On Assignment – Games Three and Four – 2015 World Series

Welcome from the Big Apple! Why a combined 2015 World Series Games 3 and 4 recap? Because, quite honestly, even though the Mets had a big night in Game 3, there were, at least from where I was positioned in the “outside first” photo box, no pictures that really stood out.

A view from Citi Field during Game Four of the 2015 World Series my photo position. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Baseball can be like that. Some games just aren’t made for still pictures… Hah! So… I’ve combined Games 3 and 4 together here.

Noah Syndergaard pitched the Mets to a 9-3 win in Game Three of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Noah Syndergaard was one of the stories of Game 3 along with a revitalized Mets offense which helped get the Mets back in the Series with a 9-3 win.

Even Keith Hernandez showed up on Halloween at Citi Field prior to Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos) — Even Keith Hernandez showed up on Halloween at Citi Field prior to Game Four of the 2015 World Series. I don’t know, to me, Keith sure looks a little like John Franco too… (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Game 4 was on Halloween… Nothing like Halloween in New York! The last time I was here for Halloween was during the 2001 World Series when Derek Jeter became “Mr. November”. That was one memorable night!

Derek Jeter emotions were high as he acknowledges the Yankee Stadium faithful after hitting a dramatic, 11th inning walk off game winning home run off of Arizona reliver Byung-Hyun Kim. (© 2001 Ron Vesely - All Rights Reserved) — Derek Jeter emotions were high as he acknowledges the Yankee Stadium faithful after hitting a dramatic, 11th inning walk off game winning home run off of Arizona reliver Byung-Hyun Kim. (© 2001 Ron Vesely – All Rights Reserved)

This night began with what, for the first 5 innings, looked like it was going the produce a different New York hero, Michael Conforto. Conforto hit not only one, but two solo home runs to give the Mets a chance.

Royals outfielder Alez Rios watches the Mets Michael Conforto's first home run land during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos) — Royals outfielder Alez Rios watches the Mets Michael Conforto’s first home run land during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

The "Big Apple" does it's thing as Michael Conforto rounds the bases after hitting his second home run of the night during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos) — The “Big Apple” does its thing as Michael Conforto rounds the bases after hitting his second home run of the night during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

But squandered offensive opportunities by the Mets kept the Royals in the game. And that’s dangerous, because the Royals are a great comeback team.

The Royals dynamic duo of Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer loosen up in the on deck circle during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

And when they do get the ball rolling, it usually results in a big inning and on this Halloween night that was again the case as the big boys, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez kicked it into high gear in the eighth inning and didn’t squander their opportunity and took the lead against Mets closer Jeurys Familia.

Daniel Murphy boots Eric Hosmer's ground ball in the eighth inning of Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos) — Daniel Murphy boots Eric Hosmer’s ground ball in the eighth inning of Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Consecutive walks to open the eight by Mets hurler Tyler Clippard put Familia in a tough spot, and the Royals capitalized when Mets second baseman and NLCS MVP Daniel Murphy booted a ground ball hit by Eric Hosmer which allowed Ben Zobrist to score the tying run.

Lorenzo Cain slides safely into third base during the eighth inning of Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

One batter later, Mike Moustakas singled scoring Lorenzo Cain with what turned out to be the eventual game winning run.

Kansas City Royal Lorenzo Cain celebrates after scoring on the error by the Mets Daniel Murphy in the eighth inning of Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos) — Kansas City Royal Lorenzo Cain celebrates after scoring the go ahead run during the eighth inning of Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

The rest was pure Royals as they plated two more runs to take a 5-3 lead, which allowed the Royals the luxury to bring in closer Wade Davis to start the bottom of the eighth and earn a 6 out save.

Wade Davis pitches for the Kansas City Royals during Game Four of the 2015 World Series. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Yoenis Cespedes was doubled off of first base on a liner hit by Lucas Duda to end the game and put the Royals up 3 games to 1 and set up a potential World Series clincher tonight in Queens.

Yoenis Cespedes is doubled off of first base to end Game 4 as Eric Hosmer reacts. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos)

Will that be, or will I be heading back to Kansas City for some barbecue and baseball Monday morning? The Mets have Matt Harvey on the bump versus Edison Volquez for the Royals.