After being brutally swept by the Cincinnati Reds, the Mets open their doors to the Orioles and R.A. Dickey tosses his second straight one-hitter and proves that he truly is an AL killer.

R.A. Dickey is coming off of that controversial one-hitter/no-hitter against the Rays, and looks to have brought the same knuckleball with him on the plane ride back from Tampa Bay. His first baserunner was in the third inning when he walked the opposing pitcher, and didn’t give up his first hit until a single in the fifth. He would continue that one-hit bid through the rest of the game to pitch his second consecutive one-hitter. The man, the myth, the legend. Going all nine innings with a complete game shutout of one hit ball, he also struck out thirteen batters, while only walking two.

Throwing some knuckled numbers out there: Dickey picked up his Major League leading eleventh win, winning each of his last nine decisions. He has trimmed his ERA to a smooth 2.00 on the season. In his past five starts, Dickey has allowed no earned runs, 16 hits and five walks while striking out 51 in 41 2/3 innings. In fact Dickey’s last 52.2 Innings include 67 strikeouts and only 26 hits. His performance tonight upped his streak without allowing an earned run to 42 2/3 innings. The franchise record being 49 by Dwight Gooden in 1985. Dickey set the franchise record for consecutive hitless innings pitched at 12. The previous mark: 11 innings by Jack Hamilton in 1966. With 13 strikeouts tonight, Dickey set a career high and now has 103 for the season, in 99 innings. And finally, the Mets faced the Orioles and Buck Showalter, who was the one who suggested he switch to full time knuckle-baller. Irony is funny that way.

The Mets offense was backed by Ike Davis with a grand slam in the sixth inning, the first of his career, and the seventh homerun he has hit this season. Ike going 1-3 tonight with a walk is now hitting .196. Almost back to .200.

As an insurance run in the eighth, after Jordany Valdespin’s first career triple, David Wright hit an RBI single off the shortstop’s glove. 763 career RBIs for Wright. Hitting .353 and getting ready for the All-Star Game.

Notes

Speaking of Dickey converting to the knuckleball thanks to Showalter, Dickey only threw 15 fast balls and 2 curveballs in 114 pitches tonight.

R.A. Dickey is the tenth pitcher since 1900 to pitch a complete game one-hitter in consecutive appearances, and the first pitcher in MLB history with five straight starts of 0 ER & 8+ K.

Dickey has not allowed an earned run in 42.2 innings, the second longest streak in franchise history. Dwight Gooden (49.0 IP in 1985).

Ruben Tejada starts his rehab in Port St. Lucie tonight. He will be joined by Ramon Ramirez who also starts his rehab. Sandy Alderson said this about Tejada, “I’m sure we’ll get him back to Buffalo in short order.”

Ronny Cedeno continues to rehab in Buffalo. Originally, Collins said he might be reactivated midweek, now says the Mets will wait longer to do so.

Bay was examined Monday afternoon by doctors to determine the extent of his latest concussion. Alderson said Bay should return to the doctor on Tuesday before stopping by Citi Field.

Game Ball

Your future starter in the All-Star Game for the National League representing the Mets, the man, R.A. Dickey.

Up Next

Johan Santana (4-3, 3.23 ERA) faces Baltimore’s Tommy Hunter as the Mets continue to host the Orioles. First pitch set for 7:10 p.m on SNY.