Mets Game Recap: Amazins prevail over Rockies 14-9, in pinball derby at Coors Field

After splitting a pair in Baltimore, the Mets arrived in the nation’s largest functioning pinball machine for the second leg of their 9-game road trip.

Bartolo Colon climbed the hill at Coors Field for Friday evening’s series opener, and was opposed by Colorado Rockies young hurler Jon Gray.

Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is greeted by teammates after scoring during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Not for long, though…

After the Mets and their hosts exchanged runs in the opening frame, New York chased Jon Gray from the game with 6 runs in the 2nd inning. By the 4th inning, however, Colorado likewise chased Bartolo Colon from the game.

After 5 long innings of play, the game lay tied 8-8, with no hope of expediency in sight.

But, in typically generous Coors Field fashion, the Mets regained the lead with a trio of home runs, giving them 5 for the game through 7 innings of play.

They tacked on one more in the 9th for good measure. And after 4-hours of long balls, base trotting and pitching changes, the Mets finally won the damn thing by a 14-9 margin of victory.

Mets Starting Lineup:

1) Curtis Granderson-RF; 2) Daniel Murphy-3B; 3) Yoenis Cespedes-CF; 4) Lucas Duda-1B; 5) Wilmer Flores-SS; 6) Kelly Johnson-2B; 7) Travis d’Arnaud-C; 8) Michael Conforto-LF; 9) Bartolo Colon-SP.

Game Recap:

The Mets jumped on Jon Gray right away. With 2-outs in the opening frame, Yoenis Cespedes doubled to center. Lucas Duda then poked a hit through shortstop, plating Cespedes for a fleeting 1-0 lead.

That’s because with 2-outs in the bottom of the 1st, right fielder Carlos Gonzalez tied the game with a home run to right.

The Mets then exploded for 6 runs in the top of the 2nd inning. Kelly Johnson led things off with a hit. Michael Conforto drew a 1-out walk, and Bartolo Colon was then HBP loading the bases. Curtis Granderson‘s base hit advanced all runners, Johnson scored. Daniel Murphy likewise singled, scoring Conforto. Yoenis Cespedes then connected on an opposite field grand slam home run to right.

Three batters and 2 hits later, Jon Gray was mercifully pulled from the game after just 1.2 innings of work.

First baseman Ben Paulsen connected on the second Rockies home run off Bartolo Colon in the bottom of the 2nd.

In the bottom of the 3rd, third baseman Nolan Arenado just missed hitting the third. His resulting double off the center field wall scored Carlos Gonzalez. Friendly scoring saved Kelly Johnson from an error on DJ LeMahieu‘s grounder which allowed Arenado to score, making it a 7-4 game.

Through 3 innings pitched, Bartolo Colon threw 55 pitches with 39 going for strikes. He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked one and fanned one.

In the top of the 4th, Yoenis Cespedes deposited reliever Christian Bergman‘s first offering over the center field wall; his second home run of the game.

Colorado then chased Bartolo Colon from the game with 2-outs in the bottom of the 4th, on a 3-run home run off the bat of Nolan Arenado making it an 8-7 Mets lead.

Sean Gilmartin relieved Bartolo Colon.

Bartolo Colon‘s line: In 3.2 innings he allowed 7 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, while fanning just one. He threw 74 pitches with 50 (67%) going for strikes, and allowed 3 home runs.

Colorado tied the game in the bottom of the 5th on DJ LeMahieu‘s lead-off single, and catcher Nick Hundley‘s triple to left/center.

With Daniel Murphy aboard in the top of the 6th, Yoenis Cespedes promptly put the Mets back in front with his third home run of the game.

In the top of the 7th, Travis d’Arnaud deposited yet another souvenir directly behind the 415 marker in left/center. Michael Conforto then made it back-to-back homers with a shot to right, giving the Mets a 12-8 lead.

Hansel Robles entered in the top of the 7th in relief of Sean Gilmartin. Nolan Arenado greeted him with a double, and soon scored making it a 12-9 game.

In the top of the 8th, Yoenis Cespedes stroked his 5th hit of the evening, then stole second base. With 1-out, Wilmer Flores doubled, plating Cespedes.