The dynamic duo of the Milwaukee Brewers -1B Prince Fielder and LF Ryan Braun- drove in 5 of the 6 runs, leading the home team to a 6-3 victory over the depleted New York Mets Tuesday night at Miller Park. Mets ace lefty Johan Santana(9-6, 3.34) had some unfortunate luck but also gave up 9 hits and 6 runs over 6 innings. The loss put NY’s season high losing streak at 5 and they finished June with a 9-18 record. The wear and tear of being without star players SS Jose Reyes, 1B Carlos Delgado and CF Carlos Beltran as well as pitchers John Maine, J.J. Putz and Oliver Perez has clearly taken its toll.
The Mets got off to a great start when Wright homered in the first with one on off of Brewers starter RH Mike Burns(1-1,3.31) and things looked like they would turn in NY’s favor. However, the Brewers have a tremendous line-up with a strong blend of youth and experience and you knew Johan would not have an easy night. He didn’t , as Braun singled home the first Milwaukee run in the 3rd.
Things came apart in the home fourth for NY and they have no one to blame but themselves. Santana walked Burns and a fly ball to rookie CF Fernando Martinez looked like a sure out only to see the promising youngster get his cleats caught in the turf and the ball dropped in for a double. SS JJ Hardy walked on four pitches, causing pitching coach Dan Warthen to visit his agitated ace on the mound. Warthen then took up for his ace and was ejected by home plate umpire Jim Wolf. Braun then hit a 0-2 pitch into the left for a 3 run double & the Brewers LF came home on Santana’s poor relay throw to make it 5-2 Milwaukee.
Prince Fielder’s tremendous shot to right center ,that was over 450 feet, chased Santana in the 7th. NY RH Barry Stokes(2 holds, 4.15) took over and got the side out. Sean Green(6 holds,5.24) pitched a 1-2-3 8th with 3 ground balls. The Mets final run came on Martinez’ first career homer with 2 outs in the 9th.
Star of the Game: Braun- Tremendous talent who is inline to start in the OF for the NL All Star team.
1st Career win: Burns- The veteran of 3 ML teams earned the win with 6 and 2 thirds of work, allowing 2 runs and 5 hits with 2 Ks and 1 walk. He threw 95 pitches, while recording outs on 11 fly outs and 7 grounders.
Mets starting line-up:
1- SS Alex Cora
2- 2B Fernando Tatis
3- 3B David Wright
4- LF Gary Sheffield
5- RF Ryan Church
6- 1B Nick Evans
7- CF Fernando Martinez
8- C Omir Santos
9- Pitcher
Game Notes: SS Jose Reyes has gone to Port St. Lucie, Fla to begin working out to return from his leg injuries…. Wright’s homer was his first since June 9th… Santana has walked the opposing pitcher 6 times & has lost 4 of his last 6 starts…. Mets Manager Jerry Manuel kept the locker room closed for close to 30 minutes post game and the message was simple: we have enough to win with this group, stay together and do not feel sorry for yourselves
Next Game:
Wednesday, series finale vs the Brewers at Miller Park
2:05
Mets RH Mike Pelfrey(5-3,4.67) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo(8-4,.286)
