It has been a while since Mets fan base had something to cheer about, but yesterday may have given them the boost they needed. This team has plenty of flaws, but during a doubleheader the team’s two pitching phenoms were given their chance to shine. Matt Harvey has been dominating baseball all year and he was extra fired up yesterday. Pitching in the day game of the doubleheader, Harvey took a no-hitter into the 7th inning, losing it on a circus play that can be blamed on the infielders. The bullpen was very shaky and gave up runs that were considered earned runs by Harvey. After a shaky three innings, the Mets closed it out and won another game for their ace pitcher.
Zack Wheeler has been a much buzzed about prospect in the minor leagues. With the lack of good pitching the Mets have, Wheeler was called up to pitch the night game. Clearly suffering from a few butterflies in his stomach, Wheeler got off to a very shaky start walking the first two men he faced. He was pitching in front of his family in his home state of Georgia. However, Wheeler did get it together and showed incredible potential especially with his velocity staying up around 95-96 MPH.
Not to overshadow Wheeler’s great debut, team captain David Wright got his 1500th hit. He joins an elite class of New York hitters who got their 1500th hit while having a .300 career batting average and 200 home runs. That class includes Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. When asked about the milestone, Wright said, “That’s a lot of hits!” Yes, David it is, and you have a long career ahead of you with many more hits.
While, it won’t happen this year, the Mets have a clear vision of the future. They finally have a dynamic pitching duo that they have been missing since Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez. They have a superstar in his prime that is leading by example for his young teammates. For a club that has disappointed fans year after year, a change in culture is slowly developing. Matt Harvey admitted that he hates to watch this team lose even when he is not in the mound. David Wright visibly looks tired of watching other stars go into the playoffs. This team has long been overshadowed by the Yankees, but with the Yankees showing signs of their age, the Mets young talent continue to grab headlines. If yesterday was a glimpse into the Amazins future, it sure looks bright!
