PHILADELPHIA -- Wilmer Flores had been out of the starting lineup five of the previous six games as Ruben Tejada instead started at shortstop.
Given a chance Monday, Flores made the most of the opportunity.
Wilmer Flores
#4 SS
New York Mets
2014 STATS
- GM15
HR1
RBI7
R3
OBP.283
- AVG.240
He delivered a two-run double in the sixth that snapped the Mets’ 0-for-14 drought with the bases loaded. Again batting with the bases loaded in the ninth, he delivered a grand slam to cap the scoring in the Mets’ 11-2 win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Flores’ six RBIs doubled his previous career high, although he is still batting a modest .240 this season.
“It felt good,” Flores said. “I’ve been struggling the last couple of games. I didn’t feel good my first two at-bats. As the game was going, I made adjustments. I put a good swing on it.”
Flores acknowledged the lack of regular playing time has made it difficult to stay sharp.
“It has, but if I want to be up here, that’s the way it’s going to be,” he said. “I’m getting used to it.”
Flores at least is healthy. Both ankles were cranky last year after his call-up. As a result, he was swinging with all arms rather than driving the ball with any authority. He hit only .211 in 95 at-bats at the major league level in 2013.
“Thank god I’m healthy this year,” Flores said. “Tonight meant a lot. I just want to prove to them that I can do the job. I know I’m good and I can do this.”
