Mets LH Oliver Perez was his own worst enemy Thursday afternoon as Reds 1b Joey Votto made him pay with 4 rbi, helping Cincinnati salvage the series finale, 8-6. Perez lasted into the 5th but battled control issues all game,(55 strikes out of 100 pitches) Votto touched him for a 3 run homer in the third and added an rbi single in the 5th. Mets RF Ryan Church and 1b Carlos Delgado had 2 rbi apiece to pace the Mets attack.
Perez, who was a controversial free agent resign by Mets GM Omar Minaya, has struggled in camp and that carried into the game today. His stat line: 4 1/3 innings, 5 hits, 8 runs with 5 walks and 7 Ks. His Manager Jerrry Manuel does not seem concerned however. ”I was happy that we saw some glimpses of the old Ollie,” manager Jerry Manuel said, referring to his seven strikeouts. “I think he’ll be fine. There was enough there to say we should be OK.” In Perez’ defense, the World Baseball classic was not ideal for preparing him for the regular season, he pitched twice in 19 days and is probably 2-3 weeks behind most starters schedule wise.
Votto led the Reds attack and was the only regular to post double figure hits. Veteran starter Bronson Arroyo earned the win with 6 strong innings of 8 hit ball with 5 runs allowed. He struck out 4 and walked two, he kept the ball down getting 10 ground ball outs of his 13 total. The Reds strong pen followed and allowed only 2 hits and 1 run over the final 3 frames. Closer Francisco Cordero was dominant in the 9th, K-ing all 3 Mets batters.
Star of the Game:
Votto-Best Player on the Reds in this series and he is one of several young Cincy players who show promise. Was excellent for Canada in the WBC and could hit 40 bombs.
Game Notes: Free agent signing OF Gary Sheffield made his first plate appearance leading off the 9th and took a 3rd strike… LF Daniel Murphy, 3b David Wright, SS Jose Reyes and Church all had 2 hits to pace the Mets attack…. Another strong game by the Mets pen, as 4 relievers combined to allow only 4 hits over 3 2/3 rd innings(no walks) with 5 strike outs mixed in… Alex Cora started at 2b,batting 8th,he went 0 for 3 and had a sacrifice fly in the 6th
Marlins Series Preview:
All Games in Miami
Friday,7:10: Mets John Maine vs Marlins Anibal Sanchez
Saturday,6:10: Mets Livian Hernandez vs Marlins Ricky Nolasco(1-0)
Sunday,1:10: Mets Johan Santana(1-0) vs Marlins Josh Johnson(1-0)
