Remembering Mets History (2005) Mike Jacobs Has A Slugging Start To His Career

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Sunday August 21st, 2005: Willie Randolph's Mets (63-60) were in fifth place but just six games put of first place. 

On this day they hosted Frank Robinson's Washington Nationals (69-59). Kris Benson & the Mets took a 7-4 loss on this day but brought up a young rookie named Mike Jacobs.

 Jacobs came to bat in the 5th inning as a pinch hitter for Juan Padilla. In his first career at bat, he hit a three run HR off Estaban Loaiza. Jacobs would get the start the next day but go 0-4 in a 4-1 Mets win at Arizona.

Tuesday August 22, 2005: The Mets had a huge offensive night on this date, scoring 14 runs bashing out 17 hits. David Wright had a three-hit night, driving in a pair of runs. Ramon Castro had a bigger night driving in five runs with two hits. That night two young Mets players Victor Diaz & Mike Jacobs both drove in two runs each.

 Jacobs was now seeing regular playing time as Doug Mientkiewicz & Chris Woodward were the clubs main first basemen. In the 5th inning, Jacobs connected with a HR off Claudio Vargas, a two-run shot scoring David Wright.

 Wednesday August 24th, 2005: The Mets exploded for their biggest night of the year this evening. They scored 18 runs on 20 hits, coming up with two five run innings. David Wright had a four hit, two HR night. Jose Reyes had four hits, a HR & drove in four runs. Kaz Matsui also had three hits, Ramon Castro drove in two more runs as did pitcher Jae Seo. 

The other big hitter that night was once again Mike Jacobs. Jacobs had four hits, connecting for two HRs, the first a two-run shot off Russ Ortiz in the 2nd inning & the other a 9th inning solo shot off Jose Valverde.

Jacobs had hit four HRs in just 12 at bats, impressing everyone with his power, and became the talk of the ball club. The Mets were on a win streak with him in the line up & got to within a game of the wild card lead but soon faded away.
Jacobs finished the year with 11 HRs in just 100 at bats & was being labeled the slugging first baseman of the Mets future. This didn't work out, that winter he was sent to the Florida Marlins for Carlos Delgado. 

He had a couple of good years; hitting 32 HRs with 93 RBIs in 2008, but injuries as well as other setbacks, had him only play in seven MLB seasons.

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