Numbers: Mets loss could be a win
New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana throws early in the Mets' home opener against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field. (Apr. 5, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Each World Series the Mets captured began with loss.
Sure, those two seasons ended with smiles and champagne, but it began with frustration when the team played its home opener. On April 8, 1969, the Mets lost, 11-10, to Montreal. They lost to St. Louis, 6-2, on April 14, 1986.
And on those occasions the home opener went better for the Mets, the ending wasn't ideal:
-The Mets are 30-20 overall in home openers.
-They're 1-1 in home openers when they lose the World Series.
-They're 3-0 in home openers when they lose in the NLCS.
When the Mets take on the Braves at 1:10 p.m. Thursday to kick off their 2012 season, the numbers are in the Mets' favor for a win—they're 12-3 against the NL East in home openers.
Their most frequent opponent is St. Louis, which they're 7-2 against. They're 7-1 against the Phillies, 4-4 against the Expos and 3-5 against the Pirates.
The Mets have come a long way in home openers since their genesis. They lost their first six openers, and eight of the first nine. But they helped even that out with eight straight home opening wins from 1971-78. Currently, they've lost three of their last four.
But even if Thursday ends up in a loss for the Mets, remember: just because they're eating humble pie in April, doesn't mean they won't be drinking champagne in October.
Cody Derespina's “The Numbers Game” is a Newsday app-only exclusive.
