The Mets started began the second half of the season by winning two of three against the Philadelphia Phillies. Things got off to a rough start on Friday night, as the Phillies beat the tar out of the Mets, but things got better for the orange and blue behind the two young pitchers of the future. Here are the 3N3 from this past weekend.
Matt-Tastic: With the series tied at a game a piece, All Star Matt Harvey took the mound on Sunday and was lights out!! Harvey worked seven scoreless innings, striking out ten very frustrated Phillies. Without at doubt, Matt Harvey is the ace of the Mets rotation. Each and every outing makes you believe the Mets will win.
The Doctor Is In: The 1986 Mets will always be the most very special of all Met teams to me. A huge part of that team was Doc Gooden. Over the years Doc has had some problems in life, but it seems that he is finally on the right track. The Mets honored Doc Gooden on Sunday with Dwight Gooden bobble head day. Also fitting for the occasion, Matt Harvey was on the mound. Listening to Doc on the Mets Extra with Eddie C., its clear to see Doc is a huge Matt Harvey fan. Doc also told Eddie he is and will eternally be a Met at heart. it’s great to have Doc back in the fold, and let’s hope the future holds nothing but good things for him.
Back To Back Jacks: On Sunday afternoon David Wright started the scoring with a replay review home run. A few pitches later, it was Marlon Byrd‘s turn to touch ’em all. The two jacks put the Mets up 2-0 and that was all they would need en route to their 5–0 drubbing of the Phils.
What the Heff Happened: Jeremy Hefner got roughed up on Friday night giving up eight runs in two innings. What happened? There’s not much more to say….
Wild Wheeler: Zack Wheeler took the mound Saturday afternoon, in a game that was played in the extreme heat. Zack threw 106 pitches before being pulled with the bases loaded after 4.2 innings. Wheeler did figure in the decision and was his own harshest critic after the game saying he knows that he needs to get better fast. Wheeler belongs in the major leagues, and we’re going to have sit through outings like Saturday’s. We just have to hope that Wheeler his time in the second half wisely, and learns to pitch more efficiently.
Nothing Behind The Plate: John Buck is a lifetime .234 hitter. This season he’s batting .219. Anthony Recker is even worse. I know, I know, Buck was brought in as a mentor to Travis d’Arnaud. With d’Arnaud injured we mostly likely will not see him until September, if then. Recker has shown some pop behind the plate, and I think he deserves a few more at-bats than he’s been getting. Either way, there has been a lack of hitting from the catching position.
The Braves visit for four games beginning this evening, and I’ll see you at the other end. Until then… Let’s Go Mets.
