The San Diego Padres (35-22) started the week off right by taking two of three from the dominant New York Mets (38-21). This series was set up to be highly entertaining as they both boast impressive pitching and hitting. Additionally, this was a huge series for both teams as they aimed to push their records towards the top in all of baseball.
These games also brought about some interesting notes from both teams which this article will dive into.
Game One
Mets
The Mets took game one in impressive fashion as they walked away with an 11-5 victory. The highlight of the game was Mets’ third baseman Eduardo Escobar who hit for the 11th cycle in Mets history and the first since 2012.
This was the seventh time this season the Mets scored double-digit runs and the seventh time they won by six runs or more.
Padres
This was a tough loss for the Padres outside of the cycle because it was the most runs their pitching staff had given up in a game this season. Their previous high was when the Dodgers scored 10 way back on April 24. This was also only the fifth time they lost by six or more in a game.
This was a game where their offense continued to battle back, but they were hindered by one of their best relievers. Coming into this game, Craig Stammen had pitched 18.2 innings where he only allowed seven runs and those came in seven different appearances. He was brought into this game in the eighth inning and in 1.1 innings he allowed four runs on five hits. This was the first time since August 10, 2021, that he gave up four runs in an outing.
Game Two
Padres
The Padres needed a big bounce-back game in the middle of the three-game series and they got exactly that. The Padres came away with a massive 7-0 victory. They jumped out to an early lead on a first-inning homer from Jurickson Profar and their pitching did the rest.
Yu Darvish absolutely dominated the Mets. He went seven strong innings where he struck out six and only allowed two hits. This is the fourth time in his last six starts he went seven or more innings. It was also the fourth time in his 11 starts where he did not allow a run. Yet this was only the first time since his fourth start on April 23 when he allowed two or fewer hits. It was a spectacular performance from one of the best starters in the National League.
Quite impressively, this was the third time in the Padres’ last five games that they pitched a shutout. Even with their insanely successful pitching, they only had three shutouts in their first 51 games.
Mets
For the Mets, this was only the second time they had been shut out this season. Their first time was last Thursday against the Dodgers. It took them until 53 games into the season to put up a goose egg and five games later they did it again.
It was the third time the Mets lost by seven or more in a game. Additionally, it was the fewest hits the Mets had recorded in a game all season. One of the most unique occurrences is that of their six times winning with double-digit runs it was their fourth time losing the day after. Apparently, they shouldn’t score too many runs.
Game Three
Padres
This was the series-deciding game and it was controlled from start to finish by the Padres for a second straight game. The Padres won 13-2 behind more spectacular pitching and even better hitting.
For the second straight day, the Padres had a starter go seven strong innings. Sean Manaea went seven innings where he allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while he struck out three giving him his third win of the season. This was his fourth time going seven innings and the third time in his last five starts. Additionally, it was the first time since his first start of the season that he allowed three or fewer hits.
In the case of the Padres’ offense, it was their best performance of the season. Prior to this game, they had scored double-digit runs five times. Their previous high was their home opener on April 14 when they beat the Atlanta Braves 12-1. Impressively, every starter had at least one hit and five guys had multiple hits.
Mets
This was the fourth time their excellent pitching staff allowed double-digit runs. Not surprisingly, it was the first time they lost by double digits. It is also tied for the most runs they’ve allowed in a game with their 12-13 loss to the Giants on May 24.
They didn’t get shut out in back-to-back games, but it was not a great day for the offense. It was only their second time being held to two or less runs in two straight games. Both times have occurred in their last two series.
The Series Overall
This was not the result the Mets were hoping for after a great game one victory. The Mets didn’t lose a series until their 11th of the season against the Seattle Mariners.
Unfortunately, since their series against the San Francisco Giants in late May they are 2-2-1 in their last five. They swept back-to-back series against National League East rivals in the Phillies and Nationals, but they have not been able to win a series against their three National League West opponents.
Wildy, this was only the third time all season they dropped two straight games. To the Mets’ dismay, this has been the third time in their last five series. The Giants, Dodgers and Padres seemed to have found their weaknesses.
Run Differential
The run differentials are an interesting point to look at for both teams.
For the Mets, this was the first series they had a differential of negative 12 or more. Their previous low was negative six against the Atlanta Braves in April.
For the Padres, it was their third series with a differential of plus 12 or more. Their high is plus 13 against the Cincinnati Reds in April.
This series between the San Diego Padres and New York Mets was very unique and odd in a lot of aspects. The Padres have won two straight series against excellent teams. They have an off day before they have to play 18 straight games. The Mets have struggled to get back to their early-season form. They aim to turn it around in a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels who have lost 14 straight games. Both teams have some work to do in the coming weeks to stay near the top of the MLB ranks.
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