(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK--The New York Mets were up 4-2 over the Cleveland Indians heading into the seventh. When the inning was over, the game was over as the Mets scored four on their way to a huge 9-2 victory over the Indians. The Twins demolished the White Sox Monday night and the Indians are currently three games back of the Twins in the AL Central.
The Indians only had one earned run against Mets starter Steven Matz (8-7) who went 6 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber (12-6) took his second straight loss when he gave up four runs, two earned. But rookie Oscar Mercado had a rough night in the outfield when he dropped a fly ball in left field in the sixth which led to the Mets 4-2 lead after Michael Conforto's home run (27th).
Then the Mets poured it on in the seventh with four runs to take an 8-2 lead.
On the aftermath of the Corey Kluber set-back and a huge Twins win, nothing went right for the Tribe. But game two of three is Wednesday night and the Tribe, who is making their first trip at Citi Field in this series will look to RHP Adam Plutko (5-3, 4.67) to get things back on track in this series. The Mets will start RHP Marcus Stroman (7-11, 3.21) who was traded from the Blue Jays as a buyer. Mets look smart since they are currently two games back of the NL Wild Card and are 25-10 since the All-Star break. Mickey Callaway who was in danger of losing his job a few weeks ago could be in the running for Manager of the Year.