C Omir Santos capped a huge day personally with a 11th inning game winning single. helping the New York Mets defeat the Florida Marlins 2-1 2-1 Friday night at Citifield. Santos homered in the 5th for the first NY run and received the biggest news of the day post game, as the Mets made a trade ensuring Omir would remain in NY for the foreseeable future.(See Enclosed report) Santos and SS Ramon Martinez had 2 hits apiece to pace the offense while 5 pitchers combined to allow a run while striking out 9 and walking 2 in 11 frames.
Mets starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey continued his recent run of great performances, allowing 1 run and 5 hits over 7 2/3 innings. The former 1st round pick has pitched into the 6th into the 5 in his last 5 starts while going 2-1 with a 2.93 era in May(6 starts). This outing was a great sign for both the 6′7 Pelfrey and all Mets fans, he carried a career 1-5 record with a 5.36 era in 9 career starts vs Florida. His one victory against the Marlins? His Major league debut in July 2006!
Marlins starter Sean West, in only his 2nd ML start, was outstanding., Over 7 frames, he allowed 4 hits and only Santos’ solo shot. He K-ed 2 and walked 1, while being economical with his pitch count.(91 thrown,60 strikes) The Mets winning rally started when veteran LF Gary Sheffield led off the 11th with a single vs Brian Sanches.(1-1) Although 3b David Wright struck out, Sheffield stole 2nd, going to 3rd on an errant throw from Ronny Paulino. 1b Fernando Tatis was hit by a pitch and Santos followed with his game winner to left on the 1st pitch of the at bat.
Star of the Game: Santos- Should have bought a lottery ticket on the way home after the game. His day, His night!!!
Catching a Trade: To clear the catching glut with C Brian Schneider coming off the DL Saturday, The team traded C Ramon Castro to the Chicago White Sox for RH Lance Broadway and cash(Reportedly 1.4 million). This move allows the red hot Santos to stay in either a catching platoon or in a starting spot. Omir has hit in safely in 16 of 20 starts while driving in 12 in his last 14 games.
Game Notes: Superstar CF Carlos Beltran made his return from a knee injury and was 0 for 4. He made a nice defensive play on ball in front of him in the 3rd and then threw out a cheating runner to post a double play…. Team is now 27-20… Mets acquired veteran OF Emil Brown from the San Diego Padres for a player to be named. Both Brown and Broadway were assigned to Triple A Buffalo…. LH RP Pedro Feliciano earned his 2nd win
Mets Lineup:
1- RF Angel Pagan
2- 2b Luis Castillo
3- CF Carlos Beltran
4- LF Gary Sheffield
5- 3b David Wright
6- 1b Fernando Tatis
7- C Omir Santos
8- SS Ramon Santiago
9- Pitcher
Next Game:
Saturday, Game 2 of 3 game weekend set vs the Marlins at Citifield
1:10 pm
Mets RH Tim Redding(0-1,6.75) vs Marlins RH Josh Johnson(3-1,2.67)
