Mets Game 102: Win Over Cardinals

Mets 4 Cardinals 0

The mighty Mets continue their domination of the National League.

Due to my “real” job I missed seeing the game live, so thanks to Paul and Mic for helping out with the recap in the comments section.

Game Notes

R.A. Dickey flicked floaters for eight-plus frames, holding the Cardinals scoreless on four hits as he cruised to his 7th win of the year. Rather than finish the game, he let Francisco Rodriguez come in and get the final two outs for his 22nd save.

The Mets received all the runs they needed when Ike Davis delivered a monster blast over the centerfield wall to give the home team a 3-0 lead in the third inning.

As Mic noted in the comments section, the Mets beat the Cards without regulars David Wright, Jason Bay, Luis Castillo, and Rod Barajas.

At some point in October, when the Mets are in the middle of sweeping the Padres in the NLCS, we will all look back at the closed door meetings from Monday and this series win over St. Louis as the turning point of the season.

Next Mets Game

The Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field on Thursday night at 7:10 PM. Mike Pelfrey pitches against Ian Kennedy.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. Paul July 29, 2010 at 3:18 pm
    RA “spins” a 4 hit shutout. Mike Hessman and Ike Davis make multiple solid plays in the field on a slightly wet “umbrella” day at Citi.

    Ike again proves his mastery of the slow stuff as he crushes a 3 run bomb to center in the third off a low off-speed pitch from the young Cardinals starter, Hawksworth. Apparently it was only our 7th 3 run HR of the season or something like that. Of course we have yet to hit a grand slam in 2010.

    Random quip: I enjoyed Kiner disapproving of Gary’s mention of the 1950 Pirates who notoriously also lost 3 13-inning affairs within a week. “They intentionally walked me every time up,” Kiner joked.

  2. Paul July 29, 2010 at 3:29 pm
    Oh wait, did I say shutout? I meant to say Jerry of course pulled him and took away his shot at Mets immortality. At least Frankie Rodriguez is getting some work in. Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him pitch.
  3. Paul July 29, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    (4 hit shutouts are the new no hitters in my book – who knows when we’ll ever get to see one again!)
  4. mic July 29, 2010 at 10:36 pm
    Mets win!

    Enuff of the cynicism. The Mets lead thre universe in late losses THATS something to discuss…………..

    The Phils win………….BUT trade for oswalt (loss) sorry but JA Happ is abetter pitcher. This trade makes no sense. The Phils are not better for having Oswalt. Me I d much rather trade dead weight (ollie for Carlos zambrano) and hope Z with santana and Blanco ..fellow venezulans, can invigorate him.

    No way i trade Niese. Now Houston has Happ and Myers …starters for Phils WS winning team. as for the Mets …………they win today without wright , bay or barajas…pretty big statement. AND Hessman has well replaced Tatis.

    Jays asking for kirk ? …..they already have former met Jose bautista.

    The Mets asked for Gorzellany. I like. Maybe to get Gorzelanny they take Z. ……. I think Z can = Oswalt and at bargain price….my opinion.

  5. Walnutz15 July 30, 2010 at 9:03 am
    “The Phils win………….BUT trade for oswalt (loss) sorry but JA Happ is abetter pitcher.”

    ^ Seriously?

  6. Walnutz15 July 30, 2010 at 10:53 am
    Additionally, in just reading the rest of your post:

    “I think Z can = Oswalt and at bargain price….my opinion.”

    Zambrano’s on the hook for:

    The remaining amount for ’10: ($17.875MM for the year),

    ’11: $17.875M
    ’12: $18MM
    ’13: $19.25MM vesting player option

    What was that about a bargain again?

    In contrast, the Phillies will be paying Oswalt nothing for his tenure with the team.

  7. Mic July 30, 2010 at 2:38 pm
    In defending my arguement, any team taking Z will also get him for ‘free’ since no one will pay his salary (similar to Oswalt. I beleive the rumors have proposed an Ollie/Z swap with the difference changing hands.
  8. Mic July 30, 2010 at 2:39 pm
    I am not a fan of rebuilding, but I think Houston have done well.