Carlos Beltran: 3-5, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3R vs. COL
Beltran’s knee might be going, but his bat sure isn’t. Carlos provided the majority of the Mets’ offense in Colorado last night as the Mets took the final two against the Rockies. He went deep the first time in the first inning off starter Ubaldo Jiminez (3.2 IP, 5 ER), again in the 7th off reliever Franklin Morales, and again in the 9th off Matt Lindstrom. The long balls were the 6th, 7th, and 8th of the season for Beltran (right). The 34-year-old outfielder has been hurt each of the past two seasons, so he hasn’t hit more than 10 home runs since he hit 27 back in 2008. However, he seems to be back to 2006 offensively, batting .295/.387/.590, for an OPS+ of 170 (which would be a career high). His home run % is at 5.6, well above his career 4.0 average, though in a relatively small sample size of only 142 PAs this season. He is hitting at a .54 GB/FB ratio, which is well below his .77 career average, but last night that was a good thing. Willie Harris benefited as well—he was on base every time Beltran cranked one out. The Mets are still looking for another offensive player to really break out, as Beltran is only going to last so much longer on his knees. A final All-Star appearance could be on the horizon, though, if Carlos keeps swinging his bat the way he is.
Honorable Mention
Zach Britton/Jason Vargas: Baltimore 2, Seattle 1
After Beltran hit his three home runs earlier in the day, I figured that there was no way he could be topped. However, Zach Britton and Jason Vargas came close to putting up some pretty rare numbers: that is, they both had a chance to pitch into the 10th inning. After a full nine in Baltimore, the score was 0-0, and both starters were still going strong. Britton (5-2, 2.42 ERA) and Vargas (2-2, 3.86 ERA) have both had solid seasons, but the opportunity to go 10 innings is a rare one. It was within reason, too--both pitchers had retired the last six batters they'd faced, including 1-2-3 innings in each part of the 9th. Neither of them had thrown more than 108 pitches, and Britton had only given up three hits--his only three baserunners. Still, they both get quality starts with no decision to show for it, and the fact they each only went the normal nine innings keeps them below the three home run performance of Beltran.
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| Beltran had the 8th 3-HR game in Mets history--all on the road |
Honorable Mention
Zach Britton/Jason Vargas: Baltimore 2, Seattle 1
After Beltran hit his three home runs earlier in the day, I figured that there was no way he could be topped. However, Zach Britton and Jason Vargas came close to putting up some pretty rare numbers: that is, they both had a chance to pitch into the 10th inning. After a full nine in Baltimore, the score was 0-0, and both starters were still going strong. Britton (5-2, 2.42 ERA) and Vargas (2-2, 3.86 ERA) have both had solid seasons, but the opportunity to go 10 innings is a rare one. It was within reason, too--both pitchers had retired the last six batters they'd faced, including 1-2-3 innings in each part of the 9th. Neither of them had thrown more than 108 pitches, and Britton had only given up three hits--his only three baserunners. Still, they both get quality starts with no decision to show for it, and the fact they each only went the normal nine innings keeps them below the three home run performance of Beltran.
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