Keith McPherson’s Casamigos Big Shot of the Night didn’t require much thought, as he said it was an easy decision to shout out Jesse Winker after his big hit against the Brewers in Tuesday’s Wild Card Series opener.
Winker yanked a two-run triple in the second inning to tie the game at two apiece, and he had something to say to Milwaukee shortstop Willy Adames after reaching third base safely.
The two exchanged heated words, and while both declined to get into the nature of the back and forth after the game, but Keith says Winker’s energy is just what the Mets need as they look to make a deep playoff run.
“He broke the game open with that two-run triple, and he talked the talk after walking the walk,” Keith said. “I like that smack talk. I like not being friendly with these guys. I like going into their building, getting it done, and letting them know ‘We’re here. You want the smoke? We’re right here.’”
“This is a guy that has embraced the fans after being a heel and a villain. You could tell he just wanted to help and fit in.”
Winker and Adames were teammates in Milwaukee, but clearly, Winker isn’t out to make or maintain friends with the opponent as New York looks to get to its first NLDS since 2015. Winker has proven to be a smart trade deadline pickup by David Stearns and the Mets, and he wasted no time making that move pay off on the playoff stage.
“You gotta give him his props the way he played and broke that game open,” Winker said. “And I like the smack talk, too. I like him having something to say to Willy Adames.”