Mets get crushed by the Diamondbacks in the first game of the series, 13-2. Mike Pelfrey had another poor start and the bullpen wasn’t much better as the D-Backs garnered 18 hits off of the Mets. The Mets get their best lineup tonight with the return of Castillo, but can only manage six hits and two runs.

Game Summary

Mike Pelfrey had his fourth consecutive poor start tonight. Most likely his worst start of the season for him. It took him over 50 pitches just to get out of the first inning, and took him awhile just to get the first out of the inning. He was only able to pitch 1.1 innings, giving up six excruciating runs on seven hits. He walked two batters and struck out only one batter. The shortest start in his career. The reason he is struggling could be the combination of his dead arm, the stiff neck and back, and it being his first start since the All-Star Break (9 games since his last start). Also, he had no control of his sinker. Being as it’s one of his best pitches, it really cost him.

Raul Valdes continues to pitch well in long relief for the Mets. He pitched 2.2 shutout innings in relief, walking one and striking out two batters. Fernando Nieve an an absolutely terrible inning of relief. He pitched two innings and gave up five runs on five hits and one long homerun from Mark Reynolds.

Elmer Dessens pitched a shutout seventh inning, walking one batter. Pedro Feliciano pitched one inning and gave up two runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out one. Makes you want Mejia back right?

For the first time since May 20, 2009 the Mets had all eight of their starting players in the same lineup. Yet they still couldn’t score more than two runs, and gather up more than six hits.

In Luis Castillo’s return to the Mets, he had two hits and scored a run. Wright and Reyes both also had a two-hit night. Beltran and Pagan combined for the other two hits.

Jose Reyes in his first game back and hitting lefty, must have forgotten how to play defense in his rehab as he had two errors on the night. Threw away a possible double play opportunity along with messing up a possible caught stealing opportunity for Barajas.

Rod Barajas went 0-4 with a strike out. Apparently Manuel doesn’t read my recaps as he continues to play Barajas over Thole. At this point “Hot Rod” has become an automatic out.

Mark Reynolds continues to be a thorn in the Mets side. He went 3-5 with a single, triple and a huge homerun. He had four RBIs on the night and scored two runs as well. This guy really does give me a scare when he’s at the plate.

Turning Point

The first inning gave the Diamondbacks a four run lead that was enough to beat the Mets.

Game Ball

To the diehard Mets fans who stayed awake to watch the Mets get killed by a lesser team in the Diamondbacks.

Up Next

Mets will play game two of the Arizona series with R.A. Dickey going up against rookie Diamondback pitcher, Barry Enright (1-3). Enright has yet to get through the fifth inning in any of his three career starts. Game time is 9:40 PM.