If the rest of the World Series is like Game 1 in Kansas City, it’s going to be quite the treat.
The Royals have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series but experts think the Mets are still looking good.
They have red-hot pitcher Jacob deGrom on the mound in Game 2 and he’s given up only four runs since the postseason started.
He told reporters Tuesday he’s going to stick with his usual game plan. Sounds like a good idea — he has tiny 1.80 ERA and has won each of his three starts in the playoffs.
The plan was working early. After three innings the score was tied 0-0.
Mets edge on the mound?
While deGrom’s record has been sharp, his command — well, that of his fastball — hasn’t been. Against the Cubs in the National League Championship Series, he simply adjusted and went to his off-speed stuff. He’s well-rested, having pitched last eight days ago.
His mound opponent is Johnny Cueto, who saw the Mets earlier this year when he was with the Cincinnati Reds. Cueto was terrible in his most recent postseason start, giving up eight runs to the Blue Jays in the ALCS.
“My ups and downs have been — it’s just part of the game,” he said Tuesday. “I’ve pitched some good games, as well. … And all I’m focused on is trying to go out and help this team win.
Volquez mourns father
When Edinson Volquez slipped into the clubhouse after being taken out of Game 1 he was greeted by his wife, kids, brother and Royals General Manager Dayton Moore. They took him into the manager’s office and closed the door.
His father, the man who prodded him to take up baseball, was dead. Daniel Volquez, 63, died in the Dominican Republic from complications of a heart condition, MLB.com reported.
The pitcher and his family flew to the Dominican for the funeral, but Volquez told Royals Manager Ned Yost that he would see the team in New York. Yost said he fully expects to see Volquez on the mound in Game 5, which would be Sunday, if necessary.
Sleep? O-ver-ra-ted!
“It’s the World Series. Nobody gets much sleep,” Yost said after getting just two-and-half hours rest. “It’s kind of exhausting, but it’s exhilarating at the same time.”
Weather forecast
There is a chance of rain Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. “Big plans tonight? An umbrella or poncho could come in handy,” the service’s Kansas City office tweeted. The chance of evening showers was between 30% and 40%.
And folks are hoping for a nine-inning game, because it’s going to get cold overnight. The forecast low is 37 degrees.
