Recap:

After missing three games with a broken pinkie, David Wright returned to the lineup today, batting third as the Mets took on the Phillies in the second of this three game set. Jon Niese took the hill for his second start of the year going up against the Phillies sophomore hurler Vance Worley, who has handled the Mets relatively well in his breif career, but not today.

As Worley delivered his first pitch of the afternoon, Wright drilled the first pitch he saw in five days over the centerfield fence for his second home run of the year. That pinkie seems to be working just fine. Wright finished the game going 3-5 with 2 runs, now batting a league-leading .588.

The Amazin’s continued to pound Worley in the 4th when the Mets loaded the bases for Jason Bay. As usual, Bay anti-climatically grounded into a double play, allowing Daniel Murphy to scored. With Wright on third and two out, Lucas Duda launched a laser beam line drive shot into the right centerfield seats, giving the Mets a 4-0 advantage.

On the other side of the diamond, the Mets shined as well. Jon Niese held the ever-aging Phillies offense scoreless over 6 2/3 frames, scattering five hits while punching out five. Niese is now 2-0 on the year and has lowered his ERA to 2.13, living up to his new 5-year deal.

Hero Of The Game:

David Wright, not only for his first-pitch homer, but avoiding the DL, not shifting up his swing and not skipping a beat despite missing three games.

Notes:

– The difference between Vance Worley and Jon Niese today was that Niese’s curveball was near-perfect, when Worely’s was anything but.

– The defense was sharp today, including a stellar grab my Kirk Nieuwenhuis in center today and a great low grab by Daniel Murphy at second. Murphy still has a lot to work on, but I have been pleasantly surprised by his work at second so far.

– David Wright looks like a different person in 2012. Not only his very hot start, but his sharper defense, his cutting down on strikeouts and his leadership in an otherwise very young Mets ballclub. I’m excited to see how his season will play out. I can’t wait to see him beat up on Hamels tomorrow.

Next Up:

Mike Pelfrey and the Mets take on Cole Hamels as the Amazin’s will have the brooms out tomorrow in a Sunday matinee at Citizens Bank Park.