Mike Pelfrey looked the sharpest he has in weeks, giving up zero runs and throwing 122 pitches, and the Mets managed to scratch across one run and hold the lead for the 1-0 win.
Game Notes
Mike Pelfrey had his best outing since early June, throwing seven innings of shutout ball, giving up four hits and a walk with four strikeouts. Big Pelf was getting key outs today, and only allowed ONE runner to reach third base, allowing one extra base hit as well. Pelfrey was locating today, but he had a few tough innings in which he threw 20+ pitches. What really says something about this performance is that Mike knew this was a do-or-die win to keep the Mets in the race and get the moral up, and what better way then to take a win from a Cy Young candidate and All-Star opposing you on the mound.
The bullpen came out, and Hisanori Takahashi served as the setup man today, and made pretty quick work of the Rockies in the 8th inning, throwing 12 pitches, nine for strikes. Francisco Rodriguez came out in the ninth to seal the deal, and none of his usual theatrics were in play today, having a 1-2-3 night for his 25th save of the season.
The Mets offense was held in check by Ubaldo Jimenez, and it was difficult to put anything together until the seventh inning. Mike Pelfrey, hitting for himself even after throwing 107 pitches singled, and after a leadoff walk to Chris Carter, Josh Thole doubled to advance Jeff Francoeur, pinch-running for Chris Carter to third. After an intentional walk to pinch-hitter Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes knocked in the only run of the game with a sacrifice fly.
Ike Davis, 0-3 with 3 K’s and a walk. Ike is one short of 100 K’s…in about 360 at-bats. Tough righties seem to eat him up.
Ruben Tejada, 0-3 with a K. He is batting .191 on the season, but if his defense saves some runs, then it may be worth it to play him and not Castillo.
Angel Pagan, 0-4 with 2 K’s. Bad day for Angel today.
Overall, the Mets offense was stifled so a lot of 0’s in the hit column for Mets hitters
Turning Point
When Pelf went out for the top of the seventh inning, it gave the Mets fanbase a sign that Jerry would let his starters finish what they started. They let Pelf pitch like the horse that he is.
Game Ball
Mike Pelfrey again. great outing, great control and dropped his ERA from 4.16 to 3.95. His WHIP is still an ugly 1.50, but walks and a few outings giving up 7+ hits in 5 innings hurt him
On Deck
Jonathon Niese will look to assure the series win for the Mets, facing off against Jason Hammel. Game time is 7:10 P.M.
