NY METS SECOND BASE COACH: August 4 recap

BY SEAN SMITH

August 4 2015 — The New York Mets entered Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins in sole possession of first place. This marks the first time the organization has been in first place this late in the season since 2008. The recently revitalized Mets lineup walked into Marlins Park riding a four game winning streak. The lone southpaw in the starting rotation for the Mets, Jonathon Niese, took the mound against Miami’s Brad Hand. Thanks an excellent showing on the hill from Niese, the Mets prevailed winning the game 5-1

Jonathon Niese put in another solid pitching performance on the night. The lefty allowed one run on four hits in seven strong innings of work. Niese, thanks to a 4-run eighth inning from the Mets offense, earned his fifth victory on the season.

The Mets offense continued to produce Tuesday evening. The newly configured lineup produced five runs on twelve hits. Although the Mets could not score against Miami starter Brad Hand, they were able to work deep into the count early, forcing the Marlins to go to the bullpen after just 4.1 innings of work from the 25-year old. The Mets weren’t able to score until the top of the sixth inning, however for the second night in a row every Met in the starting lineup was able to get on base. The Met scoring began with Ruben Tejada’s game tying single in the sixth, and finished with a four run eighth inning.

Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia combined for two scoreless innings in relief. This victory gives the Mets five wins in a row. Still atop the NL East by one game, this young team has much to accomplish. The Metropolitans will have a chance to sweep division rival Miami tomorrow, as the “Dark Knight,” Matt Harvey takes the hill.

Reports surfaced during the game that are now confirmed. The Mets have acquired lefty Eric O’Flaherty from the Oakland Athletics for a player to be named later. O’Flaherty, while struggling this season, is a welcomed addition to a bullpen in need of a lefty specialist.