The Mets take game two against the Phillies in a tight 1-0 win. Johan Santana had a great start not giving up any runs, and not allowing a hit for the first five and two-third innings. Frankie Rodriguez pitched five outs to get his twenty fourth save and win it for the Mets. Jeff Francoeur supplied the only Mets run in the seventh with a solo homerun. This the Mets first nine innings 1-0 win this season. Also, it was the Mets major league-leading 15th shutout of the season. Mets get back to .500 on the season.

Game Summary

Johan Santana had another great start of the season. After the big debacle of Manuel pulling Niese out after seven innings, Manuel let Santana go out for an out in the eighth inning before having to take him out of the game. Santana was great early not allowing a hit for the first 5.2 innings of the game. He also had three innings where he got hitters out 1-2-3. However, Santana had to get pulled as the last two innings he pitched, you can see his fastball rise about 3 or 4 inches and hitters were able to get hits off of it. In the end, Santana pitched 7.1 shutout innings, gave up five hits and walked three but also struck out six batters. Not only was his pitching on point, but so was his defense as Santana shows off that gold glove of his making a nice out at third on a bunt play. Santana walks away with his first win since July 23rd.

Frankie Rodriguez pitched five amazing outs to get his 24th save of the season. He didn’t allow a single hit, walking one batter but struck out two. Nice to see Frankie doing his job as a closer without all of his antics.

The story of the Mets offense not supporting Santana much continues once more. Only one run scored for the Mets on seven hits. Mets offense were struck out thirteen times in the game, eleven coming from the starter Hamels.

Jeff Francoeur had one hit in the game, but the one hit was the difference maker with a solo homerun in the seventh inning.

Ruben Tejada was brought up to bring in youthfulness and for his defense and he sure didn’t disappoint. His defense was on point all night long with making three great plays in the game. Ike Davis also had a hand in helping out Tejada with one of those great plays. His offense is still a concern though, as he went 0-4 with two strikeouts.

Why is Angel Pagan bunting? Really Manuel?

Fernando Martinez was also called up recently, he went 0-1 in a pinch hit role.

Turning Point

Jeff Francoeur’s solo homerun in the seventh inning gave the Mets enough runs to win.

Game Ball

Johan Santana is still not getting much run support, but he has another great start and deserves the game ball.

Up Next

Mets will have R.A. Dickey on the mound for the Mets as he finishes the series in a rubber game against the Phillies. The Phillies will have their ace, Roy Halliday, will look for his fourteenth win of the season. Game time is 1:35 PM.