Mets Three Stars of the Game 4/15/2024 vs Pirates – 1. Bader | 2. Stewart | 3. Houser – 6-3

As has been the case all season, the Mets have taken on one of the powerhouse ball clubs of this early part of the season. Coming into this game, the Pirates narrowly edged us out as the ERA leaders in the National League, but we stole the pitching crown back after putting up 6.

1. Harrison Bader had a very solid performance. While his stat line may not have been the strongest of the team, his vibes and contribution in this game edge out the competition. He went 1-3 with 2 RBIs, a run, and a stolen base. Ah screw it, I wanted to write this straight-laced but I’m giving up. Darth Bader saw y’all talking shit but now he’s staring you down going “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” After a 6th inning reset of the game, Harrison Bader wanted it. He wanted it so badly, he made other people that want things look like they don’t want things. He smashed a 2-RBI line drive double to Left Field so hard that Aroldis Chapman got ejected. He proceeded to take no prisoners, but he did take third then beat out the 4-2 toss to score. Outside of his 8th-inning shenanigans, he was also hit by a pitch in the 6th. His 8th inning baseball clinic, and his turnaround to become a .304 hitter earns Darth Bader the first star of the game. Pray he does not alter the deal further.
2. Go DJ (Stewart), that’s my DJ (Stewart)! As we all expected going into the season and during the first week, DJ Stewart boasts the highest OPS on the team – .932. He continued to make his case to be on the team with a hit, a run, an RBI, a walk, and stolen base. The only thing this man did NOT do was strikeout. This rhino is quickly endearing himself back to the fanbase and reminding us of why we fell in love with him last August as he earns his second star of the game.
3. Doogie Adrian Houser got robbed by known ERA Merchant Drew Smith. Allowing no runs through the first 5 innings, things became rocky during the sixth. Through 5 he went: 5 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 4 BB | 5 K. Personally, I thought he should have stayed seated going into the 6th. Alas, Mendy is the manager and not me. In the 6th he went: .1 IP | 1 H | 2* ER | 1 BB. The 2* is because he allowed 1 run before getting yanked and then Drew Smith let the baserunner score. Was Adrian the biggest contributor to this victory? No. Did he eat 5 innings beautifully, a marked improvement from his previous starts? Absolutely. And that is why he earns the third star of the game.
4. Honorable Mentions: Starling Marte, despite not throwing me a ball yesterday to earn my redemption, went 2-5 and scored a run in the 6th. Jeff McNeil stole first base. HE STOLE FIRST BASE! He also had an RBI stolen as it was classified as a throwing error, but it was really a beautiful throw to the ground. Also, the bullpen continues to hold up. Brooks Raley, Adam Ottavino, and Edwin Diaz all pitched shutout innings combining for 5 Ks over 3 frames.

This game was the epitome of the 2024 New York Mets. We pitch 5 lights out innings, give up 3 in the top of the 6th, steal them right back, and then put the dagger in their throats during the 8th. This is the second day in a row that we took the lead in the 8th. It may be ugly, but a win is a win and this is making for some fun to watch baseball.

Alvarez had an interesting game, but not quite of note for either a star or an honorable mention. Over 4 Plate Appearances, he went 0-2 with a stirikeout and a lineout to Connor Joe. He also walked twice including an RBI walk. Unlike early last year, his issue is not being impatient at the plate and striking out on 4 straight balls. It’s going to be interesting to watch him figure out his hitting slump and hopefully he snaps out of it soon.

Most importantly, it’s time to be back in the New York Groove because the Mets are back to .500! Don’t ever knock me out of the groove again, boys!

Check out the Google Spreadsheet to track the Three Stars of the Game power ranking!