Mets crediting something other than Grimace for hot streak

Much has been made about the fact that the New York Mets posted a 7-0 record after McDonald's mascot Grimace tossed out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of a home game last week.

New York players instead are crediting the return of young catcher Francisco Alvarez to the lineup for the club's unexpected winning streak.

"It’s always great having him back," first baseman Pete Alonso said about Alvarez after the two helped the Mets rally back from behind to earn a 7-6 win at the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, per John Flanigan of SNY. "We definitely missed him. He’s one of those guys who is a workhorse and he’s super talented. He can change the game with his bat and he does a great job behind the plate in all aspects of the game."

Alvarez suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb on April 19 that left him needing surgery and kept him out of the big league lineup until he returned to action on June 11. 

The 22-year-old's power at the plate, work with the pitching staff and overall energy has offered an injection of life for a Mets team that seemed destined to become a seller ahead of the July 30 MLB trade deadline earlier this month.

"Is it different when he’s in there? Sure," outfielder Brandon Nimmo said about Alvarez. "He’s just a heck of a competitor and an amazing ballplayer both defensively at catcher and offensively. He loves to compete and he wants the big situations."

Specifically, Flanigan noted that the Mets went 17-1 in their last 18 games with Alvarez in the lineup ahead of Wednesday's action. According to Joe Pantorno of amNewYork Metro, the Mets went 13-1 over Alvarez's last 14 complete games played through Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday, Alvarez delivered a clutch game-tying double in the top of the eighth inning before Alonso produced a game-winning hit in the ninth: