The New York Mets got contributions from the entire line-up as well as a much needed strong start from veteran Tim Redding, leading them to a 6-4 victory over the rival St. Louis Cardinals Monday night at Citi-field. NY had 14 hits, led by C Omir Santos’ 4, while 1B Daniel Murphy(2 hits) homered. 2b Luis Castillo had 3 hits with a rbi double. Super sub Alex Cora(2 hits, 2 rbi) continues to make a daily contribution out of the lead-off spot. The former World Champion outlined the team theme for the next couple of weeks(see previous blog about Mets injuries) , “It takes more than five superstars to win,” Cora said.
Redding(1-2,6.07) pitched into the 8th and earned his first win since August 18, 2007. He allowed homers to OF Ryan Ludwick and SS Brendan Ryan but battled all night vs a red hot club. He was charged with 4 runs on 5 hits with 4 Ks and 1 walk. The veteran RH knew this was a big outing for him personally(rotation spot in jeopardy with vets John Maine and Oliver Perez close to returning) as well as the team. “It was a whirlwind day,” Redding said. “I told myself we had to get off to a good start, show we’re not just going to lay down.”
The Mets turned to two unlikely names to pitch the 8th inning with the game on the line after Redding tired, LH Jason Switzer(1/3 of an inning) and RH Barry Stokes. Stokes faced off the best player on the planet, Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols with a runner on and the score 5-4 Mets. Pujols, the reigning NL player of the week, had a great weekend series vs the Kansas City Royals, hitting 3 homers with 10 rbi. Stokes hung tough and go Pujols to hit a 2-2 slider back to him & NY converted it into a huge inning ending double play. “He made a good pitch. I swung. That’s all,” Pujols said. “I’m human. What, am I supposed to hit everything out of the park?”
New York added a huge run in the bottom of the 8th with Cora driving in Castillo on a close play at the plate. With the score now 6-4 Mets, closer Francisco Rodriquez(1-2,1.04 era) earned his 19th save with a 1-2-3 ninth. The win puts NY at 35-33 and keeps the spirits up! ”It’s got to be huge to know we can compete after losing a huge player like Carlos,” Stokes said.
Star of the Game: The Mets team- Seriously,look at the line-up Manuel put out and you tell me how he does not win Manager of the Year! This game tonight is how the Mets must play with their current roster, everyone must contribute and not make this the David Wright show. Guys like Santos(Schneider over the weekend),Cora, Murphy, Church and Castillo must get an odd ht or clutch rbi. Some how this team has stayed afloat but Beltran is a huge, huge loss and it might be too much to ask this group to compete as currently constructed.
Close Call: Mets SS Jose Reyes and trainer Ray Ramirez were rear ended by a truck on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on the way to the hospital for an exam. Both are fine, THANKFULLY!!!
Power deficient?: The 9 batters in the New York starting line-up have a combined 16 homers. Pujols has 26 BY HIMSELF!!!!
Mets starting line-up:
1- SS Alex Cora
2- 1B Daniel Murphy
3- 3B David Wright
4- LF Fernando Tatis
5- RF Ryan Church
6- C Omir Santos
7- CF Jeremy Reed
8- 2B Luis Castillo
9- Pitcher
Game Notes: The Mets are now a MLB best 17-7 in series openers… Santos 4 hits were a career high… Team designated INF Wilson Valdez for assignment while recalling veteran P Elmer Dessens… Rookie OF Fernando Martinez took over for Tatis in Left for the 9th
Day Off: Manuel was looking to give some of his over-worked relievers the night off , notably Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano and Sean Green. With Redding pitching well an deep into the game, mission accomplished. “That was huge for us,” Manuel said. “Now we begin to have length again in our bullpen.”
Next Game:
Tuesday, Game 2 of 4 vs the Cardinals at Citifield
7:10
Mets RH Livan Hernandez(5-1,4.18) vs. Cardinals RH Joel Pineiro(5-8,3.76)
