3 things we learned from the Mets series win against the Cardinals
By John Flynn
The Mets have championship mettle as evidenced in Monday’s sensational comeback
The defining moment of the first three weeks of the Mets’ season was the five-run ninth inning comeback in Monday’s instant classic victory. But the way they scored their runs and who they were facing on the mound was most impressive and reminiscent of championship teams of the past.
First off, they faced Giovanny Gallegos, one of the toughest relievers in baseball. They balanced grinding out at-bats and staying aggressive at the plate. Mark Canha’s seven-pitch at-bat after falling behind 0-2 in the count with the Mets down to their last out was remarkable. Canha put a ball in play which the sure-handed Nolan Arenado couldn’t record the final out and kept the game alive.
Then after a Jeff McNeil double on the second pitch of the next at-bat, Dom Smith swung at the third pitch of his at-bat, and he hustled to first base and beat out Gallegos who didn’t cover on the bag in time, allowing two runs to score, giving the Mets the lead for good in a statement 5-2 win.
The Mets’ grit and toughness has been refreshing to a fanbase that is used to their team not playing fundamentally sound and championship caliber baseball, and they will find new ways to win games, even when they are not at their best.
You can argue that Monday's comeback was the best win any team in the major leagues had this season up to this point.