The New York Mets(55-62) got some bad news post game but got a great start from RH Mike Pelfrey and a walk-off single from 1B Daniel Murphy in the 9th, leading them to a 3-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants(63-54) Sunday afternoon at Citi-Field. The club was forced to place superstar 3B David Wright on the DL postgame with post concussion symptoms after he was beaned by Giants starter Matt Cain Saturday. Mets Manager Jerry Manuel, who is going to heaven after the trials of this season, tried to be positive.“Nobody wants to ask me about Murphy’s game-winning hit?” manager Jerry Manuel said, standing up after fielding a series of questions about Wright. “You guys are really bad.”
Mets RH Mike Pelfrey(8-8,4.75) pitched a great game Sunday, throwing into the 8th( 7 and a third) while allowing 5 hits and 2 runs.He K-ed 5 and walked one, while getting 13 ground ball outs,(4 fly balls) A sign that the sinker was working The Giants scored a run in the 5th with rookie CF Eugenio Velez collecting an rbi single. Mets 2B Luis Castillo hit a two run homer(1st since May 30,2008) to left with CF Angel Pagan on to make it 2-1 NY in the 5th.
The Giants scored in the 8th to tie after Pelfrey tired and allowed a run scoring double to veteran RF Randy Winn. Pelfrey(104 pitches) was relieved by RH Brian Stokes(1-2,3.02,6 holds) and LH “Perpetual” Pedro Feliciano(5-4,2.87,20 holds), who escaped the inning without any further damage . Mets closer Francisco Rodriquez, Saturday’s losing pitcher, got the Citi-Field crowd excited by K-ing the side in the home 9th, setting the tone for Murphy’s late inning heroics.
The Mets winning rally started when RF Jeff Francoeur(NY high 2 hits) beat out a infield single to shortstop, hustling down the line. Fernando Tatis sacrificed Francoeur to 2nd and Murphy singled off of the very tough LH Jeremy Affledt (1-0,1.87, 24 holds) for the winner, as Francoeur beat a close play at the plate.
Star of the Game: The Mets team— As a person who follows this team daily, yesterday was a tough site to see. You have a class act(go to my wish on espn) and great player get seriously injured and see the team come back to lose in extras, that is not an easy day. Today, the whole roster stepped up and played good ball. Credit to the 24 players, Jerry Manuel and his staff.
Wright to the DL: Mets GM Omar Minaya made the Wright to the DL announcement postgame and the organization as a hole is erring on the side of caution. “David wanted to take a chance to go out and play, but we decided to take it away from him and DL him based on the recommendation of our doctors who consulted with a specialist,” Minaya said. “It’s a medical decision.”
Mets starting line-up:
1- CF Angel Pagan
2- 2B Luis Castillo
3- LF Gary Sheffield
4- RF Jeff Francoeur
5- 3B Fernando Tatis
6- 1B Daniel Murphy
7- C Omir Santos
8- SS Anderson Hernandez
9- Pitcher
Game Notes: INF Andy Green was called up to replace Wright, he has a career .199 average in 226 at bats… Murphy’s walk off was the teams 4th this season and their first since May 29th… The Mets have won 10 of their 13 games against the Giants, 6 of 7 at home… Castillo went 333 at bats without a homer, the longest streak in the majors this season… Giants starter, Jonathan Sanchez(no hitter earlier this season) worked 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks. He has one win in 13 road starts… Pelfrey has allowed 4 runs in 3 starts vs. the Giants covering 20 and third innings. However, He has one win in those starts.
Almost tragic irony: Wright has been a big proponent of new specialized helmets for players. After trying out the new S100 helmets being considered by major leaguers, Wright commented “If it provides more protection, then I’m all for it. I’m not worried about style or looking good out there. I’m worried about keeping my melon protected.”As someone who grew up in the New England region, every ML pitcher should be forced to watch video on Tony Conigliaro and what impact a pitch can have on some ones life.
Next Game:
Monday, series finale vs the Giants at Citi-Field
7:10 pm
Mets RH Livan Hernandez(7-7,5.28) vs. Giants RH Joe Martinez(2-1,6.00)
