Mets Game 61: Win Over Orioles
Mets 5 Orioles 1
Faced with the challenge of playing MLB’s worst team, the Mets rose to the occasion and whipped the Orioles in Baltimore.
After seeing the futile O’s flailing after floaters from the fingertips of R.A. Dickey, it will be a disappointment if the Mets do anything other than sweep this series.
Game Notes
R.A. Dickey’s Disney-scripted reality movie continues, as the knuckster cruised through seven frames, allowing only one run on seven hits and one walk, striking out eight. Aren’t knuckleballers supposed to walk more batters? Dickey was in trouble only once in the contest, and wiggled out of it. He left the game after 109 pitches, but easily could’ve gone longer. In fact, if I were manager, I’d consider sending him out to the hill again on Saturday and possibly also on Sunday.
By the way, is it possible to NOT root for R.A. Dickey?
Speaking of players impossible not to root for, Chris “The Animal” Carter provided the power from the DH spot, cracking a 3-run homer to put the Mets ahead 4-0 in the fourth and essentially put the game away — the Orioles pretty much rolled over and played dead after that blast. It was Carter’s first MLB homer, which seems a long time coming.
David Wright batted in the #3 location of the lineup and responded with a 3-for-4 day, including a double and 2 RBI. Why did it take so long to guarantee him a first-inning at-bat?
Jose Reyes continued his return to form with two hits and a double of his own, while adding in his 16th stolen base of the season. His average is slowly ascending, but I’d like to see him earn a few more free passes as well.
Pedro Feliciano came on to pitch the 8th and nearly gave up a 3-run homer to Matt Wieters that would’ve changed the course of the game considerably. However, the laser beam of a drive veered to the left of the foul pole, and Wieters struck out on the following pitch. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Feliciano continues to look worn out, and threw 21 pitches in his one inning of work. Does that mean he’ll be held out of action on Saturday? Not likely, as long as pedal-to-the-metal Manuel is calling the shots.
The Mets were 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Have to wonder what might’ve occurred if Gary Matthews Jr. or Fernando Tatis filled the DH role in this game. Yes, I know GMJ has been released, I’m just sayin’.
Next Mets Game
The Mets and Orioles do it again at 7:05 PM in Ripkentown. Hisanori Takahashi faces Brian Matusz.
– OF: We love Carter. But that hardly negates Bay. Sure he is streaky, but he kept going when everyone else was cold.
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He has no rhyme nor reason nor any long-range thought when it comes to bullpen use. Expect injuries and a complete collapse from the 'pen beginning in late July.
Plus, before Friday Krod last pitched on Tuesday, June 8. So if he hadn't pitched Friday night protecting a 4-run lead, the most rest he would have had prior to last night's game was 3 days. So I'm not sure where you're coming up with this 4-5 straight days off number. But now, we're faced with the issue of having watched Krod throw an unnecessary inning on Friday, then make another appearance last night, and if he's needed again today that means he would have pitched in 3 straight games. What would you more prefer – having Krod pitch 3 days in a row, or give him rest 3 days in a row?
Plus, my point is that you say guys like Krod and Pedro need regular work and constant action, but then you're allowing the other parts of the bullpen – like Valdes, Mejia, and Igarashi – to sit around and rot in the bullpen, collecting rust and falling out of service. Why is it acceptable to overwork Krod and Pedro but then under-utilize the rest of the pen? If your rust theory pertains to Krod and Pedro, shouldn't it then pertain to everyone else, as well?