Johan Santana went seven strong innings, but an errant David Wright throw proved to be the difference in the bottom of the 9th as the Mets lost 3-2 to the Atlanta Braves.
Game Notes
Johan Santana had his second straight stellar outing, going 7 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 4. Johan looked like he was going to be in trouble for the whole night, already at 60 pitches in the 3rd inning – but after that 3rd inning, Johan did not allow a Brave to reach base. Something that isn’t normally seen from Johan – he was generating a fair share of ground balls, unusual for Johan.
Pedro Feliciano came out and had an uneven outing, being the tough-luck loser. Pedro walked 2 in his one inning of work, allowing a hit. The run was actually allowed by Jenrry Mejia, who came out, walked one and gave up the ball that David Wright sent sailing allowing the winning run to score in the bottom of the 9th.
The bats had a hard time with Braves starter Kris Medlen, minus back-to-back solo home runs from Ike Davis and Jeff Francoeur in the 5th. The Mets didn’t managed another extra base hit the entire game. Rod Barajas was a late scratch with a stomach virus and Henry Blanco started in his place.
David Wright just had an awful day all around. David went 0-4 with 3 strikeouts and was unable to knock in Luis Castillo from 3rd base in the top of the 9th inning with 1 out. David is pressing in all aspects of his game, and the same way Jerry Manuel gave Frenchy a few days off, David may need a game or two to get his thoughts together. David is on pace for 220 strikeouts and 88 walks – but if his stats held up, he’d also be on pace for 80 runs, 32 home runs, 104 rbi and 32 steals. Can the Mets deal with Wright as an all-or-nothing type with Jason Bay cut from the same cloth?
Ike Davis went 1-3, with a walk and a K, but the K was off former Met and in my opinion one of the best lefty closers ever, Billy Wagner. Ike drew a full-count before he struck out – and is showing that he has a good idea of plate discipline.
Frenchy went 1-3 with a home run, signs that he may be breaking out of his slump.
Game Ball
Johan Santana – a great outing yet again, and shades of the 2008 Johan Santana who received limited run support and bad luck.
On Deck
The Mets will send out R.A. Dickey for his first start as a Met, replacing the erratic Oliver Perez. He will square off against ex-Met Livan Hernandez, who pitched a gem against the Mets April 11th. Game time is 7:05.
