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The New York Mets are far from the team that won 11 straight games in April, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to lay down just yet. Even though they’re only 7-7 in June, they’re 4-1 in their last five games including a series victory over rivals Atlanta Braves and an extra-inning win over the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays. As they continue to play without their captain, David Wright, the Mets keep finding ways to win games — pretty or not — and manage to hold their lead atop the NL East.
In their recent 4-1 stretch, three of those victories have been come-from-behind. In two of those games, they won via walk-off: once on a Michael Cuddyer single to defeat the San Francisco Giants, and once on a Wilmer Flores base hit against the Blue Jays. In their previous 60 games, they also totaled two walk-off wins. Both of those games, however, are the types of games you expect the Mets to be in: good starting pitching performances with a low-scoring offense. Fortunately, the Mets have had the upper hand more often than not lately.
Very infrequently have the Mets been able to rely on their bats to get them the win. That’s especially so when they need to mount more than just one comeback. But they managed it Sunday and against a divisional foe in what was a statement win.
Their recent stretch of play is what makes you think the Mets can be dark horse contenders. Sometimes they just get hot, and even though they might not have the most formidable lineup in baseball, they still find ways to win. As the Washington Nationals continue to under-perform, the Mets must take advantage as often as possible. They’ve held onto their divisional lead for five straight games and are currently up 1.5 games over Washington.
As long as they keep playing at their current level, the future will be looking bright.
Matt Turner is a New York Mets Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @MTurnerNY, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.
