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

Mets' Opening Day Ruined By Bullpen in Loss To Nationals

Written By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The New York Mets started the 2014 season with the same problem they ended 2013 with; a leaky bullpen.

The Mets bullpen blew the lead they had built behind starting pitcher Dillon Gee, and then imploded again in the 10^th inning. Gee deserved a better outcome than he received on opening day, as he retired 15 straight Washington Nationals after allowing a two-run homer to Adam LaRoche.

The first pitcher to really struggle was Bobby Parnell. Parnell blew the save in the ninth inning, as Denard Span roped a double and knocked in Ian Desmond. Parnell would surrender two hits, one walk in his inning of work.

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

The worst news for Parnell and the Mets came after the game, when it was announced that Parnell has a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Parnell complained of forearm tightness after the game, and tests revealed the tear. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow and will be sidelined for about two-weeks before getting re-evaluated. The re-evaluation is where it will be determined if Parnell needs to undergo surgery or not.