Being a lifelong Mets fan, the last thing I wanted to hear was that the Kansas City Royals clinched the World Series title. However, it was an exhilarating World Series, with multiple extra-inning games and more than enough drama to go around. Behind a deep lineup, lockdown bullpen and World Series MVP Salvador Perez, the Royals won their first World Series since 1985.
The Royals quickly took the lead in the first inning of Game 1, but the Mets battled back and Jeurys Familia came in to close out the ninth as they led 4-3. All throughout the postseason, the Royals had found a way to come from behind and win in the late innings, and now was one of those times. With a long home run by Alex Gordon to center field, the Royals tied the game and would go on to win in the bottom of the 14th inning with a final score of 5-4.
Game 2 featured a magnificent pitching performance by Johnny Cueto of the Royals. He had been struggling late in the season and throughout the postseason, however when the lights shined brightest, so did he. Cueto pitched a complete game only giving up one run on two hits. Jacob deGrom of the Mets kept them in the game until the fifth inning when he gave up four runs. The Royals would go on to score three more times in the eighth inning and beat the Mets 7-1.
As the Mets entered Game 3 down 2-0, I could not help but think of how the Mets were also down 2-0 when they won the World Series in 1986. Behind young pitcher Noah Syndergaard, the Mets stormed back with their offense, exploding for nine runs and four RBIs by the captain David Wright. The Mets would go on to win by six, 9-3. Once again, I thought of the 1986 Series when the Mets won Game 3 by six runs. Sadly, that’s where the similarities would end.
Game 4 was a heartbreaker for the Mets. Steven Matz gave the Mets five innings of two-run ball and rookie Michael Conforto added two home runs. The Mets led 3-2 going into the eighth inning, however an error by Daniel Murphy allowed the Royals to tie the game and then add two more runs to take the lead. Wade Davis proved once again to be unhittable as he closed out the ninth and the Royals won 5-3.
Game 5 was a must-win for the Mets, and who better to pitch than the “Dark Knight” himself Matt Harvey. Harvey pitched his heart out and the Mets led 2-0 going into the ninth. Although it seemed like he would be taken out after eight innings, lobbying from Harvey and chants of “We Want Harvey” from a raucous Citi Field crowd led manager Terry Collins to keep his starter in to finish the game. This decision would prove costly as Harvey gave up an RBI double to Eric Hosmer and left the game with the tying run on second.
After a grounder by Moustakas moved Hosmer over to third, Salvador Perez stepped to the plate. Perez hit a grounder to third and upon the throw by David Wright, Hosmer dashed towards home. The throw home by Duda was wild and the game was tied. The game remained tied until the top of the 12th when the Royals offense exploded for five runs after yet another Daniel Murphy error and with that the Royals went on to win 7-2.
Since 2006, Mets fans have been saying “wait till next year” and in 2015 “next year” finally came. The Mets had a magical run and after a tough series with the Dodgers, and sweep of the Cubs, they found themselves in the World Series for the first time since 2000. They made it farther than anyone expected and I am proud to call myself a Mets fan. Although I would have rather been celebrating the Mets with the rest of the Mets faithful at the Canyon of Heroes, I tip my cap to the Royals. They played hard and well, and they deserved to win. Therefore, I congratulate the Royals and their fans. To the Mets, I thank you for giving me a season to remember and a postseason run that I will never forget. We will see you next year Kansas City; 2016 here we come.
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