Mets Game 117: Loss to Padres
Padres 3 Mets 2
Instead of a series win, the Mets get a split with one of the weakest teams in the NL. In the process, they fall a game below the Flushing .500.
Mets Game Notes
Jonathon Niese worked out of jams in the first few innings, struggling with his command. Several of his curves were slower and more loopy than usual; I wonder if he’s experimenting with changing speeds on it. Personally, I’d prefer he work on getting more consistent with his release point on it, so that it always gets that tight 12-6 overspin and good bite. In any case, I can’t say Niese pitched poorly; quite the contrary — he pitched well, and well enough to win. Unfortunately, the offense could not give him the four runs he needed for the victory. A tough loss for the lefty.
The Mets had a few close — and questionable — calls go against them that affected rallies for both teams. However, I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Mets lost because of the umpiring judgment; good teams rise above adversity such as that. Further, umpires’ calls are always magnified in low-scoring, close games such as this. The bottom line is that the Mets lost because they couldn’t push runners across the plate.
Ruben Tejada made a key error in the 8th inning to allow the eventual winning run to score. Should he be blamed for the loss? Of course not. First of all, there were two other runs that scored earlier in the game that had nothing to do with Tejada. I don’t think he could have prevented Cameron Maybin‘s homerun, for example. Secondly, and once again, the Mets offense scored only two runs all afternoon — which makes it difficult to win at any level of baseball. Errors happen, and Tejada will make many more. I would argue that Tejada made at least two plays in the game that prevented runs from scoring.
Lucas Duda drove in both of the Mets runs with a two-out double in the third. That was the extent of the offensive effort.
The Mets collected three hits and were 1-for-10 with RISP. They did walk six times, but unfortunately, not all in a row.
Next Mets Game
The Mets fly west to Arizona to face the Diamondbacks in a three-game weekend series. Game one begins at 9:40 PM on Friday night and pits Dillon Gee vs. Ian Kennedy.
About the Author
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.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed.
http://midwesternmet.blogspot.com/2011/08/game-117-padres-3-mets-2.html
Second, fine, but it’s hard to see how that is actually what people do consistently. Both teams have been scoring in bunches. They were due for a low scoring game especially on get away day. When that happens, fielding and execution matters more. Giving some responsibility is appropriate, particularly for a player (if not in the last couple games) better known for his defense.
I say he had a key assist for the loss. If you are going to give Niese the “loss,” Tejada deserves some blame too.
Niese was in and out of trouble through most of his outing, and the Mets defense bailed him out a few of those times.
I don’t like the fact Niese was tagged with the “loss” but that’s the way it gos. The team lost, and that’s why no matter what stat people like to focus on, the bottom line is the team’s wins and losses. You win as a team and lose as a team.
Some bonehead play leads to three runs scored. Final score 3-1. The person who made the play, let’s say it’s in the 10th, we don’t say at least was a key reason they lost? Even if he made a couple of nice plays (not fantastic, but nice) earlier on? Just a team effort?
There is some sense of individual responsibility. No need to overdo it, including when their name starts with “M,” but no need to go too far in the other direction either.