It was an exciting Thursday night in Philadelphia. For Mets fans, that is. But it did not start off that way. The Phillies were blowing New York out. As I said last week, though, this Mets team is different.
Phillies fans were going wild up seven runs after four innings. Everyone counted the Mets out of this one. How could they win? Then came the ninth inning and the “Never Say Die” New York Mets.
Down six runs heading into the final frame, the Mets’ bats came alive, and so did the fans.
Starling Marte started the inning by beating out an infield single to shortstop. Francisco Lindor, who has admittedly been in a slump of late, unloaded a 421-foot home run to put the Mets within four.
A string of hits by Pete Alonso (double) and Jeff McNeil (single) resulted in James Norwood being pulled.
Alonso scored after Mark Canha reached on an infield single to pitcher Corey Knebel, making it 7-4. J.D. Davis pinch hit for Tomás Nido and hit a double to deep left to bring home McNeil and advance Canha to third. Brandon Nimmo singled to center to bring home Canha and Travis Jankowski, who pinch ran for Davis. Marte then doubled to deep center and Nimmo scored to put the Mets up 8-7.
Edwin Díaz came on in the bottom of the ninth and sat the Phillies down 1-2-3 to complete the save.
Mets teams of the past would have folded. But this team has heart and no quit. It is fun to watch the camaraderie and genuine happiness these players have when their teammates succeed.
That’s why I am—still—all in on this team.
(Photo: Matt Slocum/Associated Press)
