What Happened?? July 2, 2019: Mets 4 Yankees 2

This seemed like another Yankee win throughout most of the game — James Paxton pitching terrific ball through 6 innings; great Yankee infield defense behind him; the Yankees up 2-0 early, and 2-1 entering the 8th. And then… with Adam Ottavino and his 1.45 ERA in — DJ LeMahieu of all people made a throwing error (from 3rd base) and J.D. Davis doubled him home for a 2-2 tie. An intentional walk to Robinson Cano, single by Wilson Ramos and 2-run double by Michael Conforto and that was ballgame.

Yanks Jet Lagged

The Yanks have been rolling and just come off the big slugfest sweep of Boston in London — the ballpen taxed and the team jet lagged emotionally as well as traditionally. “Oh yea, the Mets” was the Yankee Twitter collective feeling.

And Zack Wheeler was on the mound for the Mets — who has been rumored to be someone the Yanks were interested in for a trade. Wheeler at the same time was a) trying to win the game for the Mets, and b) showcasing himself to the Yankees. As a Yankee fan, you weren’t sure whether to root against him or for him. Wheeler pitched 6.1 innings, 2 runs, 8 strikeouts — which was good, and bad.

All very confusing and a very confusing loss.



What Really Happened

Wheeler and the Mets ballpen — former Yankee Justin Wilson, Seth Lugo, and Edwin Diaz — held the Yankee lineup in check. That was the real story of this game. DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez all went hitless (although Judge walked).

The Defense

Gleyber Torres and Didi Gregorius are making spectacular plays in the field — turning double plays like mavens.  This is noteworthy because DJ LeMahieu had been playing a spectacular defensive 2nd base, and Torres an excellent shortshop — but both shifted when Didi came back. Torres was good at 2nd last year but not DJ LeMahieu great. However, the Yankee infield defense has not taken a step down in fact it looks as good as ever. Edwin Encarnacion is at 1st with Luke Voit out and he’s also an excellent defender.

And Gary Sanchez has been playing Great defense behind the plate — blocking balls, pitch calling, and his rifle arm in full glory this season.

Etcetera

Tommy Kahnle pitched a perfect 7th. After the game it was announced that Kendrys Morales had been let go. So that era ended.

The Boxscore

https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401076009

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