Mets Game 112: Win Over Rockies

Mets 1 Rockies 0

Has Mike Pelfrey returned?

Pelfrey was brilliant through 7 innings, shutting out the Rockies in a 122-pitch effort en route to his first win since June 25th and his 11th of the season.

With this win, the Mets have reached their perpetual goal of .500. They are 56-56.

Game Notes

Pelfrey allowed 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4. His command was better than we’ve seen lately, but the mechanical flaw is still there. But minor mechanical flaws can be overcome when one is brimming with confidence and is throwing first-pitch strikes (Pelf threw 19 first-pitch strikes to the 26 batters he faced). Also in his favor: a generous strike zone and opposing hitters who have been struggling of late. No matter, we’ll take it. If Pelfrey can keep getting ahead of hitters, keep runners off base, and keep his confidence, he should be able to overcome the glitch in his delivery.

Much has been made about Dan Warthen working with Pelfrey on keeping a consistent arm speed. I have no idea what that has to do with command, and am not confident that “fixing” his arm speed was the key to Pelf’s success in this game. I do wonder, though, if he was tipping his pitches by hunching over / not hunching over; in previous outings, I think he may have been staying more straight up on the curveball.

The only run scored in the game came when Jose Reyes lifted a sac fly to right field to score Jeff Francoeur, who had pinch-run for Chris Carter, who had walked to lead off the seventh. Francoeur replaced Carter immediately and moved to third on a booming double off the right field wall by Josh Thole.

This was a pitchers’ duel to say the least. While Pelfrey allowed only 4 hits, Ubaldo Jimenez did the same in as many innings. Though, Jimenez also walked 4 and struck out 8.

Next Mets Game

Game 2 vs. the Rockies begins at 7:10 PM on Wednesday night in Flushing. Jonathon Niese faces Jeff Francis.