Mets Are Swept By Nationals In Opening Series of Season

Written by Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, March 31^st-April 3rd

It was a rough opening series for the New York Mets, as they were handled rather easily by the Washington Nationals. It was the first time that the Mets were swept in their opening series in nine years, and it was tough to watch at times. Here are some takeaways from the three-game opening series from Citi Field.

-Positives

The Mets starting rotation, at least through one series, has been a bright spot. All three starters, Dillon Gee, Bartolo Colon and Zack Wheeler, had quality starts to begin the season. Gee was especially strong, probably the most deserving of a victory of the starters, as he retired 15 straight batters after allowing a two-run home run to Adam LaRoche. Colon and Wheeler both surrendered three runs in six innings, finishing with identical 1.50 WHIP as well. The big blemish for Colon was surrendering a homerun to the opposing starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Juan Lagares was arguably the best position player the Mets had against the Nationals. No matter where manager Terry Collins put him in the lineup, Lagares produced. He hit leadoff, second and sixth, and not only did he register a hit in each game, he had at least one extra base hit in each game as well. Lagares finished the series 5-11, with two doubles, a triple and home run, and drew one walk. He scored four runs, and had two RBI as well. Lagares is in the lineup most nights because of the defense that he provides, so any addition production he gives at the plate should be viewed as an added bonus.

Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News

David Wright had a solid series as well for the Mets, being the only other player giving any real production other than Lagares. Wright finished the series 4-11, with a home run. He also scored three times, and knocked in three runners. This is production the Mets have come to except from Wright, and will need to see from him all season as the longest tenured player and leader of the team.

Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Jose Valverde needs to be praised for being the only reliever to not give up a run in the series. Through three games, every Mets reliever has a pretty ugly ERA outside of Valverde, the new Mets closer. Based off Valverde’s history, that clean ERA could easily be bloated after his next appearance, but for now his clean performance should be acknowledged.

-Negative

The injuries are already mounting for the Mets, just days into the season. Chris Young, one of the players brought in to help improve the offense and defense in the outfield, is headed to the 15-day DL with a right quad strain. He will not be alone, as closer Bobby Parnell will be joining him with a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Parnell will be re-evaluated in two weeks to see if surgery is necessary after receiving platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow.

First base looks like it will be a big problem once again for the Mets. Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Josh Satin all received one start in the series, and none of the trio registered a hit. Davis and Duda each walked once in their starts, but the first hit wasn’t registered until Davis had a pinch-hit single in the series finale. Collins announced after the game Thursday that Duda will be the starting first baseman from here on out, having the first opportunity to prove himself.

The bullpen was atrocious for the Mets against the Nationals. Every reliever outside of Valverde gave up runs, and each one of them struggled when called upon. Scott Rice and John Lannan have matching 54.00 ERA, while Jeurys Familia is not much better with 20.25. Kyle Farnsworth was brought up to replace Parnell, who blew the save opening day, and did not fair much better. Farnsworth gave up a run in his only appearance. Carlos Torres should be lucky to have only a 9.00 ERA, as he allowed four base runners Thursday, after walking his only batter he faced opening day. Gonzalez Germen gave up a run opening day, but rebounded with a clean outing in the finale.

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Mets were hurt throughout the series by the foursome of Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth and Denard Span. The four of them combined to hit .440 in the series, continually getting on base and knocking in their teammates. Rendon was the hero opening day, knocking in four runs, including a three-run homer in extra innings to help seal the Nationals victory.