Meet the first place Mets: New York ties Nationals following sweep
Take a look around the league with Big League Stew’s daily wrap up. We’ll hit on all of the biggest moments from the day that you may have missed, while providing highlights, photos and interesting stats.
For the first time in what seems like a long time, the New York Mets are in first place in August. The team moved into a tie with the Washington Nationals after a 5-2 victory Sunday.
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It was an impressive series for New York. The Mets swept Washington, holding the Nationals to just five runs over the three-game series. The series also featured the redemption of Wilmer Flores, who was nearly traded earlier in the week.
Noah Syndergaard played the hero Sunday. The righty went eight innings, giving up two runs on eight hits. He struck out nine and did not issue any walks during the contest.
Syndergaard was backed by Curtis Granderson, Daniel Murphy and Lucas Duda. All three players went yard against Jordan Zimmermann in the third inning, giving the Mets the 5-1 lead.
Between Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom, the Mets should have a formidable rotation if they can make it to a playoff series.
With the win, the Mets improved to 55-50 on the year.
ETHIER PLAYS THE HERO
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier managed to play the hero Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. Ethier picked up the game-winning hit during the team’s 5-3 win.
With the game tied 3-3 at end of the ninth, Ethier had to wait until extra innings to strike. He got his first chance in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Ethier stepped to the plate with a man on first and one out during the frame. On the third pitch of the at-bat, Ethier smashed an 82 mph changeup from Drew Rucinski out to right center for the walk-off home run.
While that was the most impressive hit of the game from Ethier, it wasn’t his first home run. Ethier actually gave the Dodgers the lead with a solo home run in the eighth. Overall, it was a pretty great day for the veteran.
With the win, the Dodgers improved to 60-45 on the season.
ATHLETICS WALK IT OFF
The Oakland Athletics pulled off a walk-off win Sunday against the Cleveland Indians. In the 10th inning, Mark Canha played the hero in the 2-1 victory.
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Canha managed to do his damage against Indians closer Cody Allen. With a man on first, Canha stepped to the plate against Allen.
On the fifth pitch of the at-bat, Canha smacked a 93 mph fastball out to left. Sam Fuld was able to score from first on the play, giving Canha the game-winning double.
Following the game, Canha was part of the usual post walk-off celebration. Turns out, it’s not as glamorous as it looks.
With the win, the Athletics improved to 47-59 on the year.
SEATTLE PULLS IT OFF
The Seattle Mariners pulled off a late win Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. Seattle scored three runs in extras, giving the club the 4-1 win.
The big inning came against the Twins newest reliever Kevin Jepsen. Jepsen walked the first two batters in the 11th inning, opening the door for Seattle.
They would come through. Logan Morrison doubled in one run, giving the Mariners the 2-1 lead. The Mariners weren’t finished, however.
Austin Jackson would add a two-run single later in the frame. With the Mariners up 4-1, Tom Wilhelmsen came on to pick up the save.
He was successful. After giving up a leadoff double, Wilhelmsen managed to pick up the next three outs with ease.
With the win, Seattle improved to 48-58 on the year.
Want to see more from Sunday’s slate of games? Check out our scoreboard.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
