Mets’ Battling to Get Out of Slump
NLCS: Dodgers Take 2-1 Lead
Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mets Struggle to Get Big Hit
The New York Mets’ bats have cooled down with the October air, but manager Carlos Mendoza is remaining loyal to the group that trails the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in the NLCS after getting shut out for the second time in three games following an 8-0 loss in Game 3 at Citi Field on Wednesday night.
Lack of Big Hit Hurts Mets
The big hit has been lacking, though, of late, even despite a 7-3 Game 2 victory in Los Angeles fueled by Mark Vientos’ second-inning grand slam. Outside of that frame which featured three hits and five runs scored, the Mets have been limited to two runs on 14 hits in the other 25 innings of this series. In total, they have left 23 men on base while going 4-for-19 with men in scoring position.
Alvarez Struggles at the Plate
Catcher Francisco Alvarez has been the focal point of those struggles. He left seven men on base during the Game 2 win that could have made it significantly easier for the Mets before leaving another three on in the second inning of Game 3. With one out and the bases loaded, he was caught looking — the first of three times on the night.
Mendoza Backs Alvarez
When presented with the option of potentially giving Alvarez, who is 1-for-10 with five strikeouts in the NLCS, a day or two off in favor of backup catcher Luis Torrens, Mendoza quickly shut it down. "Alvy’s playing tomorrow," he said, alluding to Game 4.
Lineup Changes Unlikely
The Mets will be facing Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose first season in the majors after making the jump to the United States was cut short due to injuries, on Thursday night at Citi Field. Still, the 26-year-old went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA — another significant hurdle for a sputtering offense to try and clear. With desperation lurking, lineup changes would be understandable. However, Mendoza is sticking with his current lineup.
Conclusion
The Mets are facing an uphill battle in the NLCS, but Mendoza is putting his trust in the team that got them to this point. With the team struggling to come up with big hits, it will be interesting to see if the players can turn it around and make a comeback.
FAQs
Q: Why is the Mets’ offense struggling?
A: The big hit has been lacking, and the team has left 23 men on base while going 4-for-19 with men in scoring position.
Q: Will the Mets make any lineup changes?
A: Manager Carlos Mendoza is sticking with his current lineup, citing the players’ ability to get the job done in the past.
Q: Is Francisco Alvarez a concern?
A: Mendoza is backing Alvarez, saying he is a good hitter, and it’s just a matter of getting him going again.
