The Mets have come a long way since their 0-5 start to the season. They’ve won eight of their last 11 games, beating scorching-hot teams in the Reds, Braves, Royals, and Pirates. The 6-3 win against the Pirates came on Monday night, with the Mets coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the bottom of […]
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The Mets have come a long way since their 0-5 start to the season.
They’ve won eight of their last 11 games, beating scorching-hot teams in the Reds, Braves, Royals, and Pirates.
The 6-3 win against the Pirates came on Monday night, with the Mets coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the bottom of the sixth and delivering a knockout punch in the eighth inning.
The knockout punch in the eighth inning was set up for the Mets after Jeff McNeil reached first base on a dropped third strike, DJ Stewart worked a walk, and then both runners advanced on a double steal.
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That set the stage for Harrison Bader. Facing former teammate Aroldis Chapman, Bader turned on a 98 mph fastball, driving the ball to left field to score McNeil and Stewart.
“The situation changes,” Bader said regarding the double steal. “They’re doing their work on the base paths. With a guy like Chapman, I played with him, I’ve watched him for years. He’s got incredible stuff. You gotta think small, try to get the barrel to it, and I’m just happy it worked out for us and I just wanna be good for my team, that’s it.”
The double provided the winning run and a comfy two-run lead for the Mets. Along with driving in two runs, Bader was able to get a third run for the Mets in the eighth using his legs.
The Mets outfielder stole third base after his double and put himself on third with one out. Brandon Nimmo followed with a ground ball to a second base, which scored Bader despite the infield being drawn in.
“I’m going on contact,” Bader told Steve Gelbs after the game. “Pitch to pitch, base to base, the situation changes. I give Nimmo a lot of credit… he just put the ball on the ground knowing it would give us a chance to score.”
Monday night’s double was the second consecutive game where Bader knocked in the winning run. Bader hit a 54 mph infield dribbler with the bases loaded on Sunday against the Royals, which gave the Mets the first run of the game. They won 2-1.
Bader drives in 2! The Mets take a 5-3 lead!! pic.twitter.com/88Zjb8lIem
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The Mets look energized, completely different from the first week. Bader has certainly been a factor in that energy, as he’s provided the Mets with winning RBIs in consecutive games.
“How can you not be excited playing here,” Bader said about the energy of Citi Field. “We want to win, we got a group of guys who want to win together, who want to show out for the fans… we want to win day in and day out. We love our support.”
The energy is different. A good different. And Bader has been the energizer the last two games. His knock tonight provided his second and third RBIs of the season and raised his season average to .304.
Bader has been one of the many fruitful signings by David Stearns this offseason. His average is sitting above .300 from the bottom of the lineup and he’s played respectable defense in center field.
He has also been a positive change for Mets, alongside other names, including new manager Carlos Mendoza. The Mets will look to carry that energy into Tuesday’s game against the Pirates, where they can win their fourth series in a row.
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