Back up OF Cameron Maybin’s 3 run shot in the 5th was the big blow Saturday as the host Florida Marlins scored 7 of their 9 runs in the 5th, helping them to defeat an injury riddled New York Mets club 9-6 at Land Shark Stadium in Miami. CF Carlos Beltran and 1B Fernando Tatis(2 run) homered for NY who pounded out 11 hits in the loss. 1B Jorge Cantu had 3 hits to lead Florida. NY is now 66-89 while the Marlins stand at 83-72 while maintaing slim post season hopes. Florida trails wild card leading Colorado by 5 games with 8 to play.
Mets starter John Maine(6-6,4.72) battled but lost it in the 5th. He allowed 7 hits and 7 runs over 4 and 2 third innings while K-ing 3 and walking 2. He also threw 2 wild pitches and hit consecutive batters in the fourth. “In this muggy weather it was hard for me to breathe for the first couple innings, but after that it was OK,” Maine said. Florida starter Sean West(8-6,4.79) worked 5 frames, allowing 3 runs(2 earned) and 7 hits. The southpaw walked none and K-ed 2 while earning the win.
Star of the Game: Maybin- Injury replacement(took over for Ross) has the biggest hit of the night. A player and name to remember in 2010!
Mets starting line-up:
1- LF Angel Pagan
2- 2B Luis Castillo
3- 3B David Wright
4- CF Carlos Beltran
5- RF Jeff Francoeur
6- 1B Fernando Tatis
7- C Omir Santos
8- SS Anderson Hernandez
9- Pitcher
Apology from the Franchise: Mets 3B David Wright made a huge mental error on the base paths in the 5th. He appeared to slow down as he was scoring with 2 outs only to see Francoeur thrown out at 2nd trying to stretch a single into a double. “That wasn’t a good play at all. He came in and apologized to the team, but at the same time you expect more from your core players than what he gave,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. ”Just a mental mistake. That’s my fault,” Wright said. “I’ll take responsibility and it won’t happen again.”
Game Notes: Marlins OF Cody Ross left the game in the 4th with a wrist contusion after being hit by Maine. He is considered day to day… Mets did not draw a walk… NYs Regular 1B Daniel Murphy was given the day off… SS Jose Reyes ran pregame to test his right hamstring. “How he feels (Sunday) and the next day will determine the progression,” said Manuel. The Mets skipper does not believe his leadoff man will return this season however… 4 Mets had 2 hits apiece to pace the offense, Pagan, Castillo, Tatis and Hernandez…. West is 5-2 with a 4.67 ERA in his last 9 starts
