Duda Goes Yard Again & Bullpen Holds In Mets 6-3 Win

Mike Pelfrey had another poor outing, but the offense spearheaded by Lucas Duda’s second home run in two days rallied to snatch a win from the Nationals, 6-3.

Game Notes

Mike Pelfrey took the mound, and as has been a recent theme has not had his best stuff, and when he runs into that one bad inning, it doesn’t end. Pelfrey threw 106 pitches over 4 and two-third innings, giving up three runs on five hits, including five walks and three strikeouts. Pelfrey seemed to struggle with control all game, and took a beating pitch-wise in the fourth inning when he allowed all three runs. Pelfrey seems to just struggle with the mental aspect of the game at this point in his career.

The bullpen today came through in a big way, pitching four and one-third innings of scoreless relief. Ryota Igarashi pitched a clean third of an inning, Josh Stinson went two allowing one hit and one walk while demonstrating his top-notch fastball/slider that could have him in Flushing next year. Jason Isringhausen continued his effective campaign, allowing a hit in one inning. Bobby Parnell, after yesterdays meltdown picked up his fifth save of the season, walking one batter.

A big question/food for thought – why not reduce the role of Ryota Igarashi in the pen, and allow someone who may be pitching for the Mets next year a shot?

The offense today struck early, with Ruben Tejada hitting a two-RBI single in the third inning. After a few quiet innings, Lucas Duda went out and hit another big home run, this time to right center. Willie Harris then hit a two-RBI single, scoring David Wright and Angel Pagan. Mike Nickeas capped off the scoring with a sacrifice that some aggressive baserunning by Jason Bay turned into an RBI sacrifice.

The offense hasn’t been an issue in most of the Mets recent losses, so knowing one side of the equation is working is a positive going into the offseason.

David Wright – 2 for 4 with a run and no strikeouts. Since his return from the DL, David has been driving the ball and has cut his strikeouts dramatically.

Josh Satin – 1 for 2 with a strikeout. Josh got his first MLB hit today playing 1B, congratulations.

Ruben Tejada – 1 for 5 with two RBI batting out of the leadoff spot.

Turning Point

While it only tied the game, the Lucas Duda home run was definitely the momentum swing the Mets needed in the sixth inning.

Game Ball

The entire Mets bullpen gets today’s game ball due to their quality effort covering nearly half of the game only allowing two hits and two walks in four and one-third innings.

On Deck

The Mets will travel to Florida to begin another series against the Marlins. Chris Capuano will take the mound for the Mets, opposing Javier Vazquez. Game time is 7:10 P.M.