So far, it’s shaping up to be a season of many one-run games — low-scoring, one-run games, that is. That means every move, mistake, and clutch hit is magnified. It also means that the Mets have an extremely slim margin for error, and every seemingly little execution is paramount.
A good sign: the Mets can beat the worst teams in baseball. If nothing else, it suggests that the Mets may not be among the bottom-feeders.
The Mets stayed toe to toe with the best team occupying the NL Central cellar, but were just a hair short at the end of the ballgame. But at least they tried.
Tonight’s Mets lineup against righthander Bud Norris of the Houston Astros:
Jose Reyes – SS
Josh Thole – C
David Wright – 3B
Carlos Beltran – RF
Ike Davis – 1B
Angel Pagan – CF
Willie Harris – LF
Daniel Murphy – 2B
R.A. Dickey – P
Dan Murphy’s hot bat (and cold feet) are back in the lineup, providing protection for Willie Harris in the 8 hole.
A split is like kissing your sister. Or something.
Tom Glavine Pat Misch hurled 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs, walking none. Not a bad start by any means. But he gave up a monster blast to Carlos Lee that drove home all three Houston runs and that, my friends, was the ballgame.
Meanwhile, the Mets hitters could do nothing with the immortal Bud Norris — they managed three singles and four walks. The only reason they crossed the plate twice was because “shortstop” Angel Sanchez was standing between second and third base when the Mets came to bat. Sanchez’s inability to field adequately led to both Mets runs — first, he missed second base on a DP attempt which allowed a run to score, and minutes later, he couldn’t convert a Chris Carter grounder into an out, scoring the second Mets run. Do you know how hard it is for Carter to get an infield hit?
Did I mention that the Mets had three hits? Pat Misch rapped one of them. Carter’s was another. Jose Reyes had the third Mets hit, which was legitimate.
Angel Pagan stole his 30th base. That’s some kind of milestone, isn’t it? I know, I’m grasping for positives.
Rod Barajas came off the DL and started this game behind the plate. Why? No one is sure.
Jerry Manuel’s quote during the postgame, in describing the Mets offense:
“This is pathetic.”
For once, I agree with Mr. Manuel.
The Mets rocket out of Houston and move on to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates for a weekend series. Game one begins at 7:05 PM on Friday night and pits Mike Pelfrey vs. Jeff Karstens.
