The Mets are winning again and are 17-9 in their last 26 games. Good starting pitching and timely hitting have certainly helped, but the bullpen has been absolutely phenomenal. The Mets bullpen has allowed only six earned runs in 51 1/3 innings in May, for a 1.05 ERA.
Jason Isringhausen has been more than anyone could have expected. He has locked onto that setup role and has become the perfect bridge to K-Rod. Last night, it was a joy to watch Izzy befuddle the Yankees in the eighth inning as he struck out Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez in succession, and then induced Cano to hit a weak grounder for the third out. Isringhausen has a 1.80 ERA this season.
Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez is on fire. Last night he shut down the Yankees in the ninth inning, throwing just ten pitches. It was Rodriguez’s fourth save in five chances as a Met against the Yankees and 17th save of this season. K-Rod also extended his scoreless innings streak to 19. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last 18 games — since April 17. Manager Terry Collins raved about him. “I don’t know how to describe him. He’s fearless.”
Southpaw Mike O’Connor also continues to amaze. In six appearances, O’Connor has limited opponents to one hit, one walk and one hit batter in 5 2/3 innings. He has yet to give up a run in six appearances and has looked overpowering at times.
The Mets bullpen has been one of the best in the league for well over a month now, and last night’s shutdown of the Yankees was just business as usual for Mets relievers who just go out night after night and simply dazzle.
