Robinson Cano recorded two hits in his first game with the Mets. That feat is more significant for the second baseman than you might think.
The New York Mets newest second baseman, Robinson Cano hit a solo home run in his first at-bat back in New York. It was the first run of their 2-0 win over the Nationals. He later recorded a run-scoring single.
That’s a good excuse to celebrate. Not because it’s an early indication that the deal that brought Cano to Queens is paying off, but because it’s something that Mets second basemen haven’t been able to do.
You see, Mets second basemen haven’t been able to hit on Opening Day. Cano’s first-inning shot was the first Opening Day home run by a second baseman since 2013.
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It was April 1st, 2013 when the Mets were playing the Padres that Daniel Murphy recorded the last hit. He went 2-5 while driving in a run.
On March 31st, 2014, they faced off against the Nationals at Citi Field. Despite scoring seven runs, Eric Young Jr. was hitless in four at-bats while Omar Quintanilla struck out in his only at-bat.
The following year, they faced off against the Nationals again, this time on the road. Murphy went 0-4 that day.
In 2016, they played in a world series rematch against the Royals. The team racked up seven hits in their loss, but in Murphy’s first year gone, Neil Walker went 0-4.
In 2017, they spent opening day at home against the Braves. Walker scored one of the teams six runs but failed to record a hit after going 0-3.
Last season, the Mets were at home again, playing against the Cardinals and it was nearly identical to the performance in 2017. Asdrubal Cabrera scored one of the Mets nine runs but went 0-4.
In total, the five Mets second baseman who played on opening day combined to go 0-20.
Every game counts and seeing as that Cano scored both of the Mets runs, it would have been very different had he not gotten any hits or they had another second baseman.
Maybe this game is proof Robinson Cano still has a lot left in him and can lead the team when it matters.