And By The Way… Miguel Batista Pitched A Gem Yesterday

BATISTA TOSSES A GEM IN SEASON FINALE

Lost amid all the celebration and controversy of Jose Reyes leaving yesterday’s game in the first inning and ultimately securing the batting title, was the brilliant effort by 40-year old starter Miguel Batista.

The veteran right-hander tossed a heck of a game – a complete game two-hitter that helped the Mets end their season on a positive note with a 3-0 victory over the Reds at Citi Field.

It was only the second complete game shutout of the season for the Mets, the other was tossed by Chris Capuano just a few weeks ago.

Batista, who was signed over the summer as an insurance policy, certainly earned at least a spring training invite as a reward for his solid performance. In three of his four September starts for the Mets, he lasted at least six innings and allowed two runs or fewer.

“After 17 days without starting a game and going out there and throwing a shutout, I don’t know what else I can do. I don’t know if they expected me to pitch a perfect game, but at least I proved I’m not too old for the shutout. I would like to come back next season, why not?”

Nice job by Miguel. We certainly could have used a few more starts like this one in 2011.