Series Review: Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets

Aug 15, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) and center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) and right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) celebrate the win after the fourteenth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The series against the Cardinals didn’t go as planned for the Pirates, but there is no rest for the weary as the Pirates go from one first place team to another as they went to New York to take on the Mets. The Mets have surprised the baseball world by leading the NL East over the Washington Nationals.

The Pirates have dominated the NL East this season and looked to continue that stellar play against the Mets. The last time these two played at PNC Park, the Pirates swept the Mets and never trailed in the series. They looked for similar results without any of their top pitchers on the mound.

J.A. Happ looked to get the Pirates off to a good start in the series.

Next: Game One: Happ vs. Colon

Aug 15, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher

Blanton

(55) delivers a pitch during the eleventh inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.48ERA) vs. Jon Niese (7-9, 3.46ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-3 (14 innings)

Winning Pitcher: Joe Blanton (4-2, 3.38ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Sean Gilmartin (1-1, 2.45ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (37, 1.64ERA)

• What went right:
  • Charlie Morton had a pretty good start as he went 6.1 innings, allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and stuck out nine.
  • The bullpen was absolutely awesome as they worked 7.2 scoreless innings.
  • Joe Blanton in particular was outstanding as he worked three innings, allowed zero runs on one hit and stuck out six.
  • Chris Stewart continued to be a reliable contributor as he had the go-ahead pinch-hit single in the 14^th inning. He went 1-1 with an RBI.

• What went wrong:
  • Charlie Morton may have stayed in the game a bit too long as he allowed two seventh inning home runs that allowed the Braves to tie the game.
  • Michael Conforto had a solid game for the Mets. Going 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
  • Gregory Polanco had a rough night on the base paths as he was caught stealing and picked off.
  • Pirates committed two errors, including a vital one by Aramis Ramirez that allowed the Mets to tie the game on a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Joe Blanton was pivotal in the Pirates securing a series victory. They then turned to Jeff Locke for a series sweep as Robin took on The Dark Knight.

Next: Game Three: Locke v. Harvey

Aug 16, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. The Pirates defeated the Mets 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Game Three: Jeff Locke (6-7, 4.43ERA) vs. Matt Harvey (11-7, 2.61ERA)

Result: Pirates win 8-1

Winning Pitcher: Arquimedes Caminero (4-1, 3.62ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Bobby Parnell (1-3, 5.59ERA)

• What went right:
  • Jeff Locke almost matched Harvey pitch for pitch. He went 5.1 innings, allowed one run on four hits and struck out five.
  • Arquimedes Caminero helped Jeff Locke out in a big way, coming into the game and escaping a two-on, one out jam.
  • Gregory Polanco had the go-ahead RBI again. He went 2-6 with an RBI and a run scored.
  • Aramis Ramirez had his best game since returning to the Pirates. He went 4-5 with three RBI and a run scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Chase d’Arnaud was the Mets offense as he went 2-3 with a home run, an RBI and a run scored.
  • Matt Harvey had a solid outing as he went six innings, allowed one run on seven hits and struck out six.
  • Jeff Locke didn’t bunt with a runner on first and nobody out and hit into a double play.
  • There was a 42 minute rain delay.

Next: Final Thoughts

Aug 16, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Baseball is a game of ups and downs. It’s a game where you lose two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals and then sweep the New York Mets on the road. The Pirates’ last nine games were against all the current National League division leaders and they went 7-2 in those games. I don’t think even the most cynical fan can complain about this recent stretch of baseball. The Pirates also swept the leaders in both the West and the East. While losing two of three to the Cardinals was annoying, you cannot deny the Pirates played mostly solid baseball in the nine game stretch.

The Pirates have the San Francisco Giants coming into town next weekend, but before that they most focus on the under .500 Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s really easy to play focused and intense baseball against division leaders, but the true sign of a great team is playing with the same level of intensity against struggling ball clubs and I think we’ve seen the Pirates do that a lot this season. You don’t lead the league in sweeps without having a killer instinct.

Series Result: Pirates win 3-0

2015 win/loss record: 69-46

2015 series record: 19-13-5

Next: The Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen is becoming a force to be reckoned with