And The LOB's Don't Get the Best of Us

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
	Mets	0	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
	Padres	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1

R	H	E
6	9	1
2	8	0

        Team RISP: 3-for-15.
        Team LOB: 13.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the Mets loaded the bases with 0 out. Andres Torres struck out swinging, though, leading me to recite a familiar refrain: here we go again. Edison Volquez, however, had terrible trouble locating most of his pitches for strikes, and he walked Josh Thole for the 1st run of the game. Jeremy Hefner struck out swinging (instead of making contact and grounding into a double play) giving Ruben Tejada a chance with 2 out. He walked as well, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. 2 runs handed to us is fantastic, but had that been it and they failed to tack on more, the inning would have been viewed by me as a disappointment. Jordany Valdespin, however, did what you're supposed to do to a pitcher struggling to throw strikes: make solid contact with the strike that he throws. The 'Spin Master delivered a 2-run double, easing the tension of what could have been another edge-of-our-seat high LOB thriller. Instead, the Mets took control of the game thanks to tack-on runs, a solid outing by Jeremy Hefner and a good job by the bullpen (sans Bobby Parnell), winning 6-2.

Hefner has done nothing but keep the Mets in every start since Johan went on the DL. He took advantage of a free-swinging Padres team and kept his count real low over 6 innings. Other than when he gutted it out and raked his way to his 1st Major League victory, this was his best start of the year. They are apparently putting him in the bullpen as the long-man when Johan arrives back, and I wholeheartedly agree. We should expect him to make another start or two before closing the book on the 2012 New York Mets...whenever that may be.

Mike Baxter. Continuing to make Metropolitan history with a record 5 walks. No At-Bat for you tonight, young man. He also tied the National League record for most walks in a 9-inning game, the last batter being Ryan Howard in 2006. The Kid from Whitestone doesn't cease to impress.

"And the strange relationship between Bobby Parnell and the 9th inning continues." 

--Gary Cohen, SNY

 

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad to see Frank Francisco back. We've actually missed him.

And the '89 throwbacks were nice, but I was happy to see the regular road uniforms. They are MUCH, MUCH better. The Mets this year finally got it right by going back to what they got right in the first place...when they were dead last.

Seriously pumped up to see Matt Harvey close the series out with his 3rd Major League start. He'll take on Jason Marquis at 3:30PM. You know, the Jason Marquis who's from Staten Island and has always wanted to play for his home team...blaa, blaa, blaa, blaa, blaa, kick those Padre butts.

LET'S. GO. METS.

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