On the eve of our Nation’s 250th birthday the Mets offered another dud of a ballgame losing by a score of 5-3 to open a new series in Atlanta.
This nation was founded 250 years ago with these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” For 64 of this great nation’s 250 years the New York Mets have struggled with one of these fundamental rights. The pursuit of happiness is a futile journey year after year for those in the Mets’ orbit outside of two magical seasons. While the Mets may have the right to pursue happiness it is the execution of this pusuit that falls short year after year.
Atlanta especially has been a town where many a season’s hopes and dreams have ended. This season is an exception where hope died a long time ago, but unfortunately the games still need to be played. This isn’t a video game where you can sim to the end of the season. The Mets got down early in the second when Christian Scott gave up a two-run home run to Michael Harris II in the second inning. The Mets were able to tie it right back up with Juan Soto’s two-run shot in the third but the excitement was short-lived when the Braves took the lead in the bottom of the inning. This time is was an Ozzie Albies home run that gave Atlanta a lead they would never relinquish. Walks and the long ball were Scott’s downfall in this game but he still looks like a capable major league that should be a key piece of the rotation if they want to turn it around next season.
Scott was pulled after four innings in favor of A.J. Minter who gave up a home run in the fifth to make it 4-2 Braves. Kodai Senga finished off the game and gave up a home run to Matt Olson which was his second of the game.
Bo Bichette singled home a run in the ninth to pull the Mets closer but they were never really in any danger of actually winning the ballgame.
This country has a wonderouts history and is made up of many astonishing things. There is the awe and beauty of the Rockies, the stunning beaches of Hawaii, the majestic sequoias. We’ve put a man on the moon, Disney made us believe in magic. We’ve built soaring skyscrapers and have been the inspiration for countless pieces of art and music. It’s impossible to go anywhere in this country and not step into some sort of history. But this country that has also produced the New York Mets. A tragically flawed team that somehow has tricked it’s fans into believing year after year. Perhaps that perfectly captures the American Dream. The constant pusuit of happiness despite all the struggles and previous failures. It’s not going to happen this season but the pursuit will soon enough begin again. Happy 250 America.
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Win Probability Added
What’s WPA?
Big Mets winner: Juan Soto +19% WPA
Big Mets loser: Christian Scott, -13% WPA
Mets pitchers: -18% WPA
Mets hitters: -32% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Juan Soto home run in third, +18.5% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Michael Harris II home run in second, -16% WPA
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