Dickey Dominates, Reyes Ignites Offense, Mets Win 6-4

R.A. Dickey pitched a great game today going eight strong innings and thanks to some good run support on the heels of Jose Reyes, the Mets won 6-4 and won the series against the Braves

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey look substantially better today then he had in his last outing. Although his foot still seemed to be bothering him, specifically when running after batting, he was in control today. Dickey went eight innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out three and walking one. His only run was on a home run to Brian McCann, which was a fastball McCann grooved. Dickey has a mentality when he goes to the mound that hasn’t changed since last season.

Manny Acosta came in for his first appearance of the season, and promptly did what he did a lot of in Buffalo – walk a hitter. He then got a fly out, and gave up a double. His final line was one-third of an inning, one walk, one hit. K-Rod came out for ANOTHER game finish, which is setting him on pace for 63 games finished aka “17.5 Million Reasons To Panic”. Promptly, gave up a three-run home-run to light-hitting Diory Hernandez. After that ordeal, K-Rod went on to strike out the next two hitters swinging. Final line for K-Rod, giving up one run on one hit with two strike outs and one home run allowed.

The bullpen was shown some mercy today, as the usual suspects were not expected to show face after the Mets were in control the entire game. I am sure Izzy, Byrdak, Beato and Parnell were thankful for that.

The offense today was not going to let the Braves get off the hook early, scoring runs in 4 of the first five innings, and knocking Braves starter Tim Hudson out of the game by the bottom of the fifth inning. RBI hits by Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Angel Pagan, Justin Turner, a bases-loaded walk to Ruben Tejada and Jose Reyes scoring on a wild pitch. The offense may not be knocking in major hits, but they are hitting the ball hard, taking extra bases and manufacturing runs,

Carlos Beltran left the game when he fouled a ball off of his calf/shin/ankle while batting left handed. The x-rays came out negative and apparently he is day-to-day, but I would see him taking a game or two off just to ensure it doesn’t get worse before it gets better.

Jose Reyes – 2 for 4 with two runs scored, one RBI and one walk. Continuing to be awesome.

Daniel Murphy – 2 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout.

Ronny Paulino – 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Against a righty, to be expected.

Turning Point

The Mets stepping on the throttle in the first inning.

Game Ball

R.A. Dickey gets the game ball. Take away one home run given up, and it would have been a flawless outing. Saving the bullpen, pitching through pain. Trademarks of a gamer.

On Deck

Tomorrow the Mets will have off, but on Tuesday will open a series against Shawn Marcum and the Milwaukee Brewers. Chris Capuano will be on the mound for the Mets. Game Time is 8:10 P.M.