Despite a late inning rally, the Mets fall to the Phils 6-5 and lose the series. Dickey had his worst start this season only going three innings and giving up six runs. The Mets bullpen had a great day not giving up any runs after Dickey was pulled. Pagan, Thole, and Reyes all had a multiple hit game, yet Beltran and Wright combined for six strikeouts in the game. The Mets haven’t won back-to-back games in 41 ball games now. Mets fall to one game under .500.

Game Summary

R.A. Dickey had his worst start of the season against the Phillies today. The knuckleballer had a 1-2-3 first inning, but that would turn out to be his only good inning. In the second inning he would give up a solo homerun to Jason Werth followed by giving up five more runs and another homerun in the third inning. Dickey would end the day only going three innings pitched, giving up six runs – four earned – on eight hits and two Phillie homeruns. Dickey also walked one batter and struck out none. Dickey receives his first loss since June 20th.

Raul Valdes and Hisanori Takahashi combined for a great relief outing. Combining for three innings pitched, not giving up a hit or a run. They both record a strikeout. Pedro Feliciano came into the seventh and gave up a hit before striking out a batter and getting his only out. Many Acosta came into the game and pitched 1.1 shutout innings, only giving up one hit and striking out one.

The Mets offense took the lead early scoring two in the first inning but Dickey gave up the lead in the third. The Mets also fought back scoring in both the sixth and seventh inning and tried to for a rally in the ninth but the door was shut on them in the end. The Mets offense has been struck out 24 times in the last 2 games against the Phils. 22 times against the starters.

Jose Reyes and Angel Pagan both had two hits in the game. Reyes went 2-3 with two doubles – robbed of a third one – scored two runs, and was walked once. He did have an error in the game though. Pagan went 2-4 with one run scored, 2 RBIs and stole two bases.

Fernando Martinez had his first hit of the major league season. He went 1-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.

David Wright has now struck out five times in his last six at-bats. He received plenty of boo’s in his last at bat. He went 2-for-23 on this road trip to Atlanta and Philly with eight Ks. His average has fallen to .293 on the season.

Carlos Beltran had a terrible game both offensively and defensively. He went 0-4 with three strikeouts today (1-12 in series). He also didn’t play out a ball well that was hit in center field that allowed Werth’s homerun that Pagan probably could have gotten. Also, for the first time, the Mets double switched Carlos Beltran out of the game.

Josh Thole also had a great game going 3-4 with a double and a run scored. His defense has been good too as he is 6-8 throwing out base stealers this season.

Carter, Tejada, and Davis all had an RBI in the game.

Turning Point

The six runs the Phillies scored in the second and third inning.

Game Ball

It’s a tough choice between the bullpen, Pagan, Reyes or Thole. But I’m going to go with the bullpen who threw five shutout innings after Dickey got beat up.

Up Next

The Mets will have Monday off as they head home to start a three game series against the Rockies. On Tuesday, Mike Pelfrey will look to get back into a rhythm as he gets the start for the Mets. Colorado will have Cy Young hopeful, Ubaldo Jimenez, starting for them.  Jimenez hasn’t given up more than four hits in his last three starts. Carlos Gonzalez has been dominant in his hitting this season. Already has hit for the cycle and a grand slam in the same game. Game time is 7:10 PM.