Mets To Host Celebration Of Queens Thursday Night

 

On Thursday night, when the Mets take on the Miami Marlins, they will host their second annual A Celebration of Queens Culture.

NYCFC Knocks Off Nashville

 

NYCFC celebrates their game-tying goal late in the first half. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club overcame an early deficit and a lengthy weather delay in the middle of the game to earn a 2-1 win over Nashville SC on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.

Mariners Take Long & Winding Road To Beat Mets Late

 

Cal Raleigh approaching third base on his second inning home run. Photo by Jason Schott.

It was The Beatles Night at Citi Field on Friday night, and Francisco Lindor gave the Mets plenty to twist and shout about early, but the Seattle Mariners took the long and winding road to an 11-9 win.

Battle of the Badges This Sunday At Citi Field

 

The Mets will host Battle of the Badges this Sunday, August 17, at 4:10 p.m. at Citi Field, as the New York Police Department takes on the Fire Department.

St. John's Holds Open Practice

 

St. John's Head Coach Rick Pitino overseeing practice Tuesday. Photos by Jason Schott.

The defending Big East Champion St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team held an open practice on Tuesday at Carnesecca Arena.

Amazin' Mets Foundation Legacy Award Presented To Sarah Langs

 

Mets Owner Alex Cohen with Manager Carlos Mendoza and Legacy Award recipient Sarah Langs and her family. Photo by Jason Schott.

On Wednesday morning, in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field, the third annual Amazin' Mets Foundation Legacy Award was presented to Sarah Langs, a researcher at ESPN who is an ALS advocate as she battles the debilitating disease.

Mets To Host Beatles Night In Honor Of Legendary Shea Show

 

The Beatles' landmark performance at Shea Stadium occurred 60 years ago, in 1965, and the Mets, in their new ballpark next door, Citi Field, will be hosting The Beatles Night next Friday night, August 15 - the exact anniversary - when they take on the Seattle Mariners at 7:10 p.m.

Soto Saves Day As Mets Thisclose To Being No-Hit By Guardians' Hurler

 

Gavin Williams firing one in to Pete Alonso in the seventh inning. Photo by Jason Schott.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams nearly earned a moment in history against the Mets on Wednesday at Citi Field.

NYCFC's Upcoming Match At Citi Field Pushed Back

 

NYCFC was in action against Toluca in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club's upcoming match at Citi Field, which was set for this Saturday, August 9, against the Columbus Crew, has been rescheduled due to necessary field maintenance.

Leagues Cup: NYCFC Taken Out By Toluca

 

Toluca fans celebrating their tying goal late in the first half. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club lost a hard-fought battle with Deportivo Toluca FC, 2-1, in the Leagues Cup at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Alonso Hits No. 250, Closes In On Mets Team Record

 

Pete Alonso at bat in the first inning on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jason Schott.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is on the verge of making team history, and that became closer to reality on Saturday. 

In the first inning of the Mets’ 12-6 win over the San Francisco Giants, Alonso crushed a three-run home run to left-center field off Kai-Wei Teng.

This was the 250th home run of Alonso’s career, making him the 23rd active player to reach that plateau.

More importantly, it pulls Pete within two of Darryl Strawberry’s Mets franchise home run record of 252.

It was Alonso’s 24th homer of the season, and the second straight game he has hit one. His solo shot on Friday night broke an 0-for-19 stretch.

Alonso now has 86 RBI on the season - fourth-most in MLB, behind only Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suarez, who each have 87, and Cal Raleigh, who leads the way with 88.

That puts him already within two of matching the 88 RBI he had last season. He has had 100 RBI three times in his career - 120 RBI in 2019, a career-high 131 in 2022, and 118 in ‘23.

2019 was also the year he set the MLB rookie record with 53 home runs. He had at least 40 a pair of other times, which won’t be a shock - 40 in 2022 and 46 in ‘23.

On Sunday night, Pete and his wife Haley, along with The Alonso Foundation, will be hosting their inaugural “Movie At The Park” charity event. It will feature a screening of an iconic baseball movie, along with food and drinks, plus much more. All proceeds from the event will benefit his foundation’s core mission of supporting underserved youth, veterans, and animal welfare initiatives.

NYCFC Shuts Out Leon As Leagues Cup Rolls On

NYCFC celebrating their goal in the opening minutes. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club scored a pair of early goals on the way to a 2-0 win over Club Leon SIS on Friday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium in their second Leagues Cup match.

Leagues Cup: Red Bulls Get Walk-Off Win Over Chivas

 

Rafael Mosquera of the Red Bulls sending in this corner kick in the 28th minute. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls won their Leagues Cup opener in thrilling fashion, as they beat Chivas Guadalajara, 1-0, on Thursday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Mets To Host Two-Day Food Drive At Citi Field Starting Friday Night

 

The Mets will host their annual Summer Food Drive pregame this Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 ahead of their games with the San Francisco Giants.

NYCFC Pounded By Puebla In Leagues Cup Opener

NYCFC's Seymour Reid looks to gain position against a Puebla player. Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club lost the opening game of the Leagues Cup, as they were shutout by Mexican side Club Puebla, 3-0, on Tuesday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium. 

Jonny Jolts NYCFC Early, Martinez Delivers Late In Dallas

 

Jonny Shore after his goal. Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club closed out their road trip with a 4-3 win over FC Dallas on Friday night.

St. John's Releases Non-Conference Schedule

 

The scene during St. John's win over Connecticut on February 24. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team released its complete non-conference schedule for the upcoming season.

NYCFC Knots Kansas City As Road Trip Rolls On

 

Andres Perea in action Saturday night. Photo courtesy of NYCFC.

New York City Football Club earned a 1-1 draw at Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.

Manaea Returns To Rotation As Mets Open Second Half

 

Sean Manaea throwing one by Elly De La Cruz in the first inning. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Mets opened the second half of the season on Friday night at Citi Field, and it also marked the long-awaited return to the starting rotation for Sean Manaea.

Red Bulls Roar Back To Take Down Revs

 

The Red Bulls celebrate one of their many late goals. Provided by the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls beat the New England Revolution 5-3 - with all five goals coming in the second half - on Wednesday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Books: Summer Reads From Jaclyn Westlake, Amy James, & Simon Toyne

 

Lucky Break

By Jaclyn Westlake

Avon; paperback, $18.99; Ebook, $12.99; Digital Audio, $27.99; available today, Tuesday, July 15th

Jaclyn Westlake is the author of the novel Dear Dotty and an alumna of the Stanford Continuing Studies novel writing program. A recruiter turned career advice columnist, her work has appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, and Inc. She lives in California with her husband and their dachshund mix, Indiana Jones, who can be called Indy.

St. John's & adidas Announce Partnership

 

The St. John's Athletic Department announced on Monday that adidas will become its new official footwear, uniform, apparel, and accessory partner.

NYCFC, Red Bulls Fall On Road

 

NYCFC's Hannes Wolf in action Saturday night in Charlotte. Photo by Jason Schott.

Saturday night was a tough one for the local MLS soccer teams, as New York City Football Club was shutout at Charlotte FC, 2-0, while the Red Bulls also fell, 2-0, to the Philadelphia Union. 

NYCFC Notches Historic Win Over Toronto At The Stadium

 

 The sky above Yankee Stadium during the game after rain moved through ahead of the match. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club rolled to a 3-1 win over Toronto FC in front of a crowd of 19,395 at Yankee Stadium.

Mets Split Doubleheader With Brewers

 

Clay Holmes firing one in to Sal Frelick in the fifth inning of Game 1. Photo by Jason Schott.

After a rain out on Tuesday night, the Mets took the field on Wednesday afternoon to open a day-night doubleheader with the Milwaukee Brewers, their first action since their lost weekend in Pittsburgh.

GAME 1: BREWERS 7, METS 2

The Brewers wasted no time in this one, as Sal Frelick opened the game with a lead-off home run to right field off Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes.

William Contreras followed with a single, but Holmes then struck out Christian Yelich and he retired the following two to get out of the frame.

Freddy Peralta got the start for Milwaukee, and he retired the first six Mets before he hit Jeff McNeil with a pitch to open the third inning.

Luis Torrens then singled, and McNeil raced to third base.

That set him up to score on Brett Baty’s sacrifice fly to center field, and the game was tied at 1.

Milwaukee had a massive chance in the top of the fourth with Holmes walked the bases loaded with one out, but he then got Joey Ortiz to ground into a double play to end the threat.

Juan Soto drew a walk to open the bottom half of the fourth before he stole second base. 

Pete Alonso then laced a single to bring him in, and the Mets led 2-1.

Holmes then retired Milwaukee 1-2-3 in the fifth, and he walked Yelich to open the sixth before getting Jackson Chourio to fly out to right field.

Clay Holmes getting Jackson Chourio to fly out to right field to end his day. Photo by Jason Schott.

That would be all for Holmes, and in came Reid Garrett.

The right-hander was greeted rudely by Brice Turang, who hit a double to left field to bring in Yelich and tie the game at 2.

Isaac Collins then got a single, and Jake Bauers drew a walk to load the bases.

Up came Ortiz for the second time in a row he would have them loaded with one out - this time he took full advantage.

After drawing the count to 3-0 before he took a strike, Ortiz took the 3-1 offering and crushed it to left field, and the Brewers were suddenly up 6-2.

Joey Ortiz celebrates with his teammates after crushing his grand slam. Photo by Jason Schott.

Milwaukee tacked on another run in the eighth when Collins crushed a solo shot in the top of the eighth.

Peralta earned the win for the Brewers, after he went six innings, and allowed two runs (both earned) on two hits and a walk, while striking out six. He is now 9-4 with a 2.91 ERA on the season.

Garrett took the loss, after surrendering four runs in just 2/3 of an inning, and he is now 2-4. 

GAME 2: METS 7, BREWERS 3:

The Mets took the nightcap, as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning, backed by a grand slam from Brandon Nimmo and a solo home run from Francisco Lindor.

Francisco Lindor returning to the dugout after his home run. 

Huascar Brazoban started this one as an “opener,” and after he threw a scoreless first inning, Blake Tidwell threw four shutout innings.

Tidwell was lifted after he allowed three runs in the sixth, but he still earned the win, his first of the season.

Lindor gave the Mets some insurance when he got an RBI single in the sixth and an RBI double in the eighth that made it 7-3.

This was the Mets’ fourth win in their last 18 games, and they are now 49-38.

Books: "The Friday Afternoon Club" By Griffin Dunne, Now In Paperback

 

The Friday Afternoon Club

By Griffin Dunne

Penguin Press; paperback, 400 pages; $21.00

Griffin Dunne has had a storied acting career dating to the 1970s, known for producing and starring in the classic film After Hours, and recently, he played the role of Nicky on the acclaimed show This Is Us. He also directed Practical Magic and the documentary The Center Will Not Hold, about his aunt, the legendary writer Joan Didion.

Red Bulls Match Minnesota Late To Earn Draw

 

Omar Valencia firing in a corner kick in the 8th minute. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls started strong early, and had to finish that way, to earn a 2-2 draw with Minnesota United FC on Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Soto Sparks Mets Just When They Need It

 

Juan Soto rounds first base on his fourth-inning home run. Photo by Jason Schott.

When Juan Soto was in The Bronx for his cameo last season, it was easy to see he was this Yankees' era version of "the straw that stirs the drink," as Reggie Jackson was called when he led them to two World Series titles after a long drought.

Books: "The Love Fix" By Jill Shalvis

 

The Love Fix

By Jill Shalvis

Avon; paperback, $18.99; Ebook, $12.99; Digital Audio, $27.99; available today, Tuesday, June 24th

Jill Shalvis is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any possible  resemblance is mostly coincidental, and her bestselling books can be found at her website, jillshalvis.com, where there's a complete book list and she writes a daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Books: "Every Weapon I Had" By Paris Davis

 

Every Weapon I Had: A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor

By Paris Davis

St. Martin's Press; 320 pages; hardcover, $30.00; EBook, $14.99; available today, Tuesday, June 17th

Paris Davis is a former Green Beret and highly-decorated veteran of the United States Special Forces. His story is one of incredible heroism, as he served the nation in combat during the 1960s, one of the most polarizing times in the nation's history. He felt the effects of the two most pivotal events of that time as a young African-American, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement.

Red Sox Sweep Yankees, Who Commence Their Annual Descent

 

Garrett Whitlock and Connor Wong after Boston won Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Boston Red Sox completed their sweep of the Yankees on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 shutout win at Fenway Park, which begs the question, do the Yankees just suck?

NYCFC Stuns Atlanta With Second Half Blitz

 

Hannes Wolf flew past the Atlanta defense in the 59th minute...

To make it 4-0 NYCFC. Photos by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club got in a rhythm on offense, and it flourished into a full-blown symphony as they routed Atlanta United FC, 4-0, on Thursday night at Yankee Stadium.

One Year Later: From Grimace To Greatness For Mets

 

Jeff McNeil hit a three-run home run in the first inning on Thursday afternoon against Washington. Photo by Jason Schott.

One year ago, June 12, 2024, the Mets got a spark from someone who would become a touchstone as they made their run to a surprise appearance in the National League Championship Series.

Grimace through the first pitch before the Mets beat the Miami Marlins, 10-4.

Brooklyn Digest covered that game, and here’s a sampling from the article, “Mets Mash Marlins On Night That Could Be Model Going Forward”:

“The Mets had one of their most complete games of the season on Wednesday night at Citi Field, as they romped past the Miami Marlins, 10-4. They got solid pitching from David Peterson and Dedniel Nunez, and a trio of home runs from Harrison Bader, Starling Marte, and Francisco Lindor.

The Mets (29-37) set the tone early when Peterson had a strong 1-2-3 top of the first, capped by striking out Josh Bell looking.

“In the bottom of the first against Marlins starter Braxton Garrett, a lefty like Peterson, the Mets offense got off to a fast start. Francisco Lindor led off with a double when Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. misjudged a liner, and then Harrison Bader then crushed one to right field for a no-doubt two-run homer. 

“That gave the Mets center fielder his fourth of the season, and 25 RBI on the season as well.”

The Mets led 5-4, then 8-4 before they “blew it open in the bottom of the eighth when Lindor led off the frame with a solo shot, his 11th homer of the season, and Marte followed with an RBI single that made it 10-4.

“Marte, Bader, and Alvarez had two RBI apiece, while Taylor led the way with four hits, followed by Lindor, Bader, and Marte each notched two hits.

“Peterson improved to 2-0 on the season, but since this was just his third start of the season, his ERA (earned run average) jumped from 3.09 to 4.32.”

A year later, Peterson is 5-2 with a 2.49 ERA after he threw a complete game shutout in a 5-0 win on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.

As you read, the Mets were 29-37 on this date a year ago, and  that victory began a seven-game winning streak.

The Mets reached the .500 mark, at 39-39, with a 12-2 blowout win over the Yankees at Citi two weeks later.

By July 2, the Mets had won 13 of 17 games, and that extended to 20 wins in 28 games over basically a month, and a record of 49-45 on July 13.

The Mets torrid pace continued through the summer, as they snagged a Wild Card spot with a record of 89-73.

That meant the Amazin’s went an astonishing 60-36 the rest of the way.

On Thursday afternoon, the Mets added one more to that total, as they completed their sweep of the Washington Nationals with a 4-3 win.

Jeff McNeil gave the Mets the early lead with a three-run home run in the first inning off Washington starting pitcher Mike Soroka. 

That was McNeil’s seventh home run of the season and gave him 22 RBI.

Brandon Nimmo got a home run off his own, a solo shot in the fifth that rang off the right field foul pole.

Mets starter Kodak Senga turned in a phenomenal outing, as he surrendered just one hit and one walk over 5 2/3 shutout innings. At one point, he retired 13 straight Washington hitters from when there was one out in the first inning until two out in the fifth.

Kodai Senga pitching to Nathaniel Lowe in the fourth inning. Photo by Jason Schott.

Senga’s afternoon ended in deleterious fashion, as he suffered an injury leaping up to grab a high throw from first baseman Pete Alonso at the bag to nab C.J. Abrams.

Senga came up lame, and was writhing in pain before he left on his own volition, and was promptly removed from the game.

Even though Washington scored three in the ninth to make in interesting, Senga earned the win to improve to 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA.

The Mets are now 45-24, and they have expanded their lead to 5 1/2 games over the Philadelphia Phillies. 

That gives them 105 regular season wins in the past calendar year.

Overall, they’ve won 112 games because they won eight in the playoffs last year as they beat the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies before losing the NLCS to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.

Books: "The River Is Waiting" By Wally Lamb

 

The River Is Waiting

By Wally Lamb

S&S/Marysue Rucci Books; hardcover, 480 pages; $29.99; available today, Tuesday, June 10th

Wally Lamb is the author of six New York Times bestselling novels, I'll Take You There; We Are Water; Wishin' and Hopin'; The Hour I First Believed; I Know This Much Is True; and She's Come Undone. Lamb also was the Editor of two essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women's prison in Connecticut - Couldn't Keep It to Myself and I'll Fly Away. Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife and three sons.

Yankees Must Take Big Picture Approach When It Comes To Rival Red Sox

 

The Boston Red Sox take the field Saturday night. @RedSox.

Friday night at Yankee Stadium was “embarrassing” for the Boston Red Sox, a term used by both starting pitcher Walker Buehler and a WEEI announcer.

Pitino Throws Out First Pitch At Yankee Stadium

 

Rick Pitino on Wednesday night. Provided by St. John's.

St. John's Head Coach Rick Pitino threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night ahead of the Yankees' 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

Parting Schott: Knicks Will Win A Title Before This NY Team

 

Madison Square Garden during a Knicks game this season. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Knicks made the shocking decision on Tuesday to fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau just days after they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers.

Red Bulls Run By Atlanta, Coronel Notches Another Clean Sheet

 

The Red Bulls celebrate after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting made it 2-0. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls, backed by a pair of early, excellent goals, shutout Atlanta United FC, 2-0, on Saturday night in front of a near-capacity crowd of 20,187 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

NYCFC Notches Draw In Nashville

 

Hannes Wolf looking to make a play. Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club tied Nashville SC, 2-2, on the road Saturday, backed by a pair of goals from Hannes Wolf.

Books: "Drive," Bob Harig's Remarkable Book On Tiger, Now In Paperback

 

DRIVE: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods

By Bob Harig

St. Martin's Press; paperback, 320 pages; $20.00

Bob Harig is a writer for Sports Illustrated, formerly of ESPN and the Tampa Bay Times, who has covered Tiger Woods since the very beginning of his career nearly three decades ago. Harig is one of the few authors who has conducted dozens of one-on-one interviews with Tiger, and is the author of Tiger & Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry (click here for our review from April 2022).

Holmes Has Found A New Home In Flushing

 

Clay Holmes fires one in to Chicago's Mike Tauchman in the fourth inning. Photo by Jason Schott.

Clay Holmes established himself as a reliable closer in The Bronx, but it was the team in Flushing that saw what he really could be.

NYCFC Cruises By Chicago As It Climbs Up Standings

 

NYCFC put the game away when Alonso Martinez scored on this penalty kick in the 89th minute. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club won their second in a row with a dominant 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

Books: "Yet Here I Am" By Jonathan Capehart

 

Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home

By Jonathan Capehart

Grand Central Publishing; hardcover, 272 pages; $30.00; available today, Tuesday, May 20th

Jonathan Capehart is a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and a co-host of the morning edition of The Weekend on MSNBC. Capehart is an Associate Editor at the Washington Post, where he also writes an opinion column, and he is an analyst for The PBS News Hour. His career began here in New York with the Daily News, where he was the deputy editorial page editor from 2002-04, and served on the editorial board from 1993-2000. He earned the board a Pulitzer for his editorial campaign in 1999 to save the Apollo Theater.

Books: New Novels From Michael McGarrity & Amita Murray

 

Night in the City

By Michael McGarrity

W.W. Norton & Company; hardcover, 272 pages; $28.99; available today, Tuesday, May 20th

Michael McGarrity is the author of the nationally best-selling Kevin Kerney crime novels, which he concluded in Head Wounds, the acclaimed American West trilogy, and his recent novel, The Long Ago.

NYCFC Takes First Hudson River Derby Of Season

 

The scene after the final whistle. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club was victorious in the first Hudson River Derby of the season, as they shutout the Red Bulls, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 30,804 at Citi Field.