1
2009
Pelfrey Outduels Gallardo, Mets Edge Brewers 1-0
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The Mets salvaged the final game of the series and avoided a second consecutive sweep thanks to starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey. The game looked like a colossal mismatch on paper as another makeshift Mets lineup took on one of the best starting pitchers in the game in Jovani Gallardo.
Gallardo absolutely dominated the Mets and struck out 12 batters, but in the sixth inning the Mets were able to get to him when Luis Castillo led off with a ground rule double and came around to score on a base hit by Ryan Church. That run would end up being the only score of the game.
Mike Pelfrey was the big story today as he had his sinker working and his fastball had great explosiveness up in the zone. Pelf pitched a season high 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just six hits (all singles) and two walks while striking out six.
What impressed me most about Pelfrey was how he managed to dig down deep when he was in trouble and induce the groundball when he absolutely needed one, including two which were turned for double plays. Pelfrey improves his record to 6-3, and in the process he helped the Mets snap their five-game losing streak. Nice job Pelf!
Frankie Rodriguez came in to pitch the ninth inning and preserve the one run lead, but he had to face the heart of the order to do it. Ryan Braun immediately greets K-Rod with a sharp single to get things started and suddenly things started to get dicey with Prince Fielder at the plate representing the winning run. Fielder scorched a Rodriguez fastball up the middle which Alex Cora snared for an out preventing all hell from breaking loose. Rodriguez managed to get the next two batters to ground out, and earn his 21st save of the season.
This was a much needed win, and hopefully the Mets can fare better in July (1-0) than they did in June (9-18).
Obviously, the offense is still struggling mightily, but on this day, one run was enough to win.
Great job by Pelfrey who went out and delivered the type of performance we were all expecting yesterday from our ace, Johan Santana. Tomorrow we go to Pittsburgh to play that makeup game. Redding will be on the mound and oppose Paul Maholm. Lets win another one…
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
Went to my first Mets game, a Mayors Trophy game at Shea, in '73. We beat the Yankees 8-4 and I was hooked. I marched in two Banner Day parades, and before the Grand Slam single, there was the "Hendu Can Do" grand slam - I was there. I've collected Mets memorabilia all my life and started Mets Merized Online to feed my addiction.
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So glad Big Pelf brought his Big Self to the mound today! Considering the troubles the Mets have had at PNC Park over the past few years, today’s win at Miller Park was huge! They need to stay within three games of the Philthies to give extra meaning to this weekend’s holiday extravaganza at CBP.
The Mets do well every other month. They went from a 9-12 April to a 19-9 May to a 9-18 June. They’re due to have a hot July, but then again, I’m an eternal optimist. Hey, last year they entered the All-Star Break on a long winning streak. Maybe it’ll be deja vu all over again!
Pelf just gave a Mets a big boost. Time to walk the Pirates the plank.
I have to eat my hat as I had the game in the L column before it was played. I guess that’s why they play the game; sometimes the little guy wins. Pelfrey showed the ability to suck it up and control his emotions. He did not lose it after his latest balk. The defense was consistent for a change giving the pitcher’s performance the support it deserves. No offense except for 2 timely hits which amazingly was enough to carry the day with the opponent’s ace on the mound. A professionally played game for a change and the end of a miserable losing streak. The Mets played well enough today to dodge a bullet and for at least a day Mets fans need not be embarrased. Let’s hope we see more of today’s Big Pelf in the weeks to come!
It was a great win. I loved it
I am in complete shock that the Mets are only 2 gms back. I really dont think the Phillies can win the East with their pitching. It seems like every other night one of their starters get rocked. If the Mets can hold on just a little bit longer their may be a chance. I think they need to go get Huff. A left hand bat with some pop would be huge for this lineup and take some pressure off D Wright. Huff fits much better than Nick Johnson because when Carlos Delgado comes back Huff can play the outfield and well, Nick Johnson cant even play first base that well.
The Mets need to make a move if they are going to hang in close to the Phils. Huff appears to be the best choice at this time or Dunn as another alternative. We need to get one of these. To those who say one guy can’t fill all the holes so why bother, I say you have to start somewhere and start with just 1 be it Huff or Dunn. Obviously one of these guys is not going to fill ALL the holes, but how about starting by filling just 1. This will help keep the gap to 1st place under control until the injured return.
VERY impressive by Pelfrey. That was Santatna-like in the way he stepped it up like that. He won the game for us this time, no two ways about it.