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by Daniel Ajanaku
Sunday saw the change of the month, a change of the first pitch time, but one thing remained and that was the Mets adding ticks in the win column. Firstly, by coming back against Vetra and then an emphatic win over the Capitals.
Mets vs Vetra @ Grovehill Park, Hemel Hempstead
They started the day going up against Vetra, who they thrashed twice in their last meeting, (11-1 and 16-1 respectively). The expectation was for a similar result only a week later, however, it proved more of a task than expected.
The middle of the 1st inning saw Vetra stand 4-0 up, in what was a rather shaky start from the Mets defensively. The bottom of the 1st saw Jamie Dix score a double down the left field line, get to third base, and then score on consecutive plays, to make it 4-1. The 2nd inning saw defensive troubles continue for the Mets as Pappini and Aneury scored runs for Vetra, before the Mets turned to their bullpen after only 1.1 innings bringing in LHP Will Harris from the club’s AAA side who was able to limit the damage and bring the Mets into the dugout down 6-1. A potentially strong inning for the Mets was stifled following a double play and morale looked to be depleted.
The 3rd inning provided us the first and only one with no runs scored, with rather quick shifts for both teams. After reaching first base, Gondobintoro stole second base, but unfortunately, Tyse grounded out to first base and then a deep flyout by Valencia Dominguez took the game to the 4th inning with the Mets still trailing by 6-2.
A great defensive showing, from The Mets, in the 4th inning had Trinkunas strike out swinging and Valencia Dominguez effortlessly catch out two flyouts. On the offensive side, Marc Theberge scored on Joshua Barrett’s left-field flyout, but still the Mets trailed 6-3.
Left: Coach Cook talking tactics with his team / Right: Tim Brown pitching vs Capitals
Coach Derrick Cook’s talk, when down 6-3, definitely ignited some fire in the team, as they came out for this 5th inning, all guns blazing. Despite Ratkevicius scoring for Vetra, The Mets were able to score runs. Vetra pitching struggled with control leading to successive walks and runs scoring on several wild pitches. 3 runs were secured, and the comeback was closer than ever at 7-6.
The 6th and 7th innings saw slow innings from Vetra, but The Mets only put their foot on the accelerator more as they applied pressure on offensive and defensive ends of the field. Dominguez’s single, through the middle, allowed Gondobintoro to tie it up, as he ran home. Barrett stole 3rd base before putting the nail in the coffin and scored on the passed ball, to seal the comeback and a great effort from The Mets. 8-7 Mets
A notable star performer was Pitcher Will Harris. Their triple-A player was crucial in this game as he threw nearly 100 pitches and tallied up 6 strikeouts, showcasing his clutch gene.
Game 2
The final game was less edge-of-the-seat action and more offensive star power as The Mets sent a harsh statement to their rivals the Capitals. From the first pitch, they showed they were ready to play, as they scored 4 runs, courtesy of Tyse, Valencia Dominguez, Theberge and Power. On the defensive end, Tim Brown pitched looking sharp from the outset.
The bottom of the third inning saw the Capitals get a run on the board, as Maddox grounded out and then Villanueva reached the home plate.
After making the score 5-1, the 6th inning saw defensive lowlights as errors from Capitals’ pitcher Wilson allowed scoring opportunities for Mets’ baserunners through a combination of hit batters, walks and a balk. At the top of the 7th, Barrett struck a right-side single as Valencia Dominguez scored, rubbing salt into the wounds.
With their first reply in 3 innings, Sheppard scored on a balk, after going to 3rd on a walk. The small ounce of hope they had increased ever so slightly but got quickly shut down as Ishihara and Figuereo Almonte both got caught out on flyout hits to end the game.
Coach Cook commented on the game saying, “The team energy was up, and they were hungry for this match-up.” He continued how the younger players, like Louis Dean, showed confidence and did well at stepping up to the plate. Despite being concerned about injuries, he believes they will “turn it up even more next Sunday.” He commended James Green, recognising his tireless pitching, and hitting efforts and how they’ve materialised on gameday, as he got a hit and put in a commendable pitching effort to close. He finished showcasing his belief that they are “the team to beat.”
With the Mets’ run of form, they look in good shape, heading into the playoffs. They will look to carry on their good fortune as they face the Capitals again at their home ground, Finsbury Park
Left: Will Harris pitching vs Vetra / Right: Valencia Dominguez sliding in 2nd base
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