Jonathon Niese went a strong six and one third innings but the Mets offense was held in check by Roy Halladay and the Mets lost 2-1 to the Phillies.

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese went out today, and pitched a great game. Jonathon gave up two runs in six and one third innings on six hits, striking out three and walking two. The lone blemish was a John Mayberry home run that tied the game at 1-1. Although effective, he wasn’t efficient with his pitches today and definitely got tired in the seventh, walking one and giving up two hits including the home run. Despite the great effort that would’ve normally netted a win, he was going up against an ace for the Phillies

The bullpen came out, and Taylor Buchholz inherited two runners and after allowing a single to Shane Victorino, gave up what would turn out the be the game-winning run on a Placido Polanco sac fly. His final line was two-thirds of an inning allowing one hit. Although the sacrifice fly wasn’t his fault and was the best possible outcome, Polanco just doesn’t believe in striking out and hits line drives.

Tim Byrdak and Jason Isringhausen finished up the game, with Byrdak going one-third, getting Ryan Howard out and Jason Isringhausen going out for two-thirds of an inning, walking one. The bullpen did its job, but it was a pitching battle.

The offense was held in check today, minus the fourth inning when three Mets singles by Daniel Murphy, David Wright and then the RBI single by Carlos Beltran. No other Mets player had significant hits, with seven hits, all singles. Halladay was dealing today, and only threw 10 more pitches in his complete game than Jonathon Niese threw in his six and one third innings.

Jason Bay – 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. One of those strikeouts was with David Wright on first base in the ninth. Jason Bay was overmatched.

David Wright – 1 for 3 with a strikeout and a walk. Shrug.

Willie Harris – 0 for 1. Shrug times two.

Overall, the Mets offense couldn’t muster a significant hit when needed

Turning Point

Jonathon Niese’s seventh inning.

Game Ball

Jonathon Niese still gets the game ball. A great start, and as I mentioned, it would’ve been good for a win in most starts, but just not today. Hard luck loser.

On Deck

The Mets will look to scrape a win out of this, sending Chris Young to the mound up against Phillies other ace, Cliff Lee. Game time is 8:05 P.M. and it will be broadcast on ESPN.