After another great outing by R.A. Dickey spoiled by a home run in the ninth, the Mets would take the win in the 14th inning by a score of 3-2

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey – today he was hittable, but he scattered those hits well. R.A. went eight and one-third innings, allowing two runs on nine hits with one walk and six strikeouts. R.A. was never really in trouble, putting runners on but not giving up major hits. R.A. would’ve had the win and walked away with a CG victory, but as of the eighth inning it was beginning to look like he was tiring. Can’t blame Jerry Manuel for this one – the fans, including myself have been begging for the starters to be given rope.

The bullpen was superb, with Hisanori Takahashi, Bobby Parnell, Elmer Dessens and Manny Acosta pitching the last five and two-third innings, striking out four and only giving up two hits. This is the most the bullpen has been used recently, and I’m quite sure they are glad for this. The bullpen realistically only has two more weeks of this hard work/abuse, and then some prospects and other guys can help eat innings. Manny Acosta came out in the bottom of the 14th inning and closed out the game. The second different Mets reliever to notch a save.

The offense existed in two spurts. The seventh inning, on an R.A. Dickey RBI double and an Angel Pagan RBI groundout. That put the Mets ahead, and then the Ike Davis sac-fly in the 14th inning. The Mets managed NINE walks overall, to SEVEN strikeouts. I never thought I’d say the Mets took more walks then they struck out, but it happened

Carlos Beltran, 0-4 with three walks. Get on base.

Josh Thole, 0-7 with a K. Bad day, rook.

Jeff Francoeur. TWO WALKS TODAY! HE HAS CHANGED AS A HITTER…it could’ve been three walks, but he swung at a 3-0 offering from Brett Myers and flew out.

Jose Reyes, 4-6 with two stolen bases and a walk. Jose is getting into a stride, and Jose stealing 30 bags seemed like his peak. He and Angel Pagan have a fair shot at 40 bags each.

Turning Point

The 14th inning, precisely the Jose Reyes steal of third base. Generally a bad call, but the pressure it put on the Astros was intense

Game Ball

Robert Allen Dickey/Jose Reyes combination. Jose set the table offensively, and R.A. kept the game in striking distance even until he exited the game

On Deck

The Mets ensured at least a split series, but will look to win the series outright sending Pat Misch to the mound after his great outing versus the Phillies. Hopefully the defense shows up to play for him today. The Astros will send out Bud Norris. Game time is 8:10 P.M.