The Mets lose a nail-biting heartbreaker to the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a 4-game series at CitiField. I feel like Rosie O’Donnell in “A League of Their Own” when she said: “right up until that last inning we HAD IT”. You could literally feel the wind come out of the Mets and their fans’ sails when Melky Cabrera, who walked on 4 pitches from Frank Francisco to lead off the 10th inning, later scored on a base hit. The night wasn’t all doom and gloom however, as the Mets really showed they could hang in there and fight.
THE GOOD. I realize it’s early in the season, but if I had to give out an award for most improved, hands down it would go to Ruben Tejada. He may not be getting TONS of hits, but he has been racking up some seriously impressive at-bats so far and his defensive play is becoming steadily stronger. The same could be said for Daniel Murphy, who is looking more and more comfortable at 2B with every game.
Jason Bay and Kirk Nieuwenhius both had solo home runs tonight. David Wright has now reached base in 10 straight games in which he has started. Josh Thole came up huge in the 9th inning with an RBI that tied the game. Kirk’s home run was the first from a lefty-hitter, off a lefty-pitcher, over the left-field fence at CitiField.
This was a GOOD GAME. Yes, we can all nitpick over who did (or didn’t) do this or that, but overall it was a well-played game for the Mets. Kirk was great both offensively and defensively tonight. David continued his hot hitting and on-base streak. Two home runs were hit tonight. Even Jon Niese (apart from the 3rd inning) pitched well enough to keep the Mets close all night.
THE BAD. Oh Jason, Jason, Jason…all you needed was a sac fly. Now granted, you got shafted on a ball that was called a strike that forced you to swing at the next pitch no matter what, but still…
Frank Francisco walking Melky Cabrera pretty much sealed the deal in this one.
Ironically, Angel Pagan’s first home run of the year came tonight against his old team.
THE UGLY. All those beards in the Giants bullpen! I realize Brian Wilson is out for the season, but is Sergio Romo growing a sympathy beard or something? Jeez.
Turning Point
Had the Mets won, I would have given this to Josh Thole’s game-tying RBI in the 9th. However, I have to go with Frank Francisco’s 10th inning lead-off walking of Melky Cabrera, which would eventually be the winning run for the Giants.
Moment(s) of Note
OH MURPH! Assisted by Ruben Tejada, Daniel Murphy made a spectacular bare-handed double play in the 7th inning.
Game Ball
“Captain” Kirk Nieuwenhius for his home run and his incredible diving catch in CF tonight.
Next Game
Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 0.09 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow against Ryan Vogelsong (0-1, 2.84 ERA) as the Mets (7-6) and the Giants (7-6) play game 2 of their 4-game series at CitiField tomorrow night at 1:10 pm EST. The game can be seen on WPIX11 and heard on WFAN660 AM. @MetsWFAN @dailystache @Meriwyn
Let’s go METS!!
