Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/ USA TODAY Sports
In the first playoff game in Queens in almost a decade, the stage was set for a dramatic game full of raw emotions on both sides. The series was tied, each team having won a game in Los Angeles. As if that was not enough to get both teams ready, game two features a play that will be talked about for years to come.
Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley made a controversial slide into second base and while attempting to break up the double play, ran into Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada. Tejada immediately grabbed his leg and trainers ran out to check on him. The cart was driven out to meet Tejada whose leg was put into an air cast. It was announced later that he suffered a broken right fibula and would be out for the remainder of the postseason. Whether the slide was dirty or not is a conversation for another time, however, it was definitely a play that would either make the Mets or break them as a team.
Before yesterday’s game, there was much debate whether or not the Mets would go after one of the Dodgers batters. It was clear emotions were very strong at this time. With their ace Matt Harvey starting the game, many thought Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez would see a lot of pitches inside, with one possibly hitting him between the numbers. While of course the team wanted revenge, they played it smart and decided not to hit anyone.
The Mets went on to rout Brett Anderson and the Dodgers, beating them 13-7. Yoenis Cespedes, Travis D’Arnaud, and Curtis Granderson all delivered huge hits for the team. Harvey did not have his best stuff, but his team was able to get him through six innings. Not going after one of the Dodgers batters was the best move the Mets did all season, besides acquiring Cespedes. It showed that this team was ready to get the best revenge, embarrass Los Angeles in game three. Now the Mets are one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Series and the Dodgers’ backs are against the wall. The Mets get to stick to their plan, pitching Steven Matz while the Dodgers are forced to have Clayton Kershaw pitch on short rest.
