Thursday, May 05, 2005
Mets 7, Phillies 5
Kris Benson has been counted on to bolster a pitching staff that, let me tell you, is in serious need of some bolstering. And while he was on a pitch count and less than perfect, his first start of the season was an encouraging first step. He seemed to run out of gas a little in the fifth inning after exceeding the eighty pitches he was supposed to be limited to, but prior to that he was quite effective and the Mets were still able to get out of the jam he started. He struck out six and walked two in four and two-thirds innings, which is a promising start given the generally mediocre strikeout rates of his career. He also allowed five hits and hit a batter, but allowed only two runs despite exiting with the bases loaded. Obviously he's got to build up his endurance somewhat, which should also help with his pitch efficiency, but he definitely got things started in the right direction. If he can continue in this vein he will be an important addition to this team.
Another important piece of the team's pitching staff is Aaron Heilman, who relieved Benson with two out in the fifth and the bases loaded. He got that third out immediately and then kept on rolling for another three excellent innings. He struck out five while allowing just one walk and one hit. Heilman will return to his regular spot in the rotation next week where he'll look to continue his work as the second or third best pitcher the Mets have.
The Mets' offense also had a good day, thanks in large part to the returning Mike Cameron and the resurgent Mike Piazza. Cameron had a pair of doubles and was also hit by a pitch and scored two runs. And Piazza went four for five, capping things off with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth that wound up providing the margin of victory. Overall, the Mets had twelve hits and drew five walks, with Doug Mientkiewicz, Victor Diaz and David Wright also hitting doubles. Offensive Machine Cliff Floyd had the day off.
This seemed like more than enough to get the Mets a win, but then Mike DeJean entered to pitch the ninth. He increased the intensity in a hurry, giving up a three-run home run to Jimmy Rollins with just one out. He got one more out before leaving with a runner on first and having allowed four hits. Braden Looper came on to strike out Pat Burrell to end the game on a pitch that was well outside but still called strike three for some reason.
The Mets now head to Milwaukee to take on the hottest team in the National League. The Brewers have won seven in a row as the Mets come to town. They will send Doug Davis (3-3, 4.79) to the mound to take on Guy Who Sucks Victor Zambrano (1-3, 5.81) and the Mets. ¶ joe | 11:53 PM |
Kris Benson has been counted on to bolster a pitching staff that, let me tell you, is in serious need of some bolstering. And while he was on a pitch count and less than perfect, his first start of the season was an encouraging first step. He seemed to run out of gas a little in the fifth inning after exceeding the eighty pitches he was supposed to be limited to, but prior to that he was quite effective and the Mets were still able to get out of the jam he started. He struck out six and walked two in four and two-thirds innings, which is a promising start given the generally mediocre strikeout rates of his career. He also allowed five hits and hit a batter, but allowed only two runs despite exiting with the bases loaded. Obviously he's got to build up his endurance somewhat, which should also help with his pitch efficiency, but he definitely got things started in the right direction. If he can continue in this vein he will be an important addition to this team.
Another important piece of the team's pitching staff is Aaron Heilman, who relieved Benson with two out in the fifth and the bases loaded. He got that third out immediately and then kept on rolling for another three excellent innings. He struck out five while allowing just one walk and one hit. Heilman will return to his regular spot in the rotation next week where he'll look to continue his work as the second or third best pitcher the Mets have.
The Mets' offense also had a good day, thanks in large part to the returning Mike Cameron and the resurgent Mike Piazza. Cameron had a pair of doubles and was also hit by a pitch and scored two runs. And Piazza went four for five, capping things off with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth that wound up providing the margin of victory. Overall, the Mets had twelve hits and drew five walks, with Doug Mientkiewicz, Victor Diaz and David Wright also hitting doubles. Offensive Machine Cliff Floyd had the day off.
This seemed like more than enough to get the Mets a win, but then Mike DeJean entered to pitch the ninth. He increased the intensity in a hurry, giving up a three-run home run to Jimmy Rollins with just one out. He got one more out before leaving with a runner on first and having allowed four hits. Braden Looper came on to strike out Pat Burrell to end the game on a pitch that was well outside but still called strike three for some reason.
The Mets now head to Milwaukee to take on the hottest team in the National League. The Brewers have won seven in a row as the Mets come to town. They will send Doug Davis (3-3, 4.79) to the mound to take on Guy Who Sucks Victor Zambrano (1-3, 5.81) and the Mets. ¶ joe | 11:53 PM |
