To no one's surprise, New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy was named the 2015 National League Championship Series MVP on Wednesday. The seven-year veteran hit just 14 home runs in 130 regular-season games in 2015 but clubbed four home runs in a four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
Murphy homered in each game of the series, and his eighth-inning blast in Game 4 was the sixth game in a row he left the yard, a Major League Baseball record. His 4-for-5 performance in the Mets' 8-3 victory boosted his batting average in the NLCS to a ridiculous .529 (9-for-17) with four home runs, six RBI and six runs scored.
"I'll get a chance to tell people I played with Babe Ruth," outfielder Curtis Granderson said, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
It was a great series for Murphy, but ESPN Stats & Info reminded everyone he's had a great all-around postseason:
Murphy, who made his first All-Star appearance in 2014, batting .289 with nine home runs and 57 RBI, set a career high with 14 home runs this season. According to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com), after the game even he was a little baffled by his performance.
"I can't explain it. It's such a blessing to contribute to what we've been able to do," Murphy said.
Add Mets manager Terry Collins to the list of those left wondering how this sudden power surge from the second baseman emerged. Even before Murphy homered in Game 4, Collins told reporters he was surprised, but certainly happy.
"I've watched a lot of baseball over the years. I don't think I've seen anybody put on this kind of a show on this stage like he has so far," Collins said. "I mean, even the guys in the dugout, they're baseball guys too, and they're saying the same thing."
Murphy will get a chance to extend his home run record next week on the road in Game 1 of the World Series against the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays.
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