Don't count out the Mets just yet

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Whenever you have doubted the Mets this season, they have responded. 

They have done it all season, so there's no reason to believe they will not do it tonight against the Dodgers. They are trailing in the series by two games to one. 

For Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, he has been the change the Mets desired as a franchise.  

They have responded, setting a tone for culture and expectations within the building. Mendoza has gotten this team this far. There is no reason to start doubting him now.

I bring that up for a reason. As the Mets prepare for game four of the National League Championship Series tonight, much of the conversation has centered on catcher Francisco Alvarez's consistent playing time.  

He has started every game this post-season, and in 35 at-bats across three different opponents, he is hitting .143 with 13 strikeouts, one RBI with an on-base of .167 and an OPS of .310. 

He has been dreadful. 

Maybe it is time to give backup Luis Torrens a chance. Mendoza is going to ride the guys that got him to this point. It may work, but maybe it doesn't. But to Mendoza’s credit,  he has had the pulse of this team all season. 

They have consistently responded, and you now know a big reason why. He is a foxhole guy who will continue to believe in his players. Those who struggle still deserve to have their name on the lineup card because they were part of the reason why the Mets are here.

In Mendoza, you should trust him; he has earned that. Until next time, New York, I'm Marc Malusis.