In a game where David Wright hit two home runs and the Mets offense put up some run support, Raul Valdes was pitching volleyballs and the Diamondbacks tee’d off, winning the opening game of the series 9-6.
Game Notes
Mike Pelfrey was hit early on in the game, and hit hard. Mike’s final line of five runs allowed, four earned on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts in five and two-third innings doesn’t look too bad – but Mike easily could’ve been out of the game by the third inning if a few hits would’ve gone in different directions. Big Pelf is getting annihilated in the first inning of games, and hopefully he can establish himself in the first inning, otherwise the Mets will be looking at a tired bullpen in Pelfrey starts. In an awkward move, after 118 pitches, Jerry Manuel pulled Pelf with 2 outs in the sixth.
Playing the situation card, Raul Valdes was brought into the game to face the left-handed Kelly Johnson who promptly deposited a ball into left-center. Valdes would allow two more singles, and then another left-handed hitter, Miguel Montero tagged a shot off of the Pepsi porch. When all was said and done, Valdes allowed four runs to score on four hits without recording an out, and allowing an inherited runner to score. Realistically, Pelfrey couldn’t have done much worse considering the next batter he would’ve faced hit a home run. Manny Acosta, Elmer Dessens and Pedro Feliciano combined for the final three and one-third innings, striking out six.
The Mets offense today was known as David Wright. David went 3-4 with 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R and a K. David was just locked in at the plate, and hopefully this offensive outburst lasts. Angel Pagan would account for the other RBI, knocking in Jose Reyes.
Jeff Francoeur, 0-4 with 2 K’s. I can’t say that I am surprised, but why isn’t Chris Carter starting against righties? Outside of his three run home run, Frenchy has been a Barajas-esque black hole of futility.
Jose Reyes went 3-5 with 2 runs. Always good to see Jose operating on all cylinders, but the Jose Reyes error helped to get Pelfrey pulled from the game.
Luis Castillo went 0-4 with a R and a BB. For the year, Luis is hitting .239. Why isn’t Ruben Tejada up here again?
Turning Point
Jose Reyes’ error in the sixth inning could’ve helped the inning to end and the Mets to exit the inning in the lead, but at least the error would’ve left it with two outs.
Game Ball
David Wright, 3-4 with 2 HR and 5 RBI. Good performance
On Deck
The Mets will look to rebound and break the four game losing streak to the Diamondbacks, sending out Hisanori Takahashi to face up against Barry Enright. Game time is 7:10 PM
