It’s sort of like seeing your former mate in a new life and happy, really happy. You’re just so happy for the couple.
Yeah, right.
It’s sort of how the Mets must be looking at Justin Turner in their NLDS with the Dodgers. Turner, the former Met, is kicking their butts. He drove in two runs with a third-inning double, which ultimately proved to be the game-winning hit, and made a terrific defensive play as L.A. evened the series and forced Game 5 with a 3-1 victory at Citi Field Tuesday.
“I’m just glad we won. That stuff’s all in the past,” Turner said modestly. “Has no effect on me. I’m a Dodger. Happy to be a Dodger and glad to take the series back to L.A. for Game 5.”
He need not be modest. He has hit safely in every game and is batting .467 (7-of-15) with four doubles and three RBIs. So one team’s released player is another team’s treasure and all that.
“We’re happy they didn’t like him anymore and he was able to come to L.A. because the guy’s been the key cog in the middle of our lineup with Adrian [Gonzalez],” catcher A.J. Ellis said. “We’re not here without those two guys.”
And maybe Turner isn’t there without Marlon Byrd, whom he credits with turning him around during his time with the Mets.
“Meeting Marlon Byrd in 2013 was a huge part of my career,” Turner said. “I started talking to him about hitting, and really kind of turned my year around in 2013 and finished feeling really good. Him and his hitting guy kind of changed my outlook on how I was approaching things … I’ve felt pretty good ever since. I guess I got to thank the Mets for bringing Marlon in here.”
Hey, you’re welcome. Nice way to show your gratitude.
Turner thwarted the Mets to end the seventh inning as well, when at third he snared a smash by Wilmer Flores headed into left field and likely headed for a Mets run. But no.
“We have a rock solid third baseman over there to get us out of the inning,” Ellis said.
“We were in a situation, no doubles, a lot more towards the line than I normally would be with Flores hitting,” Turner said. “[Flores] hit a hard ground ball a step or two to my left, and my main thing was making sure I keep it in the infield. And caught it and got up and made sure I threw a strike over to Gonzo.”
No one was more appreciative than winner Clayton Kershaw, who also marveled about Turner’s bat.
“Honestly, I never thought he’d be this good of a hitter,” Kershaw said. “You know, he’s one of the best hitters in the game. So it’s really, really impressive to see what he’s been able to do since he got to us.”
And left the Mets, who must be just thrilled to see what Turner is doing as a Dodger.