After a shaky end to a solid R.A. Dickey outing, the Mets showed some fight, coming from behind late to defeat the Marlins 6-5.
Game Notes
R.A. Dickey had a solid outing today, and everything was going smoothly until the seventh inning. In that inning, R.A. allowed the first two hitters he faced to reach, and after a ground-out fielders choice and a pop-out, he allowed a three-run home run to Gaby Sanchez. Dickey’s final line misleads – he went seven innings, allowing five runs on ten hits, walking none and striking out a career-high tying eight batters. After the first two innings, Dickey found his groove.
The bullpen came through today in a major way, holding their ground for two innings giving the offense a chance to save Dickey. Bobby Parnell and came out throwing the usual flames going one inning and striking out one. Parnell’s success ultimately depends on his location, his movement and the ability for his slider to be an effective second pitch. Hisanori Takahashi came out in the ninth, and after a scare with a double to Hanley Ramirez, he got out of trouble.
The Mets offense was great today in terms of plate discipline, knocking Josh Johnson out after five innings, drawing four walks on a pitcher who walked 38 batters on the season to that point. Jeff Francoeur had some good at bats, turning them into two sacrifice flies. Angel Pagan was absurd today, going 4-5 with three runs scored and a stolen base. For those keeping track, Mr. Pagan has stolen 31 bases and been caught only SIX times. Carlos Beltran was 2-3 with two walks, a run and two RBI’s – he may be turning the corner.
Ruben Tejada – 0-1, with a walk and was hit by a pitch. His offense struggles, but right now its either Ruben’s promise and great defense, including a running catch into shallow right field and a liner that he caught to his left that was inches off the ground. Or Luis Castillo’s decaying hitting ability, speed and range.
Ike Davis, 1-4 with a walk and two strikeouts looking. Ike was definitely irritated at the strike zone today and it showed.
David Wright, 2-5 with two strikeouts and a run. He should’ve been credited with another hit and an RBI on a ball that handcuffed Wes Helms, but it was scored an error.
Turning Point
When Angel Pagan took an extra base in the bottom of the eighth inning with two-outs. What could have been bad put him into scoring position and Carlos Beltran knocked him in for the tying run.
Game Ball
Angel Pagan. He just barely missed a home-run by about 10 feet as well as his insane stat line. Also, as much as i dislike Luis Castillo and his slap-hitting, he was the man who had the game-winning hit
On Deck
The Mets will send Pat Misch to the mound to face-off against Alex Sanabia. Game Time is 7:10
