Note: Pelfrey is not the Same Pitcher
Last night, Mike Pelfrey pitched a full nine innings and let up just three hits, three runs, while striking out three and walking three, in a win against the Braves.
Pelfrey leads the team with 12 wins.
The Mets are 16–3 in Pelfrey’s last 19 starts, during which he has a 3.23 ERA.
Jerry Manuel, regarding Pelfrey, while speaking to reporters following last night’s win:
“Mike has evolved into one of the bright young pitching stars in the National League, no question. He’s very impressive from where he came early in the season. We were questioning whether or not to have him have him in the rotation…
Pelfrey walked to the mound for the ninth inning, with a roaring, standing ovation from the Shea faithful.
“That was awesome,” Pelfrey told reporters after the game.
Pelfrey, on his season so far, following the game, said:
“I’m not the same guy that, early in the year, was trying to be so perfect and nibble at the strike zone. I feel more confident and know that when I throw the ball over the plate and keep it down we have guys behind me that will make plays.”
In the sixth inning, Gregor Blanco reached base on a bunt. Pelfrey walked the next two hitters. Dan Warthen walked to the mound, and, according to Pelfrey, told him to throw a sinker, to get two outs in exchange for one run.
Pelfrey threw a sinker and got the double play, thanks in part to a slick play from Argenis Reyes.
…i believe this is what is known as ‘commanding the inning’…
