Chris Capuano grinded through five innings, and Justin Turner had a huge day with five RBI and the Mets won the last game, and the series against the Astros 7-4.

Game Notes

Chris Capuano went out today and pitched a great game, but getting himself into trouble as most Mets starters have been doing this year. Cap gave up two runs in five innings on six hits, striking out six and walking three. While Capuano seemed to be struggling with location, the Astros seemed to want Capuano to succeed from the start, when Michael Bourn was picked off of first after he singled on the first pitch. Capuano faced a primarily righty lineup and didn’t seem too phased, but he did have to work hard and apparently.

The bullpen got a lot of work today. Taylor Buchholz pitched two innings, allowing one run on two hits, while walking one and striking out two. Taylor has been great, but some long-ball tendencies are beginning to be seen, allowing four home runs in 21 2/3 innings. Tim Byrdak made his first appearance since May 10th, and gave up a double and a walk before being pulled. Jason Isringhausen would stop the bleeding, but not before allowing an RBI double to end the frame. Byrdak’s line – 0 IP, one run on one hit with one walk, Izzy one IP, one hit, one strikeout. K-Rod came out for his fourth save attempt in five days, and nailed it down with a clean inning, notching his twelfth save of the season.

The bullpen bent a little bit more today, but two five inning outings back-to-back can do that to a bullpen. Byrdak was the only completely fresh arm, and he is a LOOGY, as he has been ineffective against righties.

The offense today can be renamed “Justin Turner” as the Red One went 2 for 4 with a home run, the first of his career and five RBI. The other RBI was knocked in by Jason Pridie. In an awkward play in the fifth, after a late move by catcher J.R. Towels to throw out Jose Reyes on a stolen base attempt, Jason Pridie broke home without Bill Hall ever noticing there was a play at the plate, stealing a run. The Astros overall sloppy play seemed to kill them today, with everything falling apart in the fifth, and then the wound just being opened further in the sixth.

Daniel Murphy – 1 for 3 with two runs, and the rare 3-ball walk. Just an error overall, but Murph still will take the free BB any day.

Carlos Beltran – 0 for 4 with a strikeout – not sure if the eye was an issue, but love the grit.

Reyes, Thole, Wright – 0 for 9 with four walks, three strikeouts and two steals. The patience is great, but David Wright is third in the league in walks – and near the top in strikeouts. This problem is only getting worse.

Hairston/Harris – 0 for 2. At least no Hu appearance.

Turning Point

When Carlos Lee dropped the fly ball in the infield and the Mets pushed across four in the fifth.

Game Ball

Justin Turner. Big day, first MLB home run and five RBI. He isn’t going to make the decision easy when Ike comes back as to who is the starter.

On Deck

The Mets will travel back home to face the Marlins tommorrow at Citi Field, in a rematch of the Opening Day starters, Josh Johnson and Mike Pelfrey for the Mets. Game time is 7:10 P.M.