Mets 2 Marlins 1
R.A. Dickey pitches a fabulous ballgame, the Mets score just enough runs to give him a victory, Jason Isringhausen pitched a clean inning, and Bobby Parnell saves it … either things are improving in Metsville or we have experienced four signs of the apocalypse.
Mets Game Notes
Dickey’s knuckleball was fluttering with abandon and precision — if that’s possible? He struck out six, walked one, allowed seven hits and no runs through seven innings and 100 pitches to earn his sixth victory of 2011.
Izzy struck out all three batters he faced. Maybe he should be given a week of rest more often.
Parnell wasn’t exactly perfect, though. He gave up a solo bomb to Gaby Sanchez (who else?) to make everyone sweat. Hey, isn’t that what a closer is supposed to do? Keep everyone on the edge of their seat?
Offensively, the Mets scratched out runs early on Anibal Sanchez, who struggled through the first three frames before settling down to pitch six full innings and give the Fish a “quality start”. For once, though, it was the opposition who couldn’t provide enough runs for a hard-luck starter.
Lucas Duda and Nick Evans were a combined 5-for-8 with two runs scored, but the two runs were driven in by Josh Thole and Justin Turner.
Next Mets Game
The next game is scheduled to begin shortly — at 7:25 PM. Dillon Gee faces Ricky Nolasco.
Nailbiters against the Marlins and Nationals seem to be the name of the game for around a decade. Whatever the numbers show, that seems to be the case. The Mets had chances to score more runs. The game turned on a close play at first and maybe a pick-off at second. Oh well. Parnell is starting off okay. Why should the Mets suddenly have a no sweat closer?
Parnell is not doing it for me. I don’t think he has the mental toughness or the stuff. He throws 100 mph but it’s straight as an arrow. Any good major leaguer will be able to hit it. Let’s package him with Pelfrey to get something good. Also, what’s up with our career minor leaguer, Nick Evans? It really stinks that he is doing well. I hope the Mets dont think he would be an answer for anything.
Since they only seriously used him until now, I doubt they think Evans will be an “answer,” though he might be a useful back-up player. Showing him off might also make him trade bait, if only as someone tossed in.