As All-Stars return, Mets bash, blank Cubs

CHICAGO -- For the first time since being named All-Stars, the Mets’ quartet of baseball’s best were all available on Thursday night in their 8-0 series-opening win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Starling Marte and Jeff McNeil each made their return to the lineup -- and reached base multiple times -- after missing the Mets' (56-34) crucial series victory over the Braves this week.

Marte had been sidelined with a left groin injury since Saturday, and he made his presence felt immediately. The 33-year-old, who was just named to his second career All-Star Game, lined a single off of Cubs pitcher Keegan Thompson (7-4, 3.43 ERA) in the first inning, later coming around to score the game's first run on Francisco Lindor's double.

“It’s really just continuing to work, every single day,” Marte said through interpreter Alan Suriel. “Going in to the cage, hitting off the machine, talking to the coaches just to make sure that I'm still in that same rhythm.

“It’s really about continuing to work hard and being prepared whenever I’m ready to actually go into the games.”

Marte added an RBI single in the Mets’ three-run second inning to build an early 4-0 lead over Chicago (34-55).

“It’s not easy, he’ll make you shake your head a couple of times,” said Mets manager Buck Showalter of the way Marte seamlessly slid back into the order. “It’s just a reminder what a splendid athlete he is. He’s gifted.”

McNeil, meanwhile, played in his first game since Sunday, beginning a week he has described as “perfect.” Not only was McNeil named to his second career All-Star team, he is also a new father. McNeil’s son, Lucas, was born on Wednesday, giving him a sense of pride that his manager has noticed.

“There’s someone else depending on you to get a couple of hits,” Showalter joked pregame.

McNeil didn’t get a couple of hits, but he did line a rocket up the middle to lead off the seventh inning -- his first hit as a father.

But those two All-Stars were not the only stellar performers in the Mets’ victory. All-Star Pete Alonso launched his 24th home run of the season, and extended his MLB-leading RBI total to 74 -- tying Mets legend David Wright (2006) for the most RBIs before the All-Star break in Mets history. Alonso’s dinger was his sixth in eight career games at Wrigley Field, as he prepares to defend his T-Mobile Home Run Derby crown Monday in Los Angeles.

Brandon Nimmo fell a triple shy of a cycle, cranking his ninth homer of the season in the process.

The Mets' offense has produced four or more runs 53 times in 2022, and has a remarkable 48-5 record in such contests. But while much has been made of the Mets’ bats, their pitching staff has an ERA below 3.00 in the month of July, and that steadiness on the mound was on display Thursday night.

Carlos Carrasco delivered six shutout innings, striking out six to reach an even 100 K's on the year. Carrasco (10-4, 4.27 ERA) is one of seven pitchers with double-digit wins on the season, joining Tony Gonsolin (LAD), Kyle Wright (ATL) and Tyler Anderson (LAD) as fellow National League pitchers on the list.

“That’s some pretty good company,” Showalter said.

With Max Scherzer off the injured list and Jacob deGrom -- who threw four innings and allowed one unearned run while notching four strikeouts with Triple-A Syracuse in his third rehab start Thursday night -- on his way, Carrasco slots to be the team’s fifth starter on paper in a rotation that leads baseball in strikeout percentage.

“They’re all our number one starter on the night they pitch,” Showalter said of the rotation. “I’m glad everybody loves Carlos’ demeanor, and he’s kind of reminding people how good of a pitcher he’s been in the past and has been this year.”

For a team to be successful, availability is crucial. With McNeil and Marte back in the lineup and deGrom on pace for a return after the All-Star break, things are pointing in the right direction for the NL East-leading Mets.