News: Johan Santana is an Ace
In last night’s win against the Cubs, Johan Santana pitched eight innings, struck out 10 of the 33 batters he faced, let up seven hits and just two runs, while throwing 125 pitches.
…ahh, yes, it seems like just yesterday we were forced to listen to columnists and talk-show hosts accuse santana of refusing to throw over 100 pitches…
Meanwhile, today, according to Newsday, “Santana has the fifth-highest average number of pitches per game in the majors this season.”
Santana, regarding last night’s start, while speaking to reporters after the game, said:
“I was just trying to help, trying to do my job, trying to stay there as long as I can…I know that every game from now on is very important, whether it’s me, or Pedro, or whoever is on the mound. Every game is important. We cannot afford to lose any games, you know. I knew, and I felt that I could do this…I’m just trying to do my job and help as much as I can. In that situation there, this is it, this is why you are here, to win those big games and win the pennant race and that’s what we’re all here for.”
Jerry Manuel, regarding Santana, said:
“In the second half, every big game that we’ve needed and Johan’s turn was due, he stepped up…He stepped up big tonight. He brings also a level of intensity that those guys really enjoy playing behind him and getting behind him. That’s the one intangible that kind of separates him a bit.”
Manuel told reporters that Santana was ‘fired up tonight,’ adding, ‘I don’t think I would have been able to take him out anyway, that’s how adamant he was about going back out there to set them down.’
In 14 starts since the All-Star break, Johan Santana is 7–0 with a 2.37 ERA, during which the Mets are 11–3.
He has not lost a game since June 28.
