The Mets take the series opener against the Astros, 3-1. The last time the Mets took the road opener, was back on June 18th against the Yankees. Almost two months ago. Jon Niese had another great start but walks away with a no decision. The offense supplied some late inning support to win the game. The bullpen did their job for two shutout innings. Mets get back to .500 on the season.

Game Summary

Jon Niese pitched another gem tonight, but thanks to the offense only showing up after he gets pulled, he does not get the win. In his last three starts he has gone 21 IP, allowed three runs, and received no wins for any of his pitching gems. He got the ball rolling early getting a 1-2-3 first inning. He just seemed to cruise after that, and threw his curve more during the third time through the lineup. I’m liking that strategy of his. Niese goes seven strong innings, giving up one run on seven hits. He walked no batters and struck out five in the game. Jon Niese has had twelve starts giving up one or less runs in his rookie season. But with the offense only showing up after he leaves, he walks away with his third straight no decision.

Elmer Dessens and Pedro Feliciano combine to pitch the eighth inning. Dessens had one hit and one walk, while Feliciano had an error on a ground ball.

The big question after Frankie Rodriguez’s season ended earlier today, was who was going to be the closer. Before the game, Jerry Manuel said he’d give anyone but Oliver Perez a shot. Hisanori Takahashi got the call to save tonight and got a 1-2-3 ninth inning to get his first major league save.

The offense started off slowly, only getting one run on four hits for Niese’s seven innings. They rallied big time in the eighth inning to score two more runs and gave the Mets the lead and the win. Beltran and wright both had a multiple hit night, and Francoeur had a big hit on the night.

Carlos Beltran had quite the game today. He had some nice defensive plays and hit a Beltran Bomb in the fourth inning, his second of the season. He ended the night going 2-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

David Wright also had a nice game. Getting three hits on the night, scoring a run, and getting his 17th stolen base of the year.

Jeff Francoeur had a big RBI triple to give the Mets a cushion run in the eighth inning.

Pagan, Castillo, Hessman and Blanco all had 0-fers on the night.

The Mets defense was on the ball tonight. Nice plays by Wright, Hessman, Beltran and Pagan in the game.

More Oliver Perez sightings: Ollie hit a homerun during batting practice and everyone celebrated it. Except Alex Cora who doesn’t approve of partying…oh wait, they released him.

Turning Point

The Mets had a big eighth inning to take the lead once more and win the game for the Mets.

Game Ball

Niese, Beltran and Wright all had a great game. They each get a part of the game ball.

Up Next

The Ace, Johan Santana, starts game two in Houston as he looks to get his eleventh win of the season. The Astros will have a name that should be familiar to Mets fans, as Nelson Figueroa (3-1) starts his second game of the season tomorrow. Game time is 8:05 PM.