The NY Mets showed up big Friday night, defeating their archrival Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 at Citizens Bank Park. NY jumped out with 5 runs in the opening 3 innings while starter Mike Pelfrey starred with his bat(2 rbi) and arm( 5 1/3rd innings allowing 3 runs). 3b David Wright and 1b Fernando Tatis had 2 hits and an rbi while LF Daniel Murphy hit a big 2 run homer.
The Mets punished struggling Phillies starter Chan Ho Park for 7 runs in less than 5 innings, raising his era to 8.57. The NY attack plated runs on Murphy’s homer and 3 sacrifice flies.(Pelfrey, SS Jose Reyes and C Omir Santos). Wright and Pelfrey added run scoring singles in the 5th. Philadelphia scored 3 runs in the 3rd on RBI singlesfrom LF Raul Ibanez (2 run) and 3b Pedro Feliz.
A day after Mets GM Omar Minaya openly questioned the edge of his club, his players showed up BIG. “I guess we had an edge tonight,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. “I feel good about how we approached the game. We have to bring that level of intensity and focus every night no matter who we play.”
This game was a blueprint on how the 2009 Mets need to play, good quality starting pitching and a balanced attack with the bats plus the most improved relief corps in the game. Pelfrey allowed 7 hits and walked 4 but got some key outs while competing! LH Pedro Feliciano pitched thru the 7th(touched for a homer by Phillies stud 2b Chase Utley) and J.J. Putz threw a strong 8th. New Mets closer Francisco Rodriquez was awesome in the 9th, K-ing 2 including Phillies star 1b Ryan Howard to end the game.
Star of the Game: Pelfrey- HUGE on all counts, a vital component of this club’s pennant hopes!
Game Notes: 1b Carlos Delgado and 2b Luis Castillo both remained out with minor injuries…CF Carlos Beltran drew 3 walks & stole his 2nd base.
Rivalry: To say these teams don’t like each other might be an understatement. The Mets have been labeled as choke artists for their consecutive collapses of 07 and 08(7 game lead with 17 to play in ’07, 3 1/2 with 17 in ’08) and want to beat this team DESPERATELY.
Next Game:
Saturday, Game 2 of 3 game set vs the Phillies
3:40 pm
Mets LH Oliver Perez(1-2,9.31) vs Phillies LH Jamie Moyer(3-1,5.09)
