If the Mets were distracted by all of today’s craziness off the field, they sure didn’t show it on the field as they took the opener of a crucial four-game series against the Colorado Rockies, 7-3 tonight at Citi Field. The win puts them a full game closer to a Wild Card spot as they improve to just 6 1/2 games back.
Oliver Perez started the game and quickly put the Mets into a 2-0 hole courtesy of a Troy Tulowitski homerun. He would later allow a solo homer to Clint Barmes, but that would be it for the Rockies in the game. Perez was pulled after five innings and allowed just the three runs on five hits, but walked four. He managed to get out of some tough jams in the game, so there was something positive to be taken from his 103 pitch effort.
Jeff Francoeur launched another homerun in this one, but it was Fernando Tatis who had the mighty blow when he hit a pinch hit grand slam in the bottom of the eight to break the tie and put the Mets up 7-3. For Tatis who had been mired in a 4-31 slump, it was a reminder of just clutch he was last season. Maybe this will get him going again.
The bullpen has been pitching great of late, and tonight they were once again spectacular as Brian Stokes, Pedro Feliciano and Frankie Rodriguez combined to throw four scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five. Feliciano picked up the win in relief.
Luis Castillo and David Wright both remain hot and had two hits and two runs each. Francoeur also scored two runs and drew his first walk, albeit intentional.
I’m of the belief that this season is far from over, and the Mets continue to gain confidence each day. They seem to have moved on from feeling sorry for themselves because of the injuries, and are actually believing in themselves again.
Great win! The boys are back in town!
Tomorrow, Pelfrey looks to make it four straight wins. Don’t stop believing!
