Chicago– After back to back days where both the Mets and Cubs blew each other out, tonight’s game was as crucial as it can get for a series in June. With a crowded playoff picture in the National League the Mets have won their fourth straight series and have the tie breaker against the Cubs with the win tonight. With the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field the Mets were able to take advantage with the long ball to secure a Sunday Night Baseball win. In the top half of the third inning Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo went back to back to give the Mets a three run lead. In the 8th inning Mark Vientos snapped a 0 for 14 skid with a monster 451 foot shot to center field to give the Mets some extra insurance.
After a near no hit performance against the Cubs back in April, Carlos Mendoza decided to move Luis Severino up in the rotation and he did not disappoint. Over six innings pitched Severino managed to strike out 10 batters and allowed zero runs to come across. He is now one of four pitchers who has 10+ strikeouts in a start with the Mets and Yankees. Severino’s ERA has dropped down to 3.29 with 71 strikeouts on the season in 15 starts.
“Pitched pretty good. Commanded the zone all night, Alvy and I were on the same page,” Severino said.
Heading into the 9th inning Mets closer Edwin Diaz was called upon to shut the door, however Diaz was then ejected before throwing a warm up pitch due to an alleged sticky substance on his hand. ESPN cameras picked up a shot of Diaz’s pitching hand that appeared to have white and dark substances on it. After the game Carlos Mendoza confirmed that it was too much rosin and sweat, but nonetheless means that Diaz is suspended for the next 10 games.
“They told us it was too much. Diaz kept saying it was rosin, sweat and dirt they thought that he crossed the line there. The rules are the rules and they made the decision to throw him out… They said that it (rosin) was a little too much and I gotta do my job,” Mendoza said.
Over the next week and a half it is unclear as to who will take over the closer role with Diaz’s suspension. While Diaz was on the IL the Mets tried different relievers in that spot, but since this suspension will be shorter than his time on the injured list we will have to wait and see who Mendoza decides to go with.
“We’ve been through a lot this year. We’ll find a way to get through it. We will continue to piece it together and guys are going to have to step up. I’m pretty comfortable that we will get guys here that will be able to get us to the finish line,” Mendoza said.
The Mets now head back home with an off day and will be set to face the cross town rival New York Yankees in a two game series. David Peterson will face off against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole Tuesday and Sean Manaea will go up against Luis Gil for the second game on Wednesday.