ST. LOUIS - Have had a bit of a conundrum that might not be able to play out in the reality world as it has in this OOTP 20 simulation.
Because of how effective Dominic Smith has been facing right handers, I've done the unthinkable and platooned him with Pete Alonso. That situation has been easier for the past few weeks due to Alonso's battle with some minor injuries but for the first game in St. Louis, had to go with Smith.
What we got in return with the Dominator. Smith belted a pair of home runs and drove in three as the Mets picked up their fifth straight win, topping the Cardinals, 7-2.
Smith was in the mix of a fast start, belting a solo shot in the first and Wilson Ramos followed two batters later with a two-run shot as the Mets sent nine to the plate in the initial frame to build a 4-0 lead.
Dom sealed the victory with a two-run blast in the seventh.
Got another solid showing from Steven Matz...to the point beginning to wonder if he knows he's on the trading block and is showcasing his wares. He worked out of trouble in the first, leaving the bases loaded, and third, when he stranded two, and went five to move to 2-3.
Matz was backed by a strong bullpen showing as Jeurys Familia, Seth Lugo, Dellin Betances and Brad Brach each threw an inning of relieft to nail down the triumph.
