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Mets’ Defense Shines Behind Taijuan Walker

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Mets' Defense Shines Behind Taijuan Walker

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Oh how the tables have turned.

The New York Mets certainly endured their fair share of defensive woes in the first month of the season, but since the calendar flipped forward to May, they are starting to find their footing in the field.

In Wednesday’s 7-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, things were no different. Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker tossed another gem, going seven innings, while giving up just one run on four hits, with four strikeouts and three walks.

And Walker also received some stellar defense, which helped guide him through his latest impressive outing.

“Our defense has been spectacular all year making plays,” said Walker. “It was easy for me to go out there and get quick outs.”

According to Walker, this is the best he has felt since undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2018. On Wednesday, Walker was again in a groove for the second-straight start and it was easy for him to go out there and attack hitters due to the run support and great defense provided by his teammates.

First, it was his outfield making plays, as center fielder Kevin Pillar bailed Walker out in the top of the first with a leaping grab near the wall in left center to avoid Dominic Smith and save an extra base hit.

While some scouts said Pillar’s skills in center field were declining, he has proven these critics wrong so far, filling in for an injured Brandon Nimmo adequately.

“Proving that you are a good center fielder comes with getting the opportunity to go out there and make plays,” said Pillar.

Fast forward to the top of the third, where Michael Conforto, who has been playing a Gold Glove caliber right field, channeled his inner Ron Swoboda with a diving grab in the gap to save another extra base hit.

Bench Mob member Jose Peraza filled in for Jeff McNeil at second base and made his fair share of gems in the field, as well. In the top of the fourth, Peraza made a slick play to snag a one-hop liner, preventing it from going into the outfield for a hit.

Peraza also salvaged a grounder, which Francisco Lindor missed on a dive, by fielding it behind him and throwing to first to get the runner. And later, Peraza made a leaping grab to pick off a rocket to end the eighth inning, getting Robert Gsellman out of a jam.

While the Mets have shown major improvements on defense, manager Luis Rojas isn’t surprised by what they have been able to do given the behind the scenes work they’ve put in on a daily basis.

“The guys have done their routine consistency,” said Rojas. “Gary DiSarcina has taken them out there even on days where we haven’t done batting practice. Their preparation has led them to be better out there consistently.”

During their seven-game winning streak, the Mets pitching staff and offense have carried them. However, their defense has made some superb plays in order to uplift their pitchers and minimize base runners.

The Mets now have their longest win streak since August of 2019. They went 5-0 on their home stand, and are 9-2 to begin the month, the first time they’ve done this in May since 2009.

Following Thursday’s off-day, the Amazins’ will hit the road for a nine-game road trip, but Rojas believes their strong play will translate away from Citi Field, as they’ve gained significant momentum in the last week.

Mets' Defense Shines Behind Taijuan Walker

The post Mets’ Defense Shines Behind Taijuan Walker first appeared on Metsmerized Online.

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