Max Scherzer, file photoTheYExtra.com
Scherzer Beats The Phils with 6 Sold Innings by Rich Coutinho/TheNYExtra.com
The day started out great for the Mets as Starling Marte hit a 423 foot home run in the first inning and Max Scherzer made that stand up with 6 innings of 2-run pitching before handing it over to the bullpen. He had his slider working well and his fast ball had late movement that helped him strike out 8 hitters including Kyle Schwarber, who was punched out 3 times in this game.
Scherzer has now won five straight decisions since mid-May and is starting to find his groove earning his seventh win of the season. But this one was still in doubt in the late innings as David Robertson had to earn a five out save inducing 2 double play balls including the twin killing off the bat of Josh Harrison that ended the game.
In the post-game clubhouse Scherzer added, “This was an important win cause it gives us the chance to take the series on Sunday against a division opponent on the road. And that is what we have to do take series after series to get where we want to be.” In many ways, Scherzer and Verlander will decide this Met season as they both have carried teams in their careers which is what that duo must accomplish going forward in the next few months.
The other huge factor we saw on this day was Starling Marte who jumpstarted so many rallies for this team in 2022 and it seems he has been hitting his stride in the past few weeks. A hot Marte sandwiched between Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor could do wonders for this lineup and we saw in September of last year how much missing his bat cost them down the stretch. He is a proven bat that has the ability to connect so many long, high scoring innings and that is what he could bring to the Mets if he stays hot.
Max Scherzer and Starling Marte–2 players we should be keeping a close eye on because what they bring to the table could put the Mets right back in the playoff conversation.
