The offense, spearheaded by a David Wright three run shot in the first never let up, and R.A. Dickey pitched a quality six innings in the Mets 7-3 win against the Nationals.
Game Notes
R.A. Dickey had a good outing and the definition of a quality start, going six innings allowing three runs on nine hits, striking out one. Dickey may have not had his strikeout stuff today, but allowing three runs is nothing to scoff at. This win has been the easiest win Dickey has had in well over two months.
The bullpen got a fair amount of work today, and most of it was displaying new faces. Tim Byrdak came out and continued to impress, striking out two in his two-thirds of an inning. Ryota Igarashi came out for one-third of an inning, and gave up a hit and struck out a batter. One of the two new bullpen arms called up to the Mets, hard throwing righty Josh Stinson went one and two-third innings, giving up two hits and striking out two. His stuff does look impressive, and his control wasn’t that erratic today, throwing 15 of 20 pitches for strikes. The second lefty in the bullpen now, Daniel Ray Herrera came out, and struck out the only batter he faced.
The only plus of roster expansions & being out of the playoff race – get to test the competence of your farm system, and in the Mets case rebuilding the bullpen from within.
The offense today was hot from the start, as David Wright sent a three-run homer into the left-center bleachers. Nick Evans agreed with David’s decision, and sent another ball into the left field bleachers for a solo shot. Angel Pagan hit a two-run single, scoring David Wright and Lucas Duda and the last long ball belonged to Mr. Duda when he deposited a ball into deep right field. Today, the offense ran on all cylinders and was not going to let R.A. Dickey pitch another good game and suffer a loss.
Justin Turner – 1 for 5 with three strikeouts. Tough day.
Jason Bay – 0 for 4 with two strikeouts….and Bay has cooled again.
Mike Nickeas – 0 for 4. Not up here for his bat.
Turning Point
When the Mets came out swinging for the fences, and connecting. As dissapointing as it is to say, the three best power-hitters on the team all went yard today.
Game Ball
Lucas Duda – 2 for 4 with two runs, a solo home run and a strikeout. Duda has been on fire this entire month, and if this is Duda “figuring it out” then next year can only improve
On Deck
The Mets will continue the series against the Nationals and send Dillon Gee to the mound against Tom Milone, making his MLB debut. Game time is 7:05 P.M.
For Mets thoughts, responses to the game, and news about the Mets in general follow me on twitter @TheSeanKenny
