Johan Santana pitched seven shutout innings, and despite only scant run support, the Mets were able to tally 13 hits in a 3-0 win over the Braves. The first half ends in on a winning note for the Mets.

Game Notes

Johan Santana pitched like the ace that we traded for. Last outing he went nine complete shutout innings and got the win and today he followed that up with seven more shutout innings. Now making it sixteen consecutive shutout innings for Johan. He was able to keep hitters off the bases, and was even able to receive some, but not a lot, of offense. Santana, only gave up five hits, walked three, and struck out five to pick up his second straight win. He threw 107 pitches, but I would have liked to see Santana go further in the game as he doesn’t pitch for another seven days. If there was any time to push your starter it would have been here. Either way, nice to see the Santana of old, and a shutout of the NL East leading Braves.

Bobby Parnell continues to be impressive in relief with a perfect eighth inning pitched. He gave up no hits and even struck out Chipper Jones. Frankie Rodriguez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to receive his 21st save of the season. KRod trying to silence his skeptics.

The offense is still cold and they were only able to score three runs, however, they were enough to beat the Braves. The offense was once again led by Angel Pagan, with help from Ike Davis and Josh Thole.

Pagan went 3-5 with a run scored, hit his sixth triple of the season, and had some impressive run downs in center field.

Ike Davis hit his eleventh career home run, a mammoth shot into deep center field that the center fielder didn’t even bother chasing. That’s power!

Mets rookies Thole and Tejada each had one hit in the game. Thole had a pinch hit RBI single with two outs in the eighth. Ruben Tejada is now 2 for his last 24 at-bats, but the way he has been playing on defense, has some wanting Castillo to sit on the bench when he returns.

Barajas was the only starting hitter not to get a hit for the Mets, as they tallied 13 hits in total.

Turning Point

Ike Davis’ homer iced the game for the Mets and all Santana would need thus afternoon.

Game Ball

Johan Santana pitched seven shutout innings, 16 in a row, and helped the Mets win the last game of the first half. Nicely done Santana.

Up Next

The Mets have three days off for the All Star break, where we will be seeing David Wright starting at third base for the NL. The Mets next regular season game will be Thursday in San Francisco against the Giants as they begin an eleven game series on the road.