1b Jorge Cantu broke open a close game with a huge 3 run shot to left center in the 7th to help the Florida Marlins defeat the NY Mets,7-4 Tuesday night at Citifield in Queens. The homer capped a 4 run inning and spoiled a solid start by veteran Livian Hernandez (5 1/3 innings, 3 hits, 3 runs(2 earned) with 5 Ks and 2 walks). The win helped the Marlins avoid an 8 game losing streak.
The Marlins rallied vs Sean Green(0-1) in the 7th with 2 walks(including the dreaded lead free pass), an infield single and ground out ,setting up Cantu’s bomb. The homer seemed to sap New York’s energy(1 hit over the final 3 frames) and their leader noticed.“Three runs shouldn’t be something that’s insurmountable,” Mets Manager Manuel said. “It appears when we get in that position, it’s an insurmountable lead. We have to address that. I think our anxiety takes over at that time and gets in the way of us performing.”
Offensively, the Mets got 2 hits from Alex Cora(starting at 2b) and a two run triple from LF Gary Sheffield. CF Carlos Beltran, having a great season, walked and singled. 3b David Wright made his 3rd error of the season and it was very costly, as the Marlins scored an unearned run on the throw in the 6th.
Star of the Game: Cantu(3 for 3, 5 rbi)– A huge, underrated piece of an outstanding Marlins infield. Can hit the ball out to all parts of the park, just ask the Mets!!!
Game Notes: Team honored Sheffield for his 500th homer pregame…. 1b Carlos Delgado and 2b Luis Castillo missed the game with injuries. Manuel plans to rest Delgado in the series finale and proclaimed his hip good to go for Friday. Castillo could be back Wednesday with his back spasm issue… Beltran has hit in 19 of 20 Mets games…OF Daniel Murphy(.323) pinch hit in the 6th, hitting a single
Homefield advantage?: You have to start to worry about how Citifield is affecting this team. The Mets have 3 players who are locks to hit 30 homers plus Sheffield playing 2-3 days week. The team has not hit a single homer to a power alley, while collecting 8 triples.(6 homers) Sheffield’s triple was crushed and would have left Yellowstone. Winds have also made pop ups and flyouts an adventure.
Next Game:
Wednesday, series finale vs Marlins at Citifield,1:10
Mets Johan Santana(2-0,2.20) vs Marlins Josh Johnson(3-1,0.70)
