As part of the 50th anniversary season of Mets baseball, whenever the Mets sweep a series, we’ll call the entry relating to the series a “Happy Recap”. This series sweep is especially happy, because the Mets hung tough against two of the league’s elite pitchers, Josh Johnson & Mark Burhle. Also, a three game sweep against a division rival is always sweet. So with a wink and a nod to the legendary voice of the Mets, Bob Murphy, here is the Happy Recap 3 & 3 style.
3 Up:
1) An Ace in the Deck: On Tuesday night Johan Santana did everything you’d expect from your ace pitcher. He handed in a high quality start giving up one run and striking out eleven Marlins. He went long into the game, matching Marlins ace Josh Johnson pitch for pitch. He also played the role of stopper and ended the two game mini slide. A great outing by the great Johan Santana.
2) Dickey & Niese: On Wednesday night R.A. Dickey matched up against Mark Buerhle. Again, the two starting pitchers were lights out. Dickey went seven innings giving up one run and striking out seven. For the Thursday matinee Jon Niese was on his game going seven innings, giving up two runs and striking out six. Great starting pitching for all three games.
3) A New RBI Leader: David Wright takes over as the all time Mets RBI leader, and he did it in style by hitting a game winning two run homer on Wednesday night. Congrats to David Wright, it will be fun to watch him continue to re-write the Mets record books.
3 Down:
1) A Leaky Pen: If it wasn’t so pathetic, this could be an “Up”. Just how bad was the Marlins bullpen this series? The highlight had to be the four consecutive walks surrendered on Tuesday night, by four different pitchers! Of course beating loud mouth Heath Bell on Thursday afternoon was nice too.
2) The Reyes Reaction: Jose Reyes will be remembered as one of the most exciting Mets ever to wear the blue and orange. If I had been at Citifield Tuesday night, I would have given Reyes a standing ovation. Sadly, I think I would be the only fan to do so. For all he’s contributed to the Mets over the years, Jose deserved a warmer welcome than he received. A poor job by Met fans.
3) Pelfrey Shut Down: It appears that Mike Pelfrey will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery on his elbow. Pelfrey has more than his share of idiosyncrasies, but he’s an innings eater and a good back-end of the rotation guy. We wish Mike a speedy recovery.
Okay we can put this series in the books, as the Mets head out to the Rocky Mountains for night games on Friday and Saturday and a Sunday afternoon game. Let’s Go Mets!!
