Game Summary
The Mets (9-11) fell to the Florida Marlins (12-8) 7-4 due mostly in part to a Sean Green implosion and an inability to add runs late. Jorge Cantu tagged the Mets for two homeruns.
Mets Pitching
Livan Hernandez had a decent start and was able to keep the Mets in the game. He allowed just 2 earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched on 3 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5 Marlins. He handed the bullpen the lead and certainly pitched good enough to win the game. Hernandez lowered his ERA to 6.33 and more importantly he virtually assured himself another go-around in the rotation.
Jerry Manuel pulled Livan after he got one out in the sixth inning and brought in Bobby Parnell to get the last two outs. Parnell has been a nice surprise in the bullpen and continues to gain confidence with each appearance. Sean Green was unable to protect the lead and allowed four runs including the decisive homer by Jorge Cantu, a three run blast in the seventh. For Green it was the second time he got torched in his last 5 appearances. The last time coming when he allowed 5 earned runs against the Cardinals.
Another bright spot in the bullpen has been Brian Stokes who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in this game and has yet to allow a run this season.
Mets Hitting
The Mets scored early thanks to a Gary Sheffield two-run triple and also added RBI hits by Alex Cora and David Wright.
Cora was on base three times in the game thanks to a couple of hits and a walk, and he also stole a base.
Jose Reyes went 0-5 and has just 3 hits in his last 25 at-bats. Do you want me to calculate the batting average for you? On second thought I better not.
Random Thoughts
Are they trying to make Sean Green something he’s not? The Mets say he’s a crossover pitcher but his career OPS is almost 200 points higher against lefthanded hitters and his BB/K ratio is even more discouraging. His ERA against lefthanded batters stands at 12.00 this season.
Once again the Mets fail to add on runs late in the game. It’s a trend that will come to haunt them unless they can reverse it in time.
After the game, Wright mentioned an absence of “fire and desire.” He said, “I think that’s what Jerry’s talking about.”
he bottom line is that this game wasn’t that terrible a loss. I saw more positives than negatives. Once the Mets can produce more consistently on offense, they will be able to put together a positive stretch and gain some ground in the standings.
Game Ball
I’m splitting the game ball between Livan Hernandez and Alex Cora.
Up Next
The Mets will have Johan Santana on the mound to pitch the matinée rubber game. It also means he doesn’t pitch in the Phillies series this weekend. LGM
