The New York Mets are off to a blistering start to the 2022 season and already separating themselves from the rest of the National League East. But a lot can happen between now and October. Everyone knows that. The Mets know that.
But if you needed any evidence of where the Mets’ fortunes are this season, look no further than Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals. The Mets managed to turn an embarrassing mistake into a “double play” of sorts.
In the fourth inning, the Mets had Juan Soto caught in a rundown and ultimately tagged him out at third base. After that out, Taijuan Walker noticed that Josh Bell was trying to take second base on the play. But the Mets pitcher proceeded to throw the ball (from his knees!) some 10 feet wide and into right field. Same old Mets, right? Not exactly.
Uhhh…
Score it a 5-6-1 fielder's choice with a 9-6 putout. Not technically a double play!
(the Mets will take it) pic.twitter.com/ruxcRXpRie
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 12, 2022
Of course, the Mets still made that entire sequence work in their favor as Bell was thrown out trying to advance to third base. It wasn’t technically a double play, but it was a DOUBLE TOOTBLAN (Thrown Out on the Bases Like a Nincompoop) because Soto just didn’t leave third base after already getting tagged out. It made it impossible for Bell to dive into third — and an easy out for the Mets.
Between seven-run comebacks in the ninth inning and that play, you should take the Mets very seriously. Also, the Nats are very bad.
Fans, though, loved that entire sequence.
