Daily Archives: May 7, 2009
The Mets have won four of their last five games, against the Braves and Phillies, and have won three in a row for the first time this season to get back to .500 at 13–13.
…and so, here we are again… it feels like a turning point… i feel like this team is about to go on a nice run, and i sense other fans agree, but, will they… will they get it going, or will they retreat…
…tonight is an important game… of course, it would complete a two-game sweep in the series over the Phillies… but, it would also close out a 12-game stretch against every team in the division, during which they could end up 8–4, and get them over .500, assuming they win…
…the two errors from tuesday aside, the team looks like they’re playing a little bit better, in terms of the little things…
Yesterday, before you the game, Jerry Manuel told reporters he will continue to treat April and May as ‘an extended spring training,’ working to correct basic fundamentals before every game.
“We have things set aside for people to do,” Manuel explained. “If that’s your area, we’ll give you a time frame in which to address that particular issue.”
Meanwhile, John Maine, Livan Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey have a combined 3.41 ERA in their last six starts, during which the Mets are 5–1.
…the truth is, the starting pitching has just been so much better, and that’s really what it’s all about… if the team pitches well, they’re going to win… despite conversations about little things, heart, fire, RISP, the bullpen, etc., when this team is getting strong, consistent outings from their starting pitchers, they win…
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Tagged Mike Pelfrey |
Francisco Rodriguez used 13 pitches against three batters to record his eighth save of the season last night against the Phillies.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, courtesy of ESPN.com, last night was the second time this season Rodriguez saved a 1-0 victory for Santana.
Rodriguez has pitched three days in a row.
He has appeared in four of the team’s five games this month.
“Some people get tired, some people don’t like to go three or four days in a row. I can go five days in a row, no problem. The more I throw, the better I feel.”
…the more you throw, the better i feel, too…
Jerry Manuel explained to reporters following the game that he was sure to check in with Rodriguez during batting practice, and just before the game started to be sure he was feeling good.
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Last night, Johan Santana allowed no 
runs and two hits, while walking three and striking out 10, in seven innings.
Santana’s 0.91 ERA is the best in the National League, as is his 54 strike outs.
He has not allowed more than two runs in any of his last 12 starts, dating back to last season, which ties Edinson Volquez for the longest such streak by a current major-league pitcher, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, courtesy of ESPN.com.
Santana’s ERA is the third lowest in team history through the first six starts of the season, behind David Cone’s 0.76 ERA in 1988 and Nolan Ryan’s 0.77 in 1971.
Santana, speaking to reporters following the game, said:
“That’s what I do for a living. I enjoy pitching, regardless of who we’re facing or when you’re pitching. It’s what I love, and I’m always trying to do my best every time out there. Tonight was a great game, a great atmosphere.”
…last night was the first time i felt Citi Field feel like the home of the Mets… fans were alive, totally in to the game, santana pulled in everyone’s attention, players included, to the middle of the diamond… there was a positive, engaging, excited buzz in the air… it was exhilarating and inspiring, just like johan…
“He brings an unbelievable energy to the game, on and off the mound,” Carlos Delgado said after the game. “He’s been awesome. We’ve been spoiled.”
Speaking of pitchers…
Tim Redding allowed one run on six hits through six innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo last night.
Omar Minaya told reporters yesterday that Redding will likely make one or two more starts for Buffalo returning from the DL.
To vote in this week’s Fan Confidence Rating, click here.
Here is SNY.tv’s Post Game Extra, from last night’s 1–0 win over the Phillies, featuring clips of the game; quotes from Jerry Manuel, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez; and analysis from Ron, Keith and Gary:
