You can read all about the Mets proficiency against the Phillies’ Cole Hamels in this witty and insightful post by Ed Leyro, penned after last night’s game.
On another note, how about the play of utility outfielder Scott Hairston lately and his huge career game at Citi Field last night?
It turns out that while the Mets as a team own Cole Hamels, Scott Hairston may be the one player who actually holds the title and deed on him.
Hairston, who sports a career batting average of just .244, transforms into The Beast, Jimmie Foxx, whenever Cole Hamels is on the mound. He entered the game batting .353 against Hamels, and is now an incredible 8-for-20 against the pitcher.
While filling in for Carlos Beltran who is nursing a flu, Hairston had the best game of his career ripping two doubles off Hamels, and then blasting a three-run homer into the second deck off reliever Danys Baez. The home run capped a career-high five RBI game for Hairston as the Mets mauled the Phillies 11-2.
It was Hairston’s first start since since June 29, but along the way he has provided the Mets with a huge bat off the bench – delivering some key blows in a couple of dramatic Mets wins.
One of the funniest moments after the game came when Collins was asked if he was surprised by Hairston’s power display as Beltran’s replacement.
“That’s why I put the stuff in Carlos’ coffee last night,” Collins said with a laugh. “We talked about guys stepping up. If Hairston is not an example of it, I don’t know what is.”
Hairston has now raised his average to .258 after a dreadful month of April. In 89 at-bats he has slugged five home runs and driven in 18 runs. His .517 slugging percentage clearly indicates that as a bat off the bench, he has given the Mets the pop they were missing last season.
Isn’t it amazing how often this season, a Mets player has stepped up from the bench or the minors and delivers in a big way while replacing an injured Mets star?
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