Producing early power, Mets' A.J. Ewing matches Joe Morgan's 1965 productive defeat

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Producing early power, Mets' A.J. Ewing matches Joe Morgan's 1965 productive defeat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tyler Tolbert garnered most of the post-game attention following Tuesday's wild 16-12 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Kansas City Royals' outfielder deserved the spotlight after tying an MLB record for 12 consecutive hits and collecting back-to-back five-hit efforts.

Still, it's tough to overlook what New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing accomplished in defeat.

The 21-year-old rookie went 4-for-4 with four runs scored and a stolen base. He also continued an unforeseen power surge with a home run. Only two players in MLB history have compiled a similar single-game statline, ending with a team loss. Future Hall of Famer Joe Morgan did so as a member of the Houston Astros on July 8, 1965.

The Mets' leadoff hitter the past three games, Ewing, who also drew a walk, reached base during all five plate appearances Tuesday. He also drove in three runs. His second-inning, two-run homer came on a first-pitch, 77-mph sweeper from Royals starter Seth Lugo. With two homers during his past three games, the 5-foot-10, 160-pounder is displaying home-run ability beyond his age.

In 52 MLB outings, Ewing amassed six homers. In 124 minor-league games last season, he compiled three.

If Ewing's power stroke develops early, coupled with his defensive ability, the last-place Mets (38-54) could be developing an elite talent.

Mets rookie A.J. Ewing discovering power stroke​

Among his other accomplishments in defeat Tuesday, Ewing became the franchise's first player aged 22 or younger to register four hits, including a homer, and a walk during a single game.

Ewing, who was scheduled to hit leadoff again Wednesday against the visiting Royals, spoke about his recent power surge, insisting he retains a contact-first approach.

"That's not really something I'm pushing for," Ewing said, as reported by SNY Mets. "It's more just line drive stuff, but the fact that I'm getting the ball in the air to the pull side.

"It's cool."

What's also cool? Since Ewing's MLB debut on May 12, the Mets' primary three outfielders' fWAR ratings have been ranked among the top 12:

Player, fWAR, Rank

• Juan Soto, 2.6, second
• Carson Benge, 1.8, eighth
• Ewing, 1.2, tied-12th

Emerging as a home run threat at the top of the batting order, Ewing continues to add extra value to the lineup.

Even in defeat.

More MLB news:​

• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani creating more MLB history with 300th home run
• Nationals' James Wood trending toward MLB leadoff home run record
• Nationals' James Wood surging to create 40-20 history
• Are Yankees SS Jose Caballero's team now?
• Royals score in each inning, achieve rare feat versus Phillies

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