Santana Smooth, Shuts Out Reds 3-0

Johan Santana pitched a complete game shutout, and hit his first MLB home run, and the return of Reyes attributed to the 3-0 win against the Reds.

Game Notes

Johan Santana had something that Mets fans have not seen in a while – life to his fastball, routinely clocking in at 91 MPH and occasionally hitting 92 MPH. Johan parlayed that increase in velocity that may be a sign his arm is finally approaching 100%, into a complete game shutout. Johan allowed three hits, three walks and five strikeouts over the course of his nine innings. Johan dominated the same lineup that worked the Mets yesterday, and all of this provides a great platform. One of the best moments was when Jerry Manuel walked out to the mound after a Jason Bay error on a fly ball, and instead of pulling Johan, left him in. Despite his performance and sometimes lack of dominance, a fan has to love the bulldog demeanor Johan shows when he pitches. He is a competitor to the core.

Johan is a notoriously better second half performer, so lets hope this start can help him carry the momentum into his last start before the All Star break.

The Mets bats were sparked by Mr. Santana’s home run, his first of his career, and Johan drilled it off the foul pole in right field. The bats didn’t put across much, but Jason Bay would add two more runs on a single to center field, scoring Jose Reyes and David Wright

Jose Reyes, in his first game back from injury went 2-4 with a run scored. Only tomorrow will tell if Jose is good enough to go out for the series finale against a right handled pitcher.

Angel Pagan went 0-3, but stole his 16th base of the season. What will happen when Carlos Beltran returns?

David Wright, the NL Player of the Month, went 1-3 with a walk and a run.

Turning Point

The Jason Bay single opened the game up, and even though Johan was dealing, its good to see J. Bay at least manufacture some runs, even if they are through small-ball.

Game Ball

Johan Santana for his phenomenal gutsy outing, throwing strikes and getting outs.

On Deck

The Mets will look to take the win in the series tomorrow, sending out Jonathon Niese who hasn’t lost since May 16th, when he left the game early with an injury. The Reds will send out Bronson Arroyo. Game time is 7:10 P.M.