Mets can’t find the run column, shutout in three straight games

David S. Landsman

@mtlattherink

For the first time since June 7, 2022 against the Padres, the defending World Series

champion Mets found themselves swept in a slate, this time at the hands of the

expansion Expos squad. The TBR Wiffle Ball’s newest franchise looked like a group of

veterans on the field at Orne Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts, both on the mound

and at the plate, more about that later.

With the slate sweep against them, the Mets now find themselves in a bit of a hole,

dropping to 2-4, but have lost four in a row. The Expos, who were only able to squeeze

one victory in their last slate, now jump up in the standings with a 4-2 record.

EXPOS 6

METS 0

The Mets as visitors took to the batters box first in the afternoon tilt. After captain Seth

Helman walked to lead off the ball game, both next batters Jackson Hart and Will

Tessmer were sat down on strikes.

The bottom half of the first saw a shaky Jackson Hart on the mound, walking the first

four batters he faced, and quickly finding him and the rest of the Mets down 1-0 early.

Derek Metro then struck out swinging. However the threat wasn’t over just yet, as recent

waiver call up Ryan Davies, making his season debut, launched a monster shot that

cleared the left center field for a grand slam, and his first round-tripper of the season.

End of the first the Mets already found themselves down a five-spot.

And unfortunate for them, they ran into the super hot hand of pitcher/captain Dom Metro

of the Expos who was on a tear, and sat down both Helman and Hart to make quick

work in the top of two.

Trying to keep the lead contained proved too much for Hart in the bottom half of two.

With one away, Davies launched another home run, this time just a solo shot that was a

no doubter, and increased the Expos lead to 6-0.

The Mets had a chance to cut the lead in the top of three as Metro showed his only

wobbly part of his day, walking three straight. He then quickly regrouped himself and

wound up striking the final two batters.

 

EXPOS 2

METS 0

 

Looking to rebound after their tough opening loss in the second game, the Mets were

already behind the eight-ball before they could even get an at-bat in. Hart walked Dom

to start the game, and then his brother Derek launched his first dinger of the season,

and giving them an early 2-0 lead just two batters into the contest.

Hart was able to rebound with a couple more punchouts in the inning, despite loading

the bases after the homerun by Derek.

The Mets’ bats started strong in the top of two when after Helman’s single that

advanced him to second on the throw, and Hart’s single gave them running on the

corners, Dom just continued mowing down the Mets with his wicked pitch, striking out

Tessmer and Helman’s second at-bat of the inning.

Hart rebounded well on the plate in the top of two when after walking Derek, he sat

down both Davies and Dom, and no further damage was inflicted to the scoreboard.

In the bottom of the second, the Mets were able to load the bases with only one out, but

Tessmer, who missed the team’s first slate match up, wound up looking down a strike

down the middle, and ending their missed opportunity.

Top of three saw yet another chance for the Expos to add to their lead, loading up the

bases, but Hart, who despite the three losses, still managed to get his own share of

strikeouts, struck out Davies looking.

Though, the Mets were unable to equalize in the top of three despite bringing the tying

run to the plate. Dom’s performance on the mound could not be matched, sitting down

Hart and Tessmer swinging, and ending the ball game.

EXPOS 1

METS 0

The final game of the series saw the weather shift from a light rain to a torrential

downpour, but it didn’t stop the boys from taking to the field and finishing the slate.

In the top of the first the Mets were able to load the bases, but as many times prior in

the afternoon, whenever that would happen, Dom would then bring out his secret

weapon, and then struck out back-to-back batters. No runs scored and another two K’s.

In the bottom of the first, Dom led with a walk, followed by Derek walking. Davies, who

already had five runs batted in on the day, singled a comebacker to the mound, which

couldn’t be handled by the Mets defense. One run scored, but that was all they needed.

Dom struck out another two in the top of the second, and then after the Expos couldn’t

muster anything in the bottom half, it went to the top of the third in a do-or-die situation

for the Mets.

 

Just down a run seemed like something so easy, but Dom continued his Cy Young-

esque performance, with another pair of strikeouts.

At the end of the day, Dom who had 14 strikeouts in his team’s first slate, played nine

innings, allowed five hits, walked eight, but struck out 18 – essentially every out he

recorded was via the strikeout – so at the end of the three-game set, it was no surprise

he was named the Wears Woody Player of the Series.

“This really showcases what we’re capable of, the other teams should be scared of us,”

said Dom following the game. “I’m also really proud of guys’ hitting today.”

For what’s its worth Jackson Hart also had a great performance on the mound, and in

eight innings allowed just seven hits, but wound up walking 15 and striking out 14. He

was proud of his games, but also gave a nod post-game to his rival pitcher.

“It’s one of those performances where no matter how well I perform, I’m always going to

be outbeaten,” said Hart. “I do hope that we play them [Expos] again, now that we know

what we’re up against.

Ryan Davies, a waiver claim by the Expos after the first beginnings of the season was

pleased with his vision at the plate, knocking in five with two home runs, including the

grand slam.

“It was a lot of fun, I’m really excited to be a part of this team,” said Davies. “It was a

great first day!”

The Bats Come Alive in Wild Weekend Series

David S. Landsman

@mtlattherink

Nine months removed after winning the World Series championship series, the Mets

and their hot bats came alive at Orne Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts, as they

faced another TBR new franchise, the Athletics. Having won a record 19 in a row prior

to the series, most things went well for the Mets, but not all.

The Athletics got a big boost to the lineup as Drew Botta, who was a gametime

decision, was slotted in. As was Chase Stafford, who despite being drafted back in

2020, hadn’t laced them up since 2021. Newcomer Matt Cusolito was also making his

A’s debut, and his bat played a pivotal role in the three game set.

For the Mets, they added journeyman Robby Carpentier to their lineup, and although his

pitching wasn’t his best, his hot bat was also instrumental for his team. Jackson Hart

and Seth Helman returned to defend their league title.

METS 9

ATHLETICS 2

With their ace Jackson Hart on the mound for the Mets to start their 2023 campaign, he

started a bit of a shaky start, hitting Athletics captain Chase Stafford to lead off the ball

game. He regained his composure quickly, striking out last minute addition Drew Botta.

The next batter however, the newcomer Matt Cusolito launched a no doubter over the

left field for his first of ‘many’ on the afternoon.

Hart then was roughed up, loading the bases and putting Stafford in great position to

extend his team’s lead, but was unable as he flew out to Carpentier to end the inning

with a 2-0 advantage.

The bottom of the first saw Chase Stafford show his rust, allowing a first batter single to

Helman before walking the next three batters in succession, and reducing his team’s

lead to 2-1. Carpentier then flew out for the inning’s first out, but then Stafford walked

again the next three batters, in a row, before Hart finally grounded out to end the frame,

but not before the Mets rolled to a 4-2 lead.

The Athletics were unable to rebound in the top half in the second despite getting two

runners aboard with one away, Botta struck out swinging, ending the quick threat.

The bottom half of the second saw the Mets continue where they left off the previous

inning. First three batters yet again were walked by Stafford, who wasn’t on his best

finding the strike zone. But then he did managed to strike out Helman on a swinging foul

tip.

 

However it was then Carpentier who laced a two-run double up the middle for a quick 6-

2 lead. With the score 7-2, it was Carpentier yet again who provided the offense for his

team, this time a two-run single, giving him four runs batted in the inning alone. Hart

then struck out to end the bleeding at 9-2.

The top of the third was do or die for the Athletics, and yet again, they managed to get

two runners aboard, and again with one away, but it was Cusolito’s turn to stare down a

strike down the middle, and ending the ball game.

 

METS 10

ATHLETICS 9

The middle matchup of the afternoon was a bit more wild then the first, if you could

believe that. Cusolito took the mound for the Athletics for the first time this young

season, and his ill-prepared self was not ready for what was to come. Walking the first

two batters he then faced Hart, who made no mistake, launching a three-run blast over

the center field wall and quickly propelling the Mets to a three-run lead. The blast was

Hart’s first of the campaign after getting 23 last season.

Cusolito then made Helman go down swinging. A quick single by Carpentier and walk

by Hart put the Athletics in another dangerous position, but Helman popped out to

Stafford and the starting first half wound with the 3-0 lead.

The Athletics wanted desperately to force a third and deciding game, and wanted to

take advantage of Carpentier on the mound, off his normal position.

“I didn’t pitch well, I’m just not a pitcher, I never even claimed to be,” Carpentier said

following the matchups. “Did I want to? Yea. Should I have? Probably not.”

After Stafford reached second on a single and error, Botta had an RBI groundout that

cut the lead to 3-1. And that’s when Cusolito’s bat came alive (again), smacking a two-

run dinger to tie the game with his second of the day. The very next batter, Stafford,

was able to help contribute offensively, belting his first jack of the campaign and quickly

give his team their first lead of the ball game.

Following the back-to-back jacks, the Mets switched up their pitching and returned Hart

and Carpentier back to their regular slotted positions.

Botta walked, but then Cusolito whiffed to give them their first out. Stafford continued his

streakiness, finding the gap for an RBI triple and add to their lead. The first inning finally

ended with a score of 5-3 Athletics.

The top half of the second was explosive for the Mets. While the first three batters all

reached safely on a combination of two singles and a walk, Carpentier stepped up to

 

the plate and launched a mammoth grand slam over the left-center field wall. The

game’s lead quickly changed with one swing of the bat, and it was now 7-5 Mets.

The Athletics had troubles holding onto the ball as a few outfield errors led to Jackson

Hart launching another home run, a solo three-run bomb. The score was now a

whopping 9-5 for the Mets.

The bottom half of the season saw a tumbleweed roll by as they weren’t able to put

anything of importance up on the boards.

The Mets added another insurance run in the top of the third when Carpentier got a RBI

single while the bases were loaded. They headed to the bottom of the third up 10-5.

Carpentier was yet again put up on the mound, and yet again left people asking why, as

Cusolito launched the first pitch he faced and cleared the bases, his third home run of

the day. Then Carpentier proceeded to walk the next two batters, before Stafford, who

had been on a hot streak, continued, slamming a three-run shot over the left field wall

and cutting the lead to just one.

With the tying run in the hands of Drew Botta, Carpentier sent a pitch up that got the

batter overzealous, and he whiffed, ending the ball game a very close 10-9 margin, and

extending their winning streak to 21.

 

ATHLETICS 18

METS 11

The third game of the series between these two, although it didn’t matter in determining

a series winner, was still a very electric game for both squads, as their 29-run game is

now officially a TBR Wiffle Ball record.

The top half of the first saw a miscue by Cusolito running to third, and them unable to

plate a run.

In the bottom half of the first, Chase Stafford lost all control of where the strike zone

was, walking six batters in a row and making the score a 3-0 lead for the Mets despite

not getting a single hit. Helman then launched a three-run grand slam and got them out

to a commanding 6-0 lead after just the first inning of play.

The Athletics however were resilient and never giving up. With runners on second and

third, Botta and Stafford both exchanged singles, bringing the score to 6-2. And then

with the score 6-3, a shot by Stafford to the outfield was dropped by Helman to reduce

the deficit to 6-4 heading to the bottom of the second inning.

The Mets wanted to secure their winning streak, and in the bottom of the second, it

looked as they were on their way. Walking the first three batters he faced yet again,

 

Stafford was set to face off against Carpentier, who already had one grand slam on the

day. One pitch and Carpentier quickly had two salamis on the day, a no doubter, and

extending their lead to 10-4. The next batter Hart wanted to join in on the home run

parade, and shot his own, and the lead was a whopping 11-4 Mets heading to the top of

the third and decisive frame.

The Mets sent Carpentier, whose hot bat had helped them, back to the mound, to try

and record the save – but nobody knows why. The first batter he faced, Drew Botta said

‘see ya’ with a center field dinger, his first of the inning! Yes you read that right. With

runners on first and second, Botta was at it again, and like it was mentioned just before,

launched a moonbeam, and just like that, 11-8 Mets.

The Mets seemed a bit rattled, but weren’t going to give up, but kept Carpentier on the

mound. After a walk to Stafford, it was Cusolito to the plate, and he got his fourth of the

day, cutting the lead to just one. Botta and Stafford then singled before Cusolito

launched his second home run of the inning as well, and giving the Athletics a 14-11

lead.

That was enough for the Mets as they finally decided to swap pitchers, putting Helman

in. The only downside is the first batter he faced was Botta, who had the hat tricks of

homeruns, his third of the inning and making it quickly 15-11.

Helman then walked four in a row and it was 16-11. He managed to strike out Cusolito,

but then walked another three. When all was said and done, it was a disastrous inning,

18-11 as the Athletics put up a crazy 14 runs in the inning.

That completely gassed the Mets, but they knew they had to try everything to keep their

winning streak alive, but unfortunately they weren’t able to. Hart got to second on a

single and error, but then Helman popped out to the pitched and Carpentier struck out

swinging, ending the marathon game, and giving the Athletics their first ever franchise

win.

Cusolito, who had five home runs on the day, was named the Wears Woody Player of

the Series, despite playing for the losing side.

His teammate Botta, who himself had three jacks in the third game, third inning alone,

was proud after the game.

“The first two games I wasn’t seeing the ball well at all,” said Botta. “But that third game

I tried a new approach, and in the end I feel good.”

Captain Helman was pleased with the two wins, but not about the disappointment and

third game collapse.

“We won the World Series last year,” said Helman post-game. “So it doesn’t really

f***ing matter about that game.”

 

The Padres and Athletics are set to face off later this week.

Defending National League Champions Left looking for answers in Season Opening Series.

 

David S. Landsman

@mtlattherink

 

After making it to the World Series final just one short season ago, the Padres were looking to start their 2023 campaign on a high and keep their winning form this past weekend - but unfortunately for them the Braves had other plans. Some late heroics yet again, and one very hot bat in particular, allowed them to prevail in games two and three this past weekend.

 

PADRES 2

BRAVES 0

 

Game one of the weekend series at Orne Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts started off perfectly for the Padres, who showed no rust from last season. Pitcher Nick Ferullo, who also won the Cy Young Award last season and led the league with 10 wins, made no mistakes, striking out the first two batters he faced in the top half of the inning.

 

The bottom half of the inning was a bit different for the Braves pitching. Pitcher Collin Hart, who went 5-10 last season, had some trouble keeping his pitches in the strike zone, walking the first four batters he faced, and thus quickly making it a 1-0 Padres lead early, without any outs. Collin then regained his composure, and struck out the next two.

 

The Braves offense was unable to get any batters on base again in the second, with another strikeout for Ferullo, and a flyout catch by Padres captain Brendan Willett. 

 

Collin struggled again on the mound in the bottom of two, walking Ferullo and Willett. He then struck out Cam Brown, before walking Ferullo for the fourth time in four at-bats. Willett then was hit by a pitch to bring in their second run – and all the offense they would need.

 

Needing a touch of magic, the Braves did get their first base runner as Collin was walked to start the third. After his brother Kyle struck out for the second time in the afternoon, the game-tying run was at the plate with Trey Gayne, who doubled to center field. Collin stepped back into the batter’s box, with the tying run at second, but couldn’t put enough mustard on it, grounding out to end the ball game.

BRAVES 2

PADRES 1

After a bit of regrouping, the Braves were hoping to get back on track in the second matchup of the day to stay alive. However you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. Captain Brendan Willett launched a no doubter over the right field wall, clearing the fence for his first home run of the young campaign, and quickly rattling the cage of pitcher Collin Hart.

 

Ferullo singled following the Willett dinger, but was left stranded as Brown whiffed and Willett grounded out, and the inning ended 1-0.

 

The Braves were looking to even the score in the bottom half of the first, and had a glorious opportunity after Kyle was beaned, loading the bases with just one away. However Collin couldn’t connect, and struck out swinging to end the threat, a huge sigh of relief for the pitcher Brown.

 

Top of two didn’t see much offense. Brown was walked, but the Padres were unable to add to their small one run lead. The bottom half saw a chance for the Braves to equalize, but a great running play at the warning track by Willett helped keep the game 1-0 through two.

 

The wheels began to fall off the wagon for the Padres pitching however in the bottom of the third. Cam Brown showed a bit of rust on the mound, after he walked Collin to start the inning. After a quick timeout, he allowed Gayne to single.

 

At that point, the Padres made a pitching swap, returning to Ferullo to try and close out the game, despite the Braves squad having runners on first and second, with nobody out. Kyle popped out in the next at-bat, and the Padres were just one away from taking the series, but Collin was then walked, keeping their hopes alive.

 

With the game on the line, Gayne showed patience, and was walked to bring across the tying run.

 

The next batter was the youngster Kyle, and although he hadn’t come up with much offense up until this point, connected on a comebacker to the pitcher Ferullo, who was unable to record an out, thus solidifying the walk-off by the Braves, taking it by a 2-1 margin.

 

BRAVES 5

PADRES 2

 

After a heroic walk off in the second game of the series, the Braves had momentum going into the third game. The Padres however, wanted to put a halt to their party. 

 

Ferullo began the first doing what he’s done all day, that is striking out the Braves back-to-back batters to begin the rubber match. Ferullo had a total nine strikeouts through the three weekend games.

 

At the plate however, Ferullo was unable to help get his team any offense, first striking out, and then with both Willett and Brown on base, popped out to end the first inning still scoreless.

 

The bats really came alive in the second inning for both squads. Leading off the top of the second, Gayne launched a blast to left-center field for his first home run of the season, and the game, giving the Braves the early 1-0 lead.

 

A few batters later Gayne was up to the plate again, this time with two runners on, but flew out, and caught himself in a double play to end the threat, and the inning.

 

Needing a quick push to their offense, the Padres showed their offensive flair in the bottom of two.

 

Captain Willett, who had previously homered in the second game, swung at an early pitch by Collin, and made no mistake connecting on his second of the season, clearing the right field wall, and just like that, the game was back tied.

 

The next batter, Cam Brown, who had three home runs in three games with the Mets last season, also smashed a pitch over the left field wall for his first of the young campaign. And just like that, the Padres took the lead by a 2-1 margin and had all the momentum.

 

However, in the top of the third the Padres momentum was quickly overturned.

 

Collin was walked to start, followed by his brother Kyle, getting hit. Now with two runners on, and nobody out, Ferullo delivered a pitch down the middle, and was read perfectly by Gayne yet again.

 

Gayne, who had homered in the top of two, had his second dinger of the game, good enough for three runs, and putting the Braves up by a commanding 4-2 lead.

 

Following a few defensive mistakes, the Braves found themselves in another scoring occasion. With yet again both Hart brothers on base, this time on second and third, Gayne stepped up, getting an RBI groundout for his fifth run batted in of the game.

 

Bottom of three the pressure was on the Padres to keep the game alive. Ferullo started the inning with a walk. Willett then whiffed on a strike, another victim for Collin Hart, who put up 10 strikeouts on the day.

 

Brown then walked, paving the way for a possible photo finish. Runners at first and second, one away, and Ferullo at bat. He swung, the crowd looked on, but alas, he fouled out, ending the ball game, a high-scoring 5-2 win by Atlanta.

 

The Padres, overwhelmed by a disappointing start to the 2023 campaign, reflected after the game.

 

“There were definitely a lot of positives (despite the score),” said team captain Willett. “We can’t walk away feeling totally dejected – we just know there’s still lots to work on.”

 

Pitcher Nick Ferullo, who was left shaken up a bit in the series, had a few comments of his own.

 

“I got to be better than that if I’m going to be on the mound more often,” said Ferullo, who was also getting used to the new field, balls and positioning. “It was an adjustment today, but I’m ready.”

 

As if there was any doubt following the series, the Wears Woody Player of the Series was awarded to Trey Gayne, who helped propel his team to the series win.

 

“It feels great, we just like to keep it simple,” said Gayne. “It’s also very important to also have fun out there.”

 

Opening Day of the 2023 Season officially gets under way.

 

David S. Landsman

@mtlattherink

 

It came down to the final at bat of the series to determine a winner, but you couldn’t have a more picture perfect ending as the Diamondbacks used a clutch performance from their team captain Michael Lynch to help secure their first series victory of the 2023 season, taking two of three from the league’s newest franchise, the Expos.

 

DIAMONDBACKS 1

EXPOS 0

 

The first game of the series was a pitching duel from start to finish as both pitchers were spectacular on the mound. 

 

The top of the first saw Lynch issue three walks, but escaped the jam when Derek Metro grounded out to left to end the inning. In the bottom half of the opening inning, Metro, playing his first career game, showed his inexperience on the mound, hitting Lynch and then walking Diamondback Bryce Bedard. However, he regained his form, striking out both Joe Kranefuss and Lynch to end the inning unscathed.

 

Lynch once again walked two batters in the second inning, but also got another couple punchouts. It was in the bottom half of the second inning that the only offense was needed for the Diamondbacks. Bedard opened the frame with a single down the third base line, followed by back-to-back walks to Kranefuss and Lynch to load the bases with nobody out. Bedard, in his second at-bat of the inning, grounded out to third but not before Kranefuss crossed the plate and gave his team the 1-0 lead.

 

It was the only offense they would need as the Expos wound up coming up short in the third. They got the tying run on first, and the winning run at the plate, but unfortunately Derek Metro and Paul Terry both struck out, giving the Diamondbacks the narrow 1-0 victory.

 

EXPOS 4

DIAMONDBACKS 0

 

Coming up empty in game one was a wakeup for the new Expos franchise, and their bats came alive in game two of the series. Backed by a pair of strikeouts by Dom Metro in the top half of the first, the Expos were all over the place in the bottom half.

 

Derek Metro led off with a single, followed by a pair of walks to Dom Metro and Terry to load the bases. Derek’s second at bat of the inning was an RBI single to right field, opening the scoring 1-0, and getting their first run in franchise history. 

 

Dom and Terry were both then walked again by a shaken Lynch, increasing their lead to a whopping 3-0, all before the Expos recorded a single out. Derek struck out, but then Dom was walked for the third time in the inning alone,  bringing home another run and helping them to a substantial 4-0 lead after one inning.

 

The Diamondbacks were unable to answer in the second inning, with both Lynch and Kranefuss striking out in the middle of a Bedard walk. The bottom half was yet another shaky inning by Lynch, who although started with another strikeout to Derek, walked the next two, before punching out Derek for the second time of the inning.

 

With their backs against the gate, the Diamondbacks needed four runs to get even with the Expos in the third, but it was Dom Metro’s arm that got the best of them, striking out both Lynch and Bedard to end the ball game.

 

DIAMONDBACKS 1

EXPOS 0

 

With the series tied at one game-apiece it all came down to the third and decisive matchup to see who would take home the series.

 

In a bizarre turn of events, it was Joe Kranefuss who started on the mound for the Diamondbacks to start the third game. He faced only one batter, as he walked Derek Metro, and then was quickly replaced by captain Lynch to resume the game back to normal. He then made no mistake, sending both Dom Metro and Terry down looking to end the inning.

 

The Expos replicated the same weirdness to start their bottom half of the first frame, putting Paul Terry on the mound. He allowed a single to Bedard and then walked Kranefuss before conceding his place back to Dom Metro on the mound. Much like the half of the inning prior, Metro showcased why he was the right starting pitcher, striking out both Lynch and Bedard.

 

The top of the second started with another punchout for Lynch, with Derek going down swinging. He then issued back-to-back walks to Dom and Paul – but then subsequently had Derek groundout to end the inning with goose eggs still on the board.

 

In the bottom half, Dom started with a walk to Kranefuss, but then followed up with back-to-back strikeouts of Lynch and Bedard. 

 

The game was a nailbiter going down to the final inning. In the top of the third, both Dom and Terry struck out, which all paved the way for a photo finish in the bottom half.

 

After Kranefuss struck out whiffing on the ball, it was captain versus captain; Dom Metro against Michael Lynch, rookie facing off against the veteran – and the one with the experience made him pay.

 

With a pitch down the middle, Lynch launched a bomb down the left field line for a walk off home run, sending the Diamondbacks into a frenzy.

 

The play had to be reviewed, but after a lengthy look over, it was deemed by TBR’s own Brendan Willett that it was a fair ball, and just like that, the ball game was over.

 

Following the game, Lynch, who finished the game with giving up two hits, four runs, 15 walks and 14 strikeouts – but also hit the game winning home run, and was named the Wears Woody Player of the Series, had this to say:

 

“It feels great to start on a high note for the boys”, said Lynch. “It’s what we wanted so I’m happy.”

 

Despite the loss in his first career start, Dom Metro’s stats were also stalwart numbers, giving up two hits and two runs through eight and a half innings, striking out 14 (like Lynch) and only walking six. His teammate Paul Terry reflected on his pitcher’s performance following the game.

 

“Hats off to our pitcher (Dom Metro); 9 strong, came down to the last pitch, a tough one,” said Terry. “But you know what, we’ll be better because of it.”