Mets got clutch production from DHs in Game 1

There were a lot of keys to the New York Mets' success in their NL Wild Card Game 1 victory over the Brewers on Monday.

Luis SeverinoThis is a brave excursion. Jose Iglesias' All-time heart and hustle game that kicked off a monster five-run fifth inning. Carlos Mendoza Press all the right buttons at crucial moments. An electric outing from the bullpen.

All of these factors were crucial in helping New York pull off a statement win and move one step closer to promotion to the NLDS.

And yet, the crucial hits the Mets got from their two designated hitters were arguably the most important ingredient in their Game 1 win.

Photo by Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

GET THROUGH WHEN IT'S MOST IMPORTANT

Jesse Winker And JD Martinez were practically no factors in the month of September. The duo combined for just nine hits, one home run, two doubles, eight RBIs and 25 strikeouts in 97 at-bats. Still, until the end of game 1, Both had come up with monster hits that proved to be huge in the overall context of the game.

It all started with Winker. The former Mets hitter singled with two runners on top and the Brewers took an early 2-0 lead. Stand up to the right Freddy PeraltaWinker forced a full count in a truly gutsy shot. Consequently, the veteran put himself in position to hammer a changeup to right field and drive in two runs with a triple.

Suddenly the Mets found themselves in a tied game. And Winker overcame an 0-for-15 loss to improve to 7-for-20 in his career against Peralta. Furthermore, Winker's celebration brought his teammates to life and gave the away team's game a much-needed boost of energy. He managed all of this despite missing several games due to back strain.

Winker's productive and timely strike flipped the script.

From there, the Mets rallied for five runs in a gigantic fifth inning sparked by Iglesias' epic hustle play. Thanks to a 6:4 lead Mark Vientos' Two-run single, it was time for Martinez to get in the game. The veteran, who is familiar with hitting in the postseason, replaced Winker at DH as a pinch-hitter.

Photo by Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Rebound

Without a doubt, Martinez was in his worst shape as a pitcher before Game 1. He recently experienced an 0-for-36 slump, the highest of his career. It was also the longest streak without a hit by a Met this year. Martinez had suddenly become an anchor, weighing down the entire lineup. He hurt his team more than he helped them.

But as all great hitters can, Martinez flipped a switch as postseason play began and the stakes rose. Take on a left-handed player Aaron AshbyMartinez fell behind 0-2. It looked like his recent titanic struggles would continue. But again, the six-time All-Star has built his career on making big hits when it matters most. Especially in October. Because of that pedigree, Martinez was able to fight back and send a curveball to right field with a two-run single. That made the score 8-4, and those runs were the last to be scored. Martinez's hard hit sealed and iced Game 1 for the Mets.

As much as Iglesias' use of sheer hustle changed the tenor of the game, Winker and Martinez's clutch bats were crucial. Strong production from the DH spot is necessary, especially in the late season. Furthermore with Francisco Lindor still clearly not right and Pete Alonso With the Mets still unable to truly take over games, they will need Winker and Martinez to step up.

That's exactly what both players did in Game 1. And you can argue that the two designated hitters coming through in big spots ultimately provided the big swing in the opening game of the Wild Card Series.