The Mets lost by the typographically correct if competitively averse [1] score of 21-3 in Saturday afternoon’s makeup game versus the Braves, the day portion of a split-admission doubleheader necessitated by an April rainout and cruelty. The Mets were losing only 13-3 when they were using pitchers; utilityman Danny Mendick allowed eight runs in the ninth, indicating his utility has its limits. I couldn’t say what the score was when the Mets were using actual major league pitchers, because callup starter Denyi Reyes, 27th Man Reed Garrett and balkmeister general Josh Walker do not much answer to that description. The Braves used a starter who had little experience, but Allan Winans, a former Mets farmhand, didn’t seem to have a problem with his assignment. Winans threw seven shutout innings. Then again, he was throwing to the Mets of August of 2023.
The Met lineup, compromised by dings to Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor, included Rafael Ortega, Abraham Almonte, DJ Stewart and Jonathan Araúz. I mention this because, along with the pitchers, that’s a whole lot of “I don’t remember that guy” you’re likely to respond with should their names come up in Metsian conversation a little down the road. Thus, if you’re so inclined, you can clip and save these two paragraphs to remind yourself that these were indeed the Mets of August of 2023, and therefore move the conversation along with something like “right, those guys, yikes — thank goodness that’s over with.” This is assuming that “that” is over with at some point. This is also assuming you’re still a Mets fan a little down the road. With 21-3 losses on Saturday afternoons not seeming completely shocking, I can’t blame you if you choose to pursue other interests.
Enjoy the nightcap!