postGame: Mets 4 Pirates 0
The Mets (68–56) defeated the Pirates (55–69) by the score of 4 to 0 in PNC Park today.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., from today’s game, go to SNY.tv.
Johan Santana cut through Pittsburgh’s lineup like a knife through butter, striking out seven and letting up no runs and just three hits through eight innings. Santana appeared to get stronger as the game went on, getting five of his seven strikeouts in the final three innings of the game. His change-up looked like a curve-ball at times, dropping in to the strike zone, instead of dipping away.
With 108 pitches and eight scoreless innings in the bank, and a four-run lead, Jerry Manuel sent Santana back out to pitch the ninth inning. He needed just three additional pitches to finish the complete-game shut out and close out the win.
Santana is 3–0 with a 2.51 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break, during which the Mets are 5–2.
Meanwhile, Brian Schneider knocked in three runs with a double and a home run. He had as many RBI today, as he had in the previous 17 games combined. In fact, today accounts for 13 percent of all he’s RBI this season. Sad, but true.
I feel weird when David Wright is not in the lineup. Damion Easley started in his place. I like that Jerry Manuel gives him a day off, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying, from an entertainment point of view, it’s strange. It just doesn’t feel right when he and Jose Reyes are on the bench.
Speaking of Reyes, with a four-run lead, Reyes tried to steal third base with two outs in the top of the ninth and Carlos Delgado at bat, and was nearly picked off. Odd.
The Mets have won six games in a row. This is the first time since 2001 that the Mets have won the first six games on a road trip.
The Mets move to 12 games above .500 for the first time in 2008.
The Mets conclude their four-game series with the Pirates tomorrow in Pittsburgh, starting at 12:35 pm, with John Maine (10-7, 3.97 ERA) taking on Pat Maholm (8-7, 3.69 ERA).
