4 relievers backed up starter John Maine, who won for the first time since May, leading the New York Mets to a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals Sunday afternoon at Citi-Field in Queens. LF Angel Pagan had 3 hits while CF Carlos Beltran had two hits, an rbi and run. 1B Daniel Murphy’s (2 hits) 2 run double and SS Wilson Valdez ‘ 2 run 9th inning(Huge late game insurance) triple were the big blowns of the game. The Mets win(65-85) allows them to take 2 of 3 in this battle of last place NL East Teams.
Maine(6-5,4.13), making his 2nd start since June after battling pain in his throwing shoulder, allowed two singles and a walk in 5 innings. He threw 75 pitches(50 for strikes), looking free and easy with his delivery. Elmer Dessens(2 innings), Sean Green and Brian Stokes followed(These 3 retired 12 batters in a row before the Nats 9th inning mini-rally) . Stokes allowed 2 runs in the 9th but Manager Jerry Manuel summoned closer Francisco Rodriquez for a game ending strikeout with 2 runners on to earn his 33rd save.
Star of the Game: Maine- Promising sign that this talented starter battled back to pitch in these meaningless September contests.
Mets starting line-up:
1- LF Angel Pagan
2- 2B Luis Castillo
3- 3B David Wright
4- CF Carlos Beltran
5- 1B Daniel Murphy
6- RF Jeff Francoeur
7- C Josh Thole
8- SS Wilson Valdez
9- Pitcher
Game Notes: Castillo(2 hits,sacrifice) stole his 17th base for the Mets… NY had 5 2 out rbi….Maine walked and struck out the same number, one… Rookie C Josh Thole continues to look like a stud, he was 1 for 2 with a run and rbi. He also walked twice… No Nationals player had more than one hit….Valdez looks like a player for NY. Makes good plays in the field and has a strong throwing arm. Good back up infielder candidate for 2010… Washington RH starter Garrett Mock pitched 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and 5 runs. He K-ed 2 and walked 2 as well… Maine is now 8-3 with a 4.20 ERA in 13 career starts vs, the Nationals. His 8 wins vs. Washington, giving him his highest total vs. any opponent… Murphy is hitting .347(17 for 49) with 2 homers and 11 rbi in his last 13 games
Next Game:
Monday
Start 3 game series vs. division rival Atlanta Braves at Citi-Field
7:10 pm
Mets LH Pat Misch(1-3,4.21) vs. Braves RH Derek Lowe(14-9,4.53)
