Mets Take 2-1 Lead in NLDS with Gem from Sean Manaea
Rock Bottom to Postseason Hero
Oct 8, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) reacts after a double play in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Queens, NY — Two years ago on an October night in Philadelphia, Sean Manaea had finally had enough. Called in from the bullpen in the fourth inning to try and help his former team, the San Diego Padres, hold a 4-3 lead, the veteran southpaw was tagged for five runs on four hits by the Phillies in just 1.1 innings of work. That night, he emailed Driveline — an analytics-based performance training center — to revamp his mechanics and his arsenal.
Turning Point
He developed a sweeper and changed the way he delivered the ball; a work in progress that was not immediately a hit. Last season with the San Francisco Giants, he was demoted to the bullpen before working his way back to the starting rotation thanks to that new pitch.
Mets’ Investment Pays Off
True to form, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns took a chance and added Manaea to a rotation of other reclamation projects — most notably Luis Severino.
A Career Night
It has paid off remarkably, especially on Tuesday night in Game 3 of the NLDS at Citi Field. Nearly two years after his rock-bottom moment, Manaea had one of, if not the best night of his nine-year career. And it happened to be against none other than the Phillies. The 32-year-old went seven innings plus one batter in the eighth — a career postseason high — and allowed just a single run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks as the Mets took a 2-1 series lead with a 7-2 victory.
A Heavy Heart
Manaea was also pitching with a heavy heart as he found out just hours before the game that his Aunt Mabel had passed: “That game was for her.”
A Battle Won
In his third time through the Phillies’ lineup, he walked Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner to lead off the frame to set up a pivotal matchup with two-time MVP Bryce Harper. Manaea won the battle, getting Harper to whiff at his steady diet of sweepers before getting Nick Castellanos to line out into an inning-ending double play.
The Verdict
When asked about his performance, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, "When he needed to make pitches, he did. It was a different look today even though we’ve seen it the whole year, but his mound presence, his demeanor, there was something different about it today. I’m just proud of him."
Conclusion
Sean Manaea’s comeback story is one for the ages. From rock bottom to postseason hero, his journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and determination. As the Mets look to take their series lead to the National League Championship Series, they can rely on Manaea to continue to deliver when it matters most.
FAQs
Q: What was Sean Manaea’s background before joining the Mets?
A: Manaea played for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants before joining the New York Mets.
Q: What changes did Manaea make to his mechanics and arsenal?
A: He developed a sweeper and changed the way he delivered the ball.
Q: What was Manaea’s performance like in Game 3 of the NLDS?
A: Manaea pitched seven innings plus one batter in the eighth, allowing just one run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks.
Q: What was Manaea’s mindset going into the game?
A: Manaea said he was focused on using his breath to remain calm and composed, relying on his defense and the team’s overall performance.
Q: What does the future hold for Manaea and the Mets?
A: With Manaea pitching like he is, the Mets are in a good position to make a deep run in the playoffs, and Manaea’s ability to rise to the occasion could be a key factor in their success.
