Mets Game 74: Loss to Twins

Twins 6 Mets 0

Carl Pavano can pitch in New York after all.

Pavano spun a 3-hit shutout as the Twins rediscovered their fundamentals, defense, and power.

Game Notes

(All together now) Johan Santana didn’t have his best stuff. But this time, I mean he didn’t have his best stuff compared to the “not his best stuff” we’ve been seeing in 2010. Did that make any sense? He allowed 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings, striking out 4. As usual, his command and velocity were less than stellar.

Maybe he didn’t pitch well because he was trying too hard against his old team. Though, there wasn’t any bad blood when he left, and he didn’t have to prove anything to them. It was about as amicable a breakup it could be.

Maybe the story about the dismissed rape charges from last January breaking was on his mind. Perhaps being reminded of his infidelity as a result was clouding his focus.

Or maybe, he’s just not nearly as outstanding as he was prior to his elbow injury last year. That’s not to say he isn’t good, or very good at times — rather, that he’s not outstanding.

Not that it would’ve mattered anyway, since the Mets managed only 3 hits against Pavano. Two were from Jeff Francoeur — one was a bunt single. The third hit was by Rod Barajas, and it was a cheap bloop that dropped in front of centerfielder Denard Span. The only other baserunner allowed by Pavano was Ike Davis, who reached on a walk.

Maybe it was better this way — that Santana and the offense both had a bad day. Otherwise we might be lamenting that the Mets “wasted” another great start by Santana, and/or that it is just another case of Santana receiving poor run support.

Next Mets Game

The rubber match will be played at 1:10 PM on Sunday afternoon. Jon Niese faces Scott Baker.