On a night where the Mets bats were nowhere to be found, Oliver Perez pitched 5 minimally effective innings, but the bullpen surrendered 6 runs in 9-3 loss to Cubs.
Game Notes
Oliver Perez went out and gave it all he had, going five innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on eight hits. Ollie seemed to have decent control, by his standards walking three and striking out four. This was the second straight “Quality” start for Ollie, despite an inability to put hitters away for most of the night.
A usually stellar bullpen looked horrible today. Manny Acosta, who was just called up to replace Ryota Igarashi due to his DL stint, gave up three runs in 1 1/3 innings striking out three but walking two. He looked just as advertised for hard throwing relievers – limited control, giving up an absolute shot off the bat of Alfonso Soriano for a two-run home run. Raul Valdes came out to finish the inning, allowing one of Acosta’s baserunners to score. Hisanori Takahashi, who has been amazing so far in this young season worked a difficult two innings, showing limited control today walking three.
The bats were absolutely dormant, with a Rod Barajas home run the only hit until a 6th inning single by Jason Bay. The Mets tried to rally in the 8th inning, when Luis Castillo tripled and scored Jose Reyes. Luis Castillo would then score when David Wright hit a line drive into center field.
The whole lineup seemed baffled by Carlos Silva, with Jeff Francoeur continuing in his slump going hitless.
Turning Point
The Alfonso Soriano home run put the game at 5-1 for the Cubs, opening the flood gates.
On Deck
The Mets look to win their first series of the season, sending Johan Santana to the mound against the Cubs Tom Gorzelanny. Game time is 7:10 PM
