Mets Game 95: Loss to Marlins
Marlins 4 Mets 1
May the battle for the NL East cellar begin.
Mets Game Notes
Chris Capuano pitched an admirable ballgame, going a personal season-high 7 2/3 innings. He cruised for most of the game, except for the fourth inning. He was only one strike away from ending the fourth, but Hanley Ramirez poked a two-strike, two-out base hit that began a three-run rally that set the tone for the remainder of the game.
While the Fish were able to crack Capuano, the Mets could do nothing with Clay Hensley, who pitched five shutout innings in his first MLB start in three years.
Mike Dunn and Edward Mujica are solid middle relievers. Dunn in particular has great stuff; if he ever adjusts his motion to not over-rotate so much (likely, he won’t change anything), he could be devastating. As it is he’s very tough, on both lefties and righties.
The Mets mounted a mild rally against Randy Choate in the final frame. As with their most recent rallies, it was too little, too late, and more a factor of bad pitching than strong hitting.
Ryota Igarashi pitched the 9th and did not allow a baserunner to score — not even an inherited one. Baby steps.
The Mets started with an ugly, feeble-looking lineup and fulfilled the expectation, collecting only three hits. Two were by Willie Harris (who also walked) and one by Nick Evans (also one walk), who replaced Scott Hairston after Hairston fouled a ball of his shin. The Mets did collect five walks, so there’s that.
The Marlins now have won as many games (47) as the Mets — though they have one more loss (49). The Nationals also have 47 wins. It appears it will be a three-team dogfight for the NL East cellar.
Next Mets Game
The Mets stay home to host the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series beginning on Tuesday at 7:10 PM. The pitching matchup is Dillon Gee vs. Kyle Lohse.
I think Bay’s teammates are trying to support him and help his confidence. And if that’s the case, I’m actually OK with it, because the Mets have a slim chance of doing anything interesting this year unless Bay gets the bat going.
I concur with the first comment that Bay had no reason for satisfaction there given the situation. It wasn’t the first time either that someone worked a walk (Pridie managed one Sunday too) and then the next batter (Pagan) quickly flew out to help kill a rally.
The Mets fell apart in the second half last year. They have lost three out of four. I don’t expect the postseason. But, I don’t think last year’s collapse is warranted either. Last night’s game was more of that sort.