The New York Mets are cautiously optimistic that their season may have taken a positive turn after Saturday’s performance. Their fans are breathing a sigh of relief as the new month of July begins with a more promising outlook compared to the disappointing end of June. This change in momentum could be the spark they need to revitalize their season and push towards more victories.
On Sunday evening, the Mets aim to clinch their first series win in several months as they prepare to face the San Francisco Giants in the concluding game of their three-game series. This matchup is crucial for the Mets as they seek to establish a rhythm and regain their competitive edge in the league.
The starting lineup for the Mets features left-hander David Peterson (2-6, 7.00 ERA), who will take the mound opposite right-hander Ross Stripling (0-2, 6.88). This game will serve as a significant test for both pitchers as they aim to improve their statistics and contribute to their teams’ successes.
In Saturday’s game, Justin Verlander delivered a strong performance, allowing just one unearned run over seven innings, while the Mets showcased their power with three solo home runs in the third inning, leading to a 4-1 victory. This win was not only a morale booster but also a demonstration of the Mets‘ potential when they play cohesively.
This victory offered the Mets a vital opportunity to reset and regain confidence following a disheartening June, where they managed only a 7-19 record, falling 18 1/2 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East. The team is determined to turn the tide as they move into July.
The end of June was particularly tough, highlighted by a frustrating loss on Friday, where Giants catcher Patrick Bailey hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, leading San Francisco to a narrow 5-4 win. This marked the thirteenth time in June that the Mets had squandered a lead, showcasing the need for improvement in their late-game execution.
During Saturday’s game, Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani faced a minimal number of batters until Francisco Alvarez launched one of the Mets‘ three homers in a four-batter span. Verlander was nearly flawless, not allowing a runner past first base until the seventh inning, where he was supported by relievers Drew Smith and Adam Ottavino, who combined for two hitless innings.
“We’ve got July off to a good start — we’re hoping to build on it,” Mets manager Buck Showalter stated after the game. “There have been quite a few instances this year where you’ve asked me, ‘How do you come back from that?’ Well, today provides a great example of resilience. I have confidence that our team has the ability to respond positively after setbacks.”
“There is a real sense of accountability in our efforts to reach our goals. The potential for success is still within our grasp,” he added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and drive as they move forward.
The Giants are also dealing with their own challenges, having posted a record of 4-5 since their impressive 10-game winning streak from June 12-21. This inconsistency highlights the growing concerns over their starting pitching as the All-Star break approaches.
DeSclafani, who was limited to just five starts last year due to an ankle injury, began this season strong with a record of 3-1 and a 2.13 ERA over his first six starts. However, he has since struggled, going 1-7 with a 6.02 ERA and tying a season low by lasting only three innings in Saturday’s game.
“I’m running on fumes a bit,” DeSclafani acknowledged. “Fatigue has been creeping in during games, and I haven’t been able to push through it. I’m really looking forward to the All-Star break to recharge,” he concluded, indicating the toll the season has taken on him.
Expect another brief outing on Sunday, as Stripling is anticipated to have a reliever follow him in his first start since returning from the injured list on June 25. Stripling missed six weeks due to a back injury and allowed one run over three innings of relief in Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Stripling’s last start was on May 17, where he did not factor into the decision after allowing three runs over 3 1/3 innings in the Giants‘ 7-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. He has a career record of 0-0 with a 4.09 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Mets, which adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Peterson was called up from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday and achieved a significant win later that night, throwing six scoreless innings in the Mets‘ 7-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. He enters this game with a record of 1-1 and a 7.36 ERA in two career starts against the Giants, showcasing the critical nature of this upcoming appearance.
–Field Level Media
