Mets Game 98: Loss to Reds

Reds 7 Mets 2

We could blame Carlos Beltran for giving away two runs in the field and impersonating a statue with runners on base at the bat. But this loss comes down to one thing: how in the world did Josh Fogg — he of the 7.94 ERA — hold the Mets to one earned run in six innings?

It is quite a mystery.

While in the process of not driving runners home, the Mets wasted a fine effort by Oliver Perez, who deserved better. Ollie pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks, striking out six. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter after 87 pitches, and likely had at least another frame or two in him. But it wouldn’t have mattered, since the Mets bats were completely impotent after runners reached base.

With their inability to drive in runs on this evening, I’m OK with the bullpen finally breaking down (Pedro Feliciano allowed 4 runs) — it was bound to happen, and I’d rather they give up the runs during a game like this, rather than one in which the Mets had a chance to win.

Notes

David Wright went 3-for-4, including a double and his 19th homerun. Carlos Delgado had two hits in three at-bats. No one else in the lineup had more than one hit.

Is Jeff Keppinger still sore about not getting a fair shake from the Mets during his tenure with them? Well, he’s now 13-for-26 against the Mets …. I guess it could be a coincidence.

I know people are getting tired of me bringing up the love for Jerry Manuel. But you know what? I’m getting tired of the SNY announcers analyzing every single managerial move and telling us how they’re such good moves. There was nary a mention when Willie Randolph brought in a pinch-hitter, or a reliever, but every time Manuel passes gas we have to hear how flowery it smells. Case in point: bottom of the 7th inning, Gary and Keith tell us how Manuel made great moves in the top of the inning to put the Mets in position to execute, with Keith lamenting what a shame it is when a manager makes the “wrong” moves, but the players execute, and the manager comes out smelling like a rose, yet never gets credit for making the “right” moves and the players failing. Whatever. A minute later Keith let us know he “agreed with” Manuel’s decision to intentionally walk Brandon Phillips to set up a double play situation for Adam Dunn. Never mind that Dunn is a fly ball, rather than ground ball, hitter. As it turned out, Dunn hit an RBI single.

Again, I’m FOR Jerry Manuel, and this rant has nothing to do with him. What I don’t get is where was all this move-by-move analysis when Randolph was at the helm? Good, bad, or indifferent — where was it? Is it possible that Willie’s public criticism of TV station’s coverage resulted in an SNY directive to show the Mets manager (whoever he is) in a positive light? Very fishy.

Next Game

Mike Pelfrey goes against Edinson Volquez in a 1:15 pm start. As stated before this series, I’d be fine with a split, and the Mets still have a chance to pull that off, and go into Philadelphia with a chance to take direct control of the top of the division.