities.
– **Diamondbacks’ Highlights**:
– **Ketel Marte**: 2 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- **Corbin Carroll**: 3 hits, 1 RBI
- **Zac Gallen**: 7 strikeouts in 5 innings
Rockies’ Resilience
Despite their early struggles, the Rockies showcased their tenacity. Down by three runs in the later innings, the Rockies capitalized on Diamondbacks’ bullpen mistakes. Led by CJ Cron, who hit a clutch two-run double in the eighth inning, the Rockies took advantage of every opportunity.
– **Rockies’ Key Performers**:
– **CJ Cron**: 2 hits, 3 RBIs
– **Ryan McMahon**: 1 hit, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- **Daniel Bard**: Secured the save with a tense final inning
Critical Moments That Changed the Game
1. **Eighth Inning Comeback**: The Rockies scored 4 runs in the eighth inning, turning the tide of the game.
2. **Bard’s Final Stand**: Daniel Bard faced the top of the Diamondbacks’ lineup, showcasing nerves of steel to close out the game.
3. **Defensive Plays**: Extraordinary defensive plays by Rockies’ shortstop Jose Iglesias prevented the Diamondbacks from extending their lead.
Implications for Wild-Card Hope
With the Rockies’ victory, the New York Mets gained a significant advantage in their pursuit of a wild-card spot. The Mets, who had been following the NL Wild Card race closely, are now in a position to capitalize on the momentum generated by the Rockies’ win.
Mets’ Wild-Card Race Overview
The Mets currently find themselves in a competitive race with the following teams:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|——————|——|——–|—————-|
| New York Mets | 82 | 75 | .523 |
| San Diego Padres | 81 | 76 | .516 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 80 | 77 | .510 |
### Current Standings
As of now, the Mets are just a game ahead of the Padres and two ahead of the Phillies. Every win counts, and the Rockies’ victory against the Diamondbacks has added to the Mets’ chances.
Practical Tips for Mets Fans
1. **Stay Updated**: Follow MLB updates on websites like ESPN and MLB.com for the latest standings and game analyses.
2. **Engage on Social Media**: Join discussions on platforms like Twitter and Reddit to connect with fellow Mets fans and share insights on the wild-card race.
3. **Attend Games**: If possible, attend remaining games to support the Mets. Home-field advantage is crucial during this time.
4. **Understand the Schedule**: Familiarize yourself with the remaining game schedules of competing teams, so you can gauge the Mets’ chances.
Player Spotlights: Impactful Performances
The success of the Rockies had significant contributors, and understanding their performances can provide insights into future matchups.
CJ Cron
– **Performance**: Cron’s late-game heroics not only secured the win but also demonstrated his potential as a clutch player in high-pressure situations.
Daniel Bard
– **Role**: Bard’s ability to close out the game under pressure is invaluable. His experience will be essential for the Rockies moving forward.
Case Studies: Past Wild-Card Races
The current landscape of the NL Wild Card brings memories of past nail-biting finishes. Here are a couple of notable instances:
– **2019 NL Wild Card**: The Washington Nationals secured a spot in dramatic fashion, winning crucial games in the final week of the season. Their resilience echoes the current situation of the Mets.
– **2021 NL Wild Card**: The St. Louis Cardinals made an incredible 17-game winning streak to snatch a wild-card berth, showcasing the importance of late-season momentum.
Fan Engagement: Share Your Experience
As the season heads towards its climax, fans are encouraged to share their experiences and predictions. Engaging with fellow fans can create a vibrant atmosphere, adding to the excitement.
– **Social Media Polls**: Participate in polls on platforms like Twitter regarding postseason predictions.
– **Fan Forums**: Join Mets fan forums to discuss strategies and players who could make a difference in the wild-card race.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
With several games remaining, the New York Mets are in a prime position to make a postseason push. The Rockies’ thrilling victory over the Diamondbacks has bolstered their hopes. As fans rally behind their teams, the excitement in the baseball community is palpable. The coming weeks will be critical not just for the Mets but also for other teams vying for the coveted wild-card spots. Keep your eyes on the scoreboard, and let the games unfold!
