Mets Game 145: Win Over Pirates
Mets 9 Pirates 1
R.A. Dickey continued the feel-good story of the year, cruising to his eleventh win of the season and enjoying an abnormally ample attack from the Mets’ offense: 9 runs on 14 hits, including 5 for extra bases.
Game Notes
Dickey pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 and flipping 127 pitches (82 strikes). Either Dickey is for real or he’s a modern-day Joe Hardy. Either way, let’s hope he keeps this level of performance in 2011.
So many positives, it’s hard to spotlight just one or two. Let’s center on Ruben Tejada, who was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and came within a few feet of swatting his second career home run. He is red-hot, which means Jerry Manuel will likely be sitting him the rest of the week.
Another feel-good story: Nick Evans, who followed up his game-winning hit the other night with a 2-for-4 day including his first MLB homer of 2010 — a tremendous blast over the centerfield fence.
Carlos Beltran also homered, and doubled, and drove in three. Angel Pagan broke out of his slump with three hits including a double and also drove in three. Jose Reyes was 2-for-4 with 3 runs and an RBI.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Pirates play again on Wednesday night at 7:10 PM. Jenrry Mejia goes against Pat Maholm.
I’m absolutely on board with re-signing RAD to that contract. In fact, I’d offer it to him the day before he takes the mound to start the All Star game in Chase Field next July.
Since he’s under club control next season, I’d prefer the Mets make sure that he’s the real thing. I believe he is. And I love everything about the guy; his competitiveness, his approach to the game and his intelligence. I’d rather watch his games than any other starter.
Not to mention, there are still a few creative phrases involving Dickey’s name that we haven’t heard yet. 😉
Evans was abused by the team this year, sending him to AA after spending parts of two years in the bigs. And then when Davis was called up he stayed in AA so that Jacobs could play at AAA. And except for a little slump in midseason, the kid toughed it out. I think he showed a ton more character than most of the players on the major league roster. Perez should be made to watch every one of Evans AA games till he figures out what it takes to be a real big leaguer.
The other reason I think you give the kid a shot is he can play the corner infield positions as well as left field. And he is better than average at first base.
Will he be a superstar, or even a star; probably not. But his kind of attitude is what wins championships. Take a look at the 86 team or the 69 team. Loaded with this type of guy who was willing to platoon and do what is necessary to win.
I really, really hope the Mets have him continue to learn how to catch. If he can be a 3rd catcher and play all the corners, he’ll be a great asset on the bench — like a Rob Fick / Cliff Johnson / Joe Ferguson.