The Mets salvaged the final game of the series and avoided a second consecutive sweep thanks to starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey. The game looked like a colossal mismatch on paper as another makeshift Mets lineup took on one of the best starting pitchers in the game in Jovani Gallardo.
Gallardo absolutely dominated the Mets and struck out 12 batters, but in the sixth inning the Mets were able to get to him when Luis Castillo led off with a ground rule double and came around to score on a base hit by Ryan Church. That run would end up being the only score of the game.
Mike Pelfrey was the big story today as he had his sinker working and his fastball had great explosiveness up in the zone. Pelf pitched a season high 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just six hits (all singles) and two walks while striking out six.
What impressed me most about Pelfrey was how he managed to dig down deep when he was in trouble and induce the groundball when he absolutely needed one, including two which were turned for double plays. Pelfrey improves his record to 6-3, and in the process he helped the Mets snap their five-game losing streak. Nice job Pelf!
Frankie Rodriguez came in to pitch the ninth inning and preserve the one run lead, but he had to face the heart of the order to do it. Ryan Braun immediately greets K-Rod with a sharp single to get things started and suddenly things started to get dicey with Prince Fielder at the plate representing the winning run. Fielder scorched a Rodriguez fastball up the middle which Alex Cora snared for an out preventing all hell from breaking loose. Rodriguez managed to get the next two batters to ground out, and earn his 21st save of the season.
This was a much needed win, and hopefully the Mets can fare better in July (1-0) than they did in June (9-18).
Obviously, the offense is still struggling mightily, but on this day, one run was enough to win.
Great job by Pelfrey who went out and delivered the type of performance we were all expecting yesterday from our ace, Johan Santana. Tomorrow we go to Pittsburgh to play that makeup game. Redding will be on the mound and oppose Paul Maholm. Lets win another one…
LGM
