Rookie Mike Morse’ third hit of the game, a solo home run in the 6th was the decisive run in pitchers battle, helping the Washington Nationals defeat the New York Mets 2-1 Monday night at Nationals Park. Both clubs had 7 hits apiece and veteran Nelson Figueroa was dealt the tough luck loss. Mets SS Anderson Hernandez had 2 of the 7 NY hits while Nationals CF Justin Maxwell and SS Ian Desmond added two apiece for Washington.
Figueroa(2-8,4.70), a well respected veteran, deserved a better fate and paid for one mistake. Over 6 innings, he allowed 6 hits and 2 runs with 5 Ks and 3 walks. The season could not end soon enough for the Brooklyn,NY native. “This is like Groundhog’s Day — I just want to wake up from it,” Figueroa said. “It just keeps happening and keeps happening. It’s just frustrating … because no one likes to lose, and I’m definitely not someone who’s going to sit there and say, ‘Well at least I put forth a good effort.’ I’m tired of losing. I hate losing.”
The teams scored single runs prior to the Morse’ homer. In the 1st inning, Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. The Mets countered when 1B Fernando Tatis singled home CF Carlos Beltran in the 6th. Nationals starter LH Ross Detwiller(1-6, 5.35) pitched great to earn his 1st ML win. He tossed 6 innings while allowing 7 hits and 1 run, he K-ed 3 and walked 1. “It feels great,” Detwiler said. “It kind of feels like I’ve got some pressure off myself.” RH Jason Bergmann(2-4,4.73,9 holds) tossed the 7th and 8th innings setting up Washington closer Mike MacDougal(1-1,4.50), who threw a perfect 9th for this 17th save.
Star of the Game: Figueroa- Classy vet is the type of guy the Mets need more of. Not the most talented guy, he battles, works and competes. A Pro’s Pro and pleasure to cover in a nightmare of a season for New York.
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
Game Notes: Figueroa is now 0-5 in September….NY now has 90 losses… Mets made two errors , both on throws. Hernandez and 3B David Wright doing the deed… Team turned one double play.. Mets had 3 sacrifices, one each from LF Angel Pagan, Figueroa and 2B Luis Castillo… LH Pedro Feliciano appeared in his 85th game, one shy of his own club record(86). He retired the only batter he faced in the 7th.
Next Game:
Tuesday
Game 2 of 3 vs. Washington at Nationals Park in the District of Columbia
7 pm
Mets RH Mike Pelfrey(10-12,5.08) vs. Nationals RH J.D. Martin(5-4,4.71)
