On a night where Brad Mills’ used 7 pitchers to face 7 batters in 1 inning, I don’t think anyone expected the pitchers’ duel he had through the 6th inning. R.A. Dickey was once again brilliant, taking a no-hitter into said 6th inning. That momentum would be taken away with one big swing, however, as Matt Downs hit a 2-run HR to put the Mets in a 3-0 hole with 3 innings left. There would be a come back though, with Captain Clutch himself, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, hitting a 2-run RBI that would tie the game at 3-3 in the 7th.
Manny Acosta came in and pitched a great 7th inning, but not so much in the 8th, as Jed Lowrie would drive in the winning run, after a costly ball-bobble by Josh Thole would allow Jordan Schafer to advance into scoring position.
Ike Davis continues to find his groove and tonight went 2-for-4 and scored a run.
Andres Torres held his own tonight as well, and even though he only went 1-for-4, that 1 proved to be significant as it was an RBI.
Turning Point
Even though the Mets would come back to tie the game, I would have to say Matt Downs’ 2-run HR took the wind out of the Mets’ sails and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Moment(s) of Note
Yes, he made an error tonight, but Daniel Murphy continues to look more and more comfortable at 2nd base.
Poor Lucas Duda, who has the flu, looked ghastly when he pinched hit for Dickey. Thought he might fall over 🙁
Game Ball
After an AB that Justin Turner would have been proud of…Kirk Nieuwenhius for his clutch 2-run RBI that tied the game.
Next Game
Jon Niese (2-0, 2.81 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow against J.A. Happ (1-1, 4.70 ERA) as the Mets (13-10) and the Astros (9-14) play game 2 of their 3-game series at Minute Maid Park tomorrow night at 8:05 pm EST. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN660 AM. @MetsWFAN @dailystache @Meriwyn
Let’s go METS!!
