If Syracuse Mets announcer Evan Stockton had a nickel for every time he predicted a home run in the same game, he’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.
Stockton might want to play the lottery.
🔮 Full-time broadcaster, part-time psychic@evstockton predicted not one…but TWO home runs yesterday 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NaGTs8dJSW
— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) April 29, 2024
Carlos Cortes, who finally made his way off the developmental list, stepped up to the plate during Sunday’s game against the Columbus Clippers. The New York Mets Triple-A affiliate was already down 3-0 when the 26-year-old outfielder stepped to the plate.
And that’s when Stockton noted that “it feels like Carlos Cortes is due for a big blow.”
He was right, as Cortes drilled the first pitch he saw over the right field fence for a grand slam, giving Syracuse a 4-3 lead.
“Here comes the pitch. Breaking ball, in the air, deep right field, (Johnathan) Rodriguez turns. Goodbye. Home run. Grand Slam, Carlos Cortes. And the Mets have rocketed in front 4-3.”
An inning later, with Columbus (Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate) having tied the game at four apiece, top prospect Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald, stepped up to the plate. Down 1-2 in the count with a runner firmly placed on second base, Stockton again made a note that perhaps Acuña, who hasn’t had a home run since his second at-bat of the minor league season, was also due.
“He’s got a triple this week,” Stockton mentioned. “He’s got a double this week. You feel like Acuña is about to run into one.”
That he did.
“Swing and a high fly ball hit well to center field, (Daniel) Schneemann going back and looking up — Acuña did just run into one. The Mets have got the lead.”
And Stockton now has a viral moment. Calling his shot—not once but twice—is impressive in itself. If he keeps it up, perhaps he’ll have more opportunities to call his shot at the next level.
[Syrcause Mets on X via Sports Illustrated]
