The Amazins - MLB The Show

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The Amazins

MLB Awards
September 27, 2029

Let's take a brief look at some awards MLB handed out earlier today. There were a couple of Mets that were recognized. In addition to what is listed below, SS Corey Seager and RHP Travis West both won the Gold Glove for their position. It was Seager's second consecutive nod for the award.

MVP
NL - LF Curtis Pedersen, Chicago Cubs
AL - LF Michael Ybarra, Minnesota Twins

**Statistically, Nick Craven had an outstanding season and finished second in the voting. He led MLB in several categories, including: Homeruns (44), stolen bases (39), runs (122), slugging percentage (.627), and WAR (9.1). He was snubbed in my very humble and very unbiased opinion.

CY Young
NL - LHP Sean Machado, New York Mets
AL - LHP Brady Aiken, Oakland Athletics

** Sean Machado brings the NL CY Young to NY for the second straight season after Anderson Espinoza won it last year. He was a 20 game winner and had a sub 3 ERA with 159 K.

Batting Title
NL - LF Oliver Soriano, Atlanta Braves
AL - Andreas Escobar, Baltimore Orioles

ROY
NL - RHP Travis West, New York Mets
AL - DH Jesus Calzado, Minnesota Twins

** Travis West impressed in his first full season in the rotation. He struggled the last couple of games, but he finished with a sub 4 ERA and won 16 games while striking out 129. I believe he is poised for a breakout year in 2030 and will be a big piece of this postseason run.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Time for October Baseball
September 28, 2029

Below is the breakdown of the playoff bracket for both the NL and AL. The Mets are positioned to take on the winner of the wildcard, which will feature the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves. If the Braves prevail, the Mets will be facing the team that just swept them to end the regular season and a team that they know very well.


National League
New York Mets (104-58) v Atlanta Braves (87-75)/San Francisco Giants (88-74)
St Louis Cardinals (87-75) v Colorado Rockies (97-65)

American League
Oakland Athletics (99-63) v Boston Red Sox* (82-81)/Chicago White Sox (86-76)
New York Yankees (91-71) v Minnesota Twins (97-65)

*The Red Sox had to face the Houston Astros in a 163rd game to determine who got the final spot in the playoffs. The Red Sox would win 1-0 behind a HR by the exciting young second baseman Julian Gonzalez.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

NLDS Roster and Matchup Set
September 29, 2029

The Mets are facing a familiar foe in the 2029 NLDS. Atlanta won a 14-inning thriller in San Francisco to earn the NLDS bid. San Fran rallied from a 7-0 deficit, scoring 4 in the 9th to send the game to extras, but Atlanta would plate a run in the top of the 14th and then close it out in the bottom half of the inning. The Braves are riding high as they come to town.

The Mets and Braves faced off 18 times this season, with New York victorious 11 of those matchups. Game 1 is set for Friday October 1st. As expected RHP Anderson Espinoza will take the bump in Game 1 for the Metsies. RHP Scott Compton will throw for the Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05pm local time.

Below is what the Mets' NLDS roster will look like, complete with 2025 regular season stats.

Lineup
CF Nick Craven - .280/.370/.627 with 44 HR, 39 SB, and 100 RBI in 547 AB
RF Nick Karnitz - .301/.386/.445 with 3 HR, 13 SB and 28 RBI in 209 AB
SS Corey Seager - .311/.379/.557 with 24 HR and 91 RBI in 575 AB
3B Rafael Devers - .305/.383/.595 with 30 HR and 106 RBI in 472 AB
C Luke Wray - .263/.367/.521 with 29 HR and 95 RBI in 468 AB
LF Michael Conforto - .253/.330/.453 with 13 HR and 56 RBI in 455 AB
1B Ray Velazquez - .249/.332/.393 with 10 HR and 45 RBI in 374 AB
2B Jackie Maurer - .224/.333/.336 with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 125 AB

Bench
OF Albert Almora - .260/.315/.381 with 6 HR and 33 RBI in 323 AB
OF Henry Armas - .237/.330/.419 with 3 HR and 8 RBI in 93 AB
OF Alexis Quevedo - .205/.317/.315 with 5 HR and 29 RBI in 292 AB
IF Barney Nowak - .306/.365/.401 with 3 HR and 25 RBI in 222 AB
C Roosevelt Fox - .341/.417/.418 with 6 RBI in 58 AB

The one variable that might come into play is who gets the majority of at bats at second base. Jackie Maurer is considered a future star, but Barney Nowak has provided a consistent bat off the bench for much of the season. Look for the Mets to give Maurer a short leash and for Nowak to be ready to step in if they feel the lights are too bright for the youngster.

Rotation
RHP Anderson Espinoza - 9-15, 2.73 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 183 K in 187.2 IP
LHP Sean Machado - 20-3, 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 159 K in 202 IP
RHP Travis West - 16-4, 3.98 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 129 K in 169.2 IP
LHP Julio Fernandez - 5-5, 3.80 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 25 K in 87.2 IP

Bullpen
RHP Luis Severino - 11-3, 2.39 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 69 K in 116.2 IP
LHP Howard Sanchez - 52 G, 3.50 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 41 K in 79.2 IP
RHP Jermaine Butler - 56 G, 2.12 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 47 K in 68 IP
RHP Barney Shipman - 44 G, 3.08 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 45 K in 49.2 IP
LHP Ramon Chavez - 52 G, 3.86 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 53 K in 58.1 IP
RHP Otis Morgan - 23 G, 2.74 ERA, 0.91 WIHP, 25 K in 23 IP
LHP Donald Beals - 73 G, 3.04 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 70 K, 36/41 SV in 77 IP
RHP Cesar Ferreira - 70 G, 2.90 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 62 K in 80.2 IP
RHP Steve Roy - 64 G, 2.42 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 74 K, 12/14 SV, in 74.1 IP

Let's play ball.

*The Chicago White Sox beat the Red Sox in the AL Wildcard matchup. They'll face the Athletics in the ALDS.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Propelled By The Longball, Mets Take Game 1
October 1, 2029

It didn't take long before the sellout crowd at Citi Field was worked into a lather and then a full blown frenzy on Friday afternoon.

After a 1-2-3 inning by RHP Anderson Espinoza, CF Nick Craven belted a leadoff HR in the bottom of the 1st. It felt like Craven was taking out his recent frustrations of his MVP snub and coming up one SB short of the 40/40 club. The Mets then loaded the bases and LF Michael Conforto laced a double down the right field line to score 2 more. 1B Ray Velazquez took the next pitch deep to right-center for a 3-run HR. Craven would then hit an RBI double in his second AB of the inning.

Before the Braves could even blink, they were down 7-0.

Fortunately for the structural integrity of Citi Field, the Mets' onslaught would stall. Espinoza was masterful until the 6th inning where he gave up 2 runs. A HR off RHP Barney Shipman would cut the Mets lead to 7-3 headed into the bottom of the 7th. IF Barney Nowak would then provide the nail in the coffin with a pinch-hit 3-run HR. He turned around a 98mph fastball and parked it in the 7 Line Army in right center to put the Mets up 10-3, which would be the final.

It was an impressive display of baseball by New York. Especially after they seemed to be sleepwalking through the last week of the regular season. Well, the playoffs are here now and they wasted no time re-establishing that they are the favorites to win the pennant once again.

Game 2 will feature CY Young winner LHP Sean Machado and LHP Alonso Garcia.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Bats Fall Flat, Braves Even Series 1-1
October 2, 2029

As much as Citi Field was rocking during Game 1, it was equally as tame during Game 2. The Mets would manage just 4 hits, all singles, and would strike out 11 times in the 5-1 defeat.

New York would break the ice in the bottom of the third when LF Nick Karnitz laced a run scoring single into centerfield. The Braves would try to strike back in the top of the fourth when they had runners on first and second with nobody out. However, LHP Sean Machado would slither his way out of the jam with no damage.

The Braves would take the lead in the top of the sixth when batting champion LF Oliver Soriano crushed a hanging changeup to deep right for a 2-run HR. It was really the only mistake Machado threw all day, but it's the playoffs and teams usually capitalize at this time of the year.

The following inning, Machado would be chased from the game with 2 on and 2 out with RHP Jermaine Butler coming in hoping to get the last out. RF Albert Almora made a spectacular play at the wall to take a HR away from CF Marcus Sanchez. Unfortunately, he could not hang onto the catch and two runs would score with Sanchez ending up at third. Atlanta would tack on one more courtesy of a 2B Marshall Grayson RBI single.

The Mets would not threaten again.

Atlanta managed what they set out to do - take at least one game on the road in NY. Now, the pressure flips to the top seed as they are forced to fly into hostile territory with the Braves in control of homefield advantage for the rest of the series.

Game 3 is scheduled for a 1:05pm first pitch on Monday afternoon after a day off for travel. RHP Lucas Sims will take the bump for the home team. For the Mets, RHP Travis West will make the first postseason start of his career.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Outpitch Braves, Take a 2-1 Series Lead
October 4, 2029

It's funny what a reality check can do for a team. Confidence was high after a 10-3 victory in Game 1, but those feelings quickly went out the window when the Braves punched back in Game 2. It was a reminder of just how delicate the season can be at this time of year. Another defeat and the Mets would be one loss away from their season ending in major disappointment. Instead, New York rode their pitching staff to a 3-2 victory.

The day didn't start like that would be the case as the Braves took a 1-0 lead 2 batters into the game. Speedster CF Marcus Sanchez would lead off with a bunt single and then 2B Marshall Grayson would hit a double that would score Sanchez from first. RHP Travis West was quickly behind and it seemed that his struggles from the end of the regular season had not yet left him. After that, he locked in and managed to get through 6 innings without giving up any further damage. It was an impressive start from the rookie in his first postseason action. It was another sign that he is poised to be an important piece of this New York rotation moving forward.

The Mets responded in the top half of the second, when a C Luke Wray double followed by a LF Michael Conforto single tied the game at 1. Wray hit another double in the 5th and scored a couple batters later when 1B Ray Velazquez hit a ball to the warning track in left for a sac fly.

Wray, who was in the middle of all the New York offense today, hit an RBI single off the wall to right in the top of the 8th. He was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into his third double of the game, but he managed to give the Mets a late 3-1 lead.

SS Carlos Correa hit a solo shot in the 9th to cut into the lead, but RHP Steve Roy would buckle down and complete the save, allowing the Mets to retake control of the series.

Looking ahead to Game 4

With their season on the line, Atlanta is turning to ace RHP Brett Oliveros. The Mets, on the other hand, have not announced a Game 4 starter at this time. Sources within the organization say that management is wrestling with the decision between RHP Luis Severino and LHP Julio Fernandez.

Severino had a great regular season, but his age started to show as he threw more innings. Neither camp anticipated that the 37 year old would be required to throw 115 innings this year. And while he did so with great success (2.39 ERA, 0.78 WHIP), now is not the time to put a tired arm on the mound for extended innings.

Fernandez has been solid in his big league career, but he struggles with missing bats. The Mets are concerned that a contact happy team like the Braves may feast on Fernandez, who has to pitch to contact because he doesn't have the raw stuff to strike batters out. Fernandez managed only 25 K in the 87 innings he pitched this year.

New York has also toyed with the idea of utilizing both pitchers tomorrow. Severino could open the game with Fernandez being used as a piggy back after a couple times through the Braves order. This would remove Severino before too much fatigue sets in and it might give Fernandez a chance to record some strikeouts as he comes in after Atlanta has gotten used to a different pitcher.

No matter what is decided, the only certainty is that nothing is certain and no decision guarantees a victory.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Braves Blank Mets, Series Headed To Game 5
October 5, 2029

For all the fuss about who the Mets should throw out there for Game 4, it ended up being the bats that would be their demise. In the end, RHP Luis Severino started the game and pitched 4 innings, with LHP Julio Fernandez coming in and going for 2 more. They each gave up a run, but pitched well enough to give the Mets an opportunity to win. The Mets offense was anemic, managing just 6 scattered hits and never really threatening.

The Braves wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, and were assisted by poor defense from the visitors. 1st and 3rd with one out, and 3B Rafael Devers fielded a sharp ground ball that should have been an inning ending double play. Instead, he threw home trying to get the speedy CF Marcus Sanchez. The throw was in time and the Mets got the out, but the inning continued on. Of course, Atlanta would score the game's first run on an RBI single by the next batter. They ended up loading the bases before Severino managed to get 1B Tim Madsen to fly out to right and finally end the inning.

Then all was quiet until the 5th inning. Severino exited after 4 solid innings, and the Braves would capitalize immediately off Fernandez. CF Marcus Sanchez led off the inning with a triple and then would score a batter later on a sharp ground ball to third. This time, the throw from Devers was not in time and the Braves went up 2-0. As good as Devers' year was at the plate, he struggled all year long at the hot corner, and it was glaring in this one.

Atlanta would threaten again in the 7th, getting their first two batters on base. RHP Cesar Ferreira did a good job of getting the next three batters though and escaped the inning unscathed.

The Mets best chance all game came in the 9th inning when 2B Jackie Maurer and IF Barney Nowak drew back to back 2-out walks. CF Nick Craven came up in that critical spot, but grounded out to second for the final out of the game. The Braves staff was outstanding, especially RHP Brett Oliveros. The 25 year old star struck out 8 over 6.2 scoreless innings.

The series heads back to NY for Game 5, and it will be a pitching rematch from Game 1. RHP Anderson Espinoza and RHP Scott Compton. The Mets turn to their $20million Ace to keep their season alive.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Win Rubber Match, Advance To NLCS
October 7, 2029

The Mets capped this series the same way they began it - giving up 3 runs and using the long ball to power their offense. The feeling of the home team and their fans was one of anxious nervousness as the first pitch was thrown. They knew that a loss tonight would end their season prematurely, and the tension was palpable.

A run in the bottom of the first was met with a deep breath, as the Mets jumped out to an early lead. It could have been a more productive inning, but SS Corey Seager grounded into a double play. A run would score on the play, but the chance at a big inning was squandered.

New York would score again in the third. After a close play at second was awarded to the runner, the bases were loaded for 3B Rafael Devers. He would deliver. He lined a single into centerfield and 2 runs would score for a 3-0 Mets lead.

The next inning, 2B Jackie Maurer belted the first postseason HR of his career - a 2-run shot into the Coca Cola Corner in right. It was a vindicating moment for management. There was quite a bit of internal discussion prior to the game on whether to replace Maurer with IF Barney Nowak. Maurer had struggled thus far in the series, his only hit coming in Game 1. However, he did manage 7 walks through the first 4 games. Management decided to let the kid play in the pivotal Game 5 and he delivered in a big way.

Atlanta managed to breakthrough against RHP Anderson Espinoza in the 5th. CF Jay Franco, who replaced injured CF Marcus Sanchez in the 1st inning, doubled in 2 runs to cut the Mets lead to 5-2. The Mets quickly responded. C Luke Wray had a 2 out RBI single and the next batter, LF Michael Conforto, hit an opposite field 2-run HR to put the Mets up 8-2 and essentially bury the Braves.

Atlanta would manage one more run in the 8th, a 2B Marshall Grayson HR, but that would be all. The Mets won the game 8-3.

New York will be hosting the Colorado Rockies in the NLCS.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

NLCS Preview
October 8, 2029

The Rockies have been waiting patiently for the winner of the other NLDS series. They only needed 3 games to take care of the St Louis Cardinals, and they are looking like serious contenders for the pennant.

They feature the best rotation in all of baseball, and ranked 2nd behind the Mets in overall staff ERA. Their rotation consists of the 4-headed monster of LHP Benny Lawrence, LHP Peter Babb, RHP Johan Medrano, and RHP Mike Nikorak. All 4 of them boast sub-3.50 ERAs this season, with Babb, Lawrence, and Nikorak coming in at under 3. Extremely impressive for a staff that spends half of their time in the thin air of the Rocky Mountains.

This is made even more concerning considering the amount that the NY lineup struggled in the NLDS. As a team, they batted just .215. Fortunately, their pitching staff is formidable as well, and they were able to escape in 5 games against their bitter division rivals. I would expect this to be a low scoring series.

Game 1 will feature LHP Benny Lawrence and LHP Sean Machado. With a lefty on the mound for the Rockies, expect the Mets to start Albert Almora in right field. Nick Karnitz had a rough NLDS, collecting just 2 hits and having an OPS under .300. A day off against the lefty will hopefully allow him to get right, as the Mets will need him to produce like he did in the month of September. If Karnitz doesn't bounce back, the absence of 2B Steven Logan will feel much more significant.

In other news, RHP Michael Whitehead has been ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs. The Mets were hoping to get the flamethrowing Whitehead back for the NLCS, but he felt a pull in his oblique during a throwing session this morning. There will be no reinforcements this postseason.

In the AL, it will be the Yankees v White Sox. Both series took 5 games to be completed, with the Chi Sox needing to come back from down 2-0.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Strike First, Win Game 1
October 9, 2029

As they did in the first game of the NLDS, the Mets established both sides of the ball in a 7-1 victory in Game 1. LHP Sean Machado was spectacular and RF Albert Almora was an unlikely star as he was inserted into the lineup to face LHP Benny Lawrence.

The Amazins were able to push the first run of the game across in the 3rd inning. SS Corey Seager hit a liner to right field, and a diving RF Dan O'Neill got his glove on the ball but could not come up with the catch. Instead, it was a run scoring double.

It would be the only run that Lawrence surrendered, but the Mets were able to work 5 walks and elevate his pitch count. This resulted in him leaving the game after 4 innings. New York would take advantage. RHP Walter Ma entered for the Colorado and Almora would jump all over a first pitch fastball for a HR. 2-0 Mets.

The very next inning, Machado would help himself with an RBI single, and a couple batters later, Almora would hit his second HR of the game. This time it was a 3-run bomb to make it 6-0 Mets. Both teams would add a run each for a 7-1 final.

Game 2 will feature LHP Julio Fernandez and LHP Peter Babb. Another lefty on lefty battle. The Mets are giving Fernandez an opportunity in a big spot as taking the first two against a team like the Rockies could prove huge in his series.

Machado Will Miss Remainder of NLCS

In a scary moment in the 7th inning, LHP Sean Machado was hit in the head on a line drive back up the middle. He would need to be removed from the game and will enter concussion protocol. This will keep him out a minimum of 7 days. Machado was at least able to deliver Game 1 for the good guys, but having him available later in the series would have been a big plus as well.

LHP Jeremy Pacheco will replace him on the postseason roster. It is unclear in what capacity the rookie will be used, as the Mets still have RHP Luis Severino as an option to start games if they decide to do so.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Powered By Almora, Mets Go Up 2-0
October 10, 2029

October baseball has a way of producing the most unlikely of heroes, and this year is no exception. RF Albert Almora, starting for the second straight game against a lefty, hit two more HRs en route to a 3-1 Mets victory.

Almora has provided veteran leadership and good defense for the whole year, but he hasn't exactly been a bat with much pop. He hit only 6 HRs during the regular season, and most of his playing time went to OF Nick Karnitz as the season moved through August and September. However, Karnitz has really struggled to this point in the postseason. Almora likely would have gotten the nod in these two games because of the lefty on the mound, but now it looks like he won't be soon relinquishing his spot in right field.

Almora's first HR came in the 3rd, a deep drive to right center. His second came in the 5th, a 2-run shot to left. The three runs would be all that the Mets needed as their pitching has been dynamite through 2 games. LHP Julio Fernandez shined in his first start this postseason, throwing 6 scoreless innings. So far, the Mets have had the upper hand in the matchup between the two best pitching staffs in baseball.

Colorado's only run came on a 9th inning HR by 1B Greg Uribe, but RHP Steve Roy would work around it to complete the save.

RHP Travis West will take on RHP Johan Medrano in what feels like a must win Game 3 for the Rockies.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets One Win Away From World Series
October 12, 2029

New York continues to look like the best team in the NL as they have overmatched the Rockies every step of the way in this series. RHP Travis West was far from perfect, but the bats took care of things on their end to propel the Mets to an 11-4 beatdown of the home team in Game 3 of the NLCS.

The Mets got off early and often as they had plated 6 runs before the Rockies turn at bat in the third inning. To give credit where it's due, Colorado would claw back, scoring 4 unanswered runs by the 6th inning. That would be as close as they would get as 3B Rafael Devers led off the top of the 7th with a solo shot. It was an absolute nuke - 113mph off the bat and 453 feet. The Metsies would add 4 more in the top of the 8th to get us to our final score.

Devers had himself a day going 3 for 4 with a double, HR, and 5 RBI. RF Albert Almora continued his hot hitting as well. He collected 2 hits, including a double, and 2 RBI. It looks like he will be starting in right until further notice.

The Rockies were hoping that once the series shifted west that they would have more fortune. That has not been the case. New York has completely controlled the series, outscoring Colorado 21-6 over the first three games. With the way things are looking, it will take a minor miracle for the Rockies to force a Game 5, let alone win 4 in a row and complete the comeback.

New York will be handing the ball to rookie LHP Jeremy Pacheco in Game 4. It will be his first postseason appearance. With a 3-0 series lead, management feels comfortable giving RHP Anderson Espinoza more rest. Ideally, the Mets will complete the sweep and Espinoza will be slated for Game 1 of the World Series.

In the AL, the White Sox and Yankees are currently tied at 1-1 with the series shifting to Chicago.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Rockies Show Life, Force Game 5
October 13, 2029

The Rockies refused to go out without a fight. They put up 8 runs, 6 of which came off rookie LHP Jeremy Pacheco in the first two innings. Pacheco's playoff debut was as short as it was forgettable. He gave up 2 HR in the first inning. The first, a 3-run HR by C Mariano Cruz. The second was a 2-run HR by LF Dave Iverson. Cruz enjoyed a 3 for 4 day, including 4 RBI and the first inning blast that tied the game.

It was actually the Mets who got out to an early lead, as RHP Miguel Valdez could not find the strike zone in the first inning. He walked 3 of the first 5 batters of the game and the Mets managed to score three runs in the top of the first. It might have been more, but LF Michael Conforto grounded into a double play that would limit the damage. After the the homerun barrage in the bottom half of the inning, the Rockies would add another in the second.

Both teams would add a couple more and the Rockies would take an 8-5 lead into the 8th inning. The Mets managed to bring the tying run to the plate, but CF Nick Craven would fail to deliver. He struck out on a high fastball to end the Mets' last threat of the night.

The series remains in Colorado for Game 5 as RHP Anderson Espinoza will take the mound and face RHP Mike Nikorak. Nikorak won 19 games this year and had a sub-3 ERA, finishing second in the CY Young voting to Sean Machado. The Rockies have their guy on the mound if they want to extend the series, but so do the Mets.

The Mets are headed back to NY after this game regardless, either for Game 6 or with the NL pennant in hand.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Rockies Rally Late, Series Headed Back to New York
October 14, 2029

Colorado hit two HR in the bottom of the 8th inning force a Game 6 back in New York. Down 4-3, CF Marcus Wilson hit his second HR of the game to level the score, and a couple of batters later 1B Greg Uribe would put the Rockies ahead for good. LHP Donald Beals was on the receiving end of both HR. Suddenly, the Mets are desperate for answers.

CF Nick Craven gave the good guys the lead before most of the Mile High crowd found their seats. He took a high fastball 427 ft to dead center for a leadoff HR. The Rockies would strike back immediately however, hitting 2 HR in the bottom half of the first courtesy of Wilson and LF Micker Adolfo. The Mets would then tie the game at 3 in the 4th.

After the first, RHP Anderson Espinoza would settle down. He was impressive into the 6th inning when a 90 minute rain delay ended his night prematurely. He would leave the game with the lead thanks to an RBI single by 1B Ray Velazquz in the top half of the inning.

Donald Beals entered the game in the 8th up 4-3 to face the top of the Rockies' order. Regular closer RHP Steve Roy was tasked with the 7th inning, which he got through unscathed. The Mets planned on using Beals to get through the lefty heavy 1-4 batters of the Colorado lineup. Unfortunately, Beals couldn't get the job done. Despite 36 saves during the regular season, Beals was replaced as the closer in mid-July because the Mets weren't satisfied with the way he was closing games. It seems they should have stuck with their gut rather than following the analytics.

The series now heads back to NY with the Mets still clinging to a 3-2 series lead. This is where the absence of LHP Sean Machado will be sorely felt. Instead of turning to the 2029 CY Young winner for a pivotal Game 6, they'll be left with the likes of LHP Julio Fernandez, RHP Luis Severino, and RHP Travis West to finish the series. The rookie might be their best option, but he won't be available until a potential Game 7.

It was only a couple days ago the Mets were designing their NL CHAMP t-shirts in anticipation of clinching the series. Right now, that seems to have been premature.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Rockies Quiet Mets Lineup, Force Game 7
October 15, 2029

LHP Benny Lawrence and the rest of the Rockies staff was phenomenal tonight in New York. He led the way in stifling the Mets' bats, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 7. The Mets staff was pretty good themselves allowing just 3 runs, but that's all the Rox would need to force a Game 7.

Colorado broke through against LHP Julio Fernandez in the 4th when 3B Tyler Nevin sent a line drive into the stands in left. It was his first HR of the postseason. The next inning, CF Marcus Wilson and RF Dan O'Neill strung 2 consecutive 2-out doubles together to push across another run and give the road warriors a 2-0 lead. That would be all the damage Fernandez would allow as he pitched well enough to put the Mets in position to win.

The home team would strike back in the 6th with a two-out rally of their own. SS Corey Seager would single and then be brought around to score thanks to a double by 3B Rafael Devers. C Luke Wray would single back up the middle to score Devers from second and tie the game at 2 a piece.

RHP Cesar Ferreira would enter in the 7th and give back the lead. CF Marcus Wilson would play hero again and would smack an RBI double down the left field line, giving the Rockies a 3-2 lead.

The Mets would threaten in the 8th. RF Alexis Quevedo came to bat with runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs, but he would fly out harmlessly to right. In the 9th, 2B Jackie Maurer would work a leadoff walk, but the Mets were unable to capitalize as RHP Miguel Castro picked up the save.

New York is now turning to 26 year old rookie RHP Travis West. He was roughed up for 10 hits and 3 runs in 4 innings in his Game 3 start. The Mets won that game 11-4, but the bats have been next to silent since then. LHP Peter Babb will be throwing for Colorado.

Game 7 coming up next.