Coming back from 6-1 to tie the game might be enough for some Mets fans to say this team is different than what we’ve seen in recent years. But the faltering of the lineup in the ninth inning — thanks primarily to two ballplayers that should not be on this roster — is more likely to be this team’s hallmark.
Think about how the bottom of the ninth unfolded. With a shaky Leo Nunez pitching, Leo Nunez pitching for Florida, pinch-hitter Ruben Tejada, a 20-year-old shortstop, fouled out to lead the inning off before David Wright walked, putting the winning run on first.
That’s where things fell apart. Mike Jacobs worked a long at bat, but ultimately wasted an out with a pop up to second. Jason Bay came up and, after Wright stole second, was intentionally walked. That brought up Garry Matthews Jr., who grounded out to shortstop with the winning run at second.
The Marlins then scored in the top of the 10th and the Mets went meakly.
But the lack of a real cleanup hitter and Matthews’ rather nominal presence behind Bay in the lineup means that the Mets will have issues in these situations all year, unless they can find a competent six-hitter to keep pitchers honest.
We’re only two games in, but the starting pitching is not the only issue the Mets have. As long as the Mets have to send out players like Jacobs and Matthews, the team cannot be expected to truly contend.
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