By Rich Mancuso. Sports Editor
After a long Thursday night at Citi Field that included two combined rain delays of three hours, the Mets continued their energy during this winning run since the all-star break. Manager Mickey Callaway said to the media in his postgame, “Get some rest guys.”
But the Mets, after this 8th inning rain shortened 2-0 win completed a three game sweep of the Cleveland Indians, may not want the rest. This team feels the energy going 6-3 against the Nationals, Braves, and Indians, all teams they had to beat.
The momentum they hope will continue Friday night with a three-game series against the NL division leading Atlanta Braves.
This was their eight series sweep of the year, fifth at home. Noah Syndergaard was perfect through 16 batters. And for JD Davis, that energy continues.
His over the shoulder catch in the Indians fourth inning, that was not Willie Mays but it almost a replica in left field. A Mets run that got them their fifth straight win, 15-5 this month, and winning 13 of their last 14 games at Citi Field.
“They’re feeling the energy the way they’re playing,” Callaway said.
Syndergaard recorded his eighth straight quality start. The command was as awesome as the catch by Davis. When you are going good as the Mets are, there is energy on and off the field.
“When we play baseball the way we’re capable of, we can compete with anybody,” Callaway said. “And we’ve been doing that lately.”
Syndergaard also gave credit to Wilson Ramos. His catcher called a good game and Syndergaard in those 6.0 innings threw 16 changeups. He kept runners from reaching base. Except for the Tyler Naquin single, one out in the fifth, a potent Indians lineup could do nothing.
“I was just really able to throw with a lot of conviction today,” Syndergaard said. The ERA sits at a season low 3.71. One month ago, above 4.25.
Yes, the rains came. The energy never left the clubhouse. The Mets, as did the few fans remaining of the 30,998, felt they still had the energy before the game was officially called a little past midnight after eight innings.
“It’s more of a reaction,” Davis said of the catch. “Crazy don’t know how to describe it. Noah was dominant. Just a crazy catch, I don’t how how to describe it.”
That’s the energy of this Mets team as they continue to be the story in this second half of the baseball season. They can’t seem to be doing nothing wrong as they finished the long evening 1-½ behind the Cardinals for the second wild card spot.
Mickey Callaway said before the game, Edwin Diaz would probably be called out of the pen. He did not need to call on Seth Lugo. Jeurys Familia picked up Syndergaard with an inning of work after the first rain delay that lasted over two hours.
Callaway was right when he said, “The difference is our bullpen.” He keeps reiterating that as the Mets remain in great position in this bunched up NL wild card race.
Familia, owns a 1.64 ERA in 11 games this month. Four hits allowed, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts, a turnaround that also applies to the Mets bullpen
Paul Sewald earned his first save since September 20, 2018, five strikeouts in his last two outings. It seems there is a different contributor as the ballgames get more crucial down this stretch.
But the Mets are feeling that energy and have passed that test. They have beat the teams that have made many believe.
“ We’re never out of a game,” Callaway said. No they’re never out of a game it seems during this remarkable run.
Bring on the Atlanta Braves. That’s the next step for these Mets that have a lot of energy and find ways to win these important ballgames.
“Indians, they’re good,” Davis said. “I feel we’re a playoff team too.”
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