Mike Pelfrey pitched the best game of his fledgling major league career last night, only to see victory snatched away with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the 9th inning when closer Billy Wagner allowed a home run to the DBacks Mark Reynolds.
Interestingly enough, Reynolds was clearly hit in the foot on the pitch prior to his blast, which would have loaded the bases but kept the game scoreless.
After throwing 8 scoreless innings, manager Willie Randolph allowed Pelfrey to come out for the 9th on a short leash due to pitch count.
He battled hard to the first batter he faced, but after giving up a single up the middle Pelfrey's night was done.
"It's disappointing that I didn't get it," Pelfrey said after blanking the Diamondbacks over eight innings before coming out after surrendering a single to lead off the ninth. "But Billy's been huge for us all year."
Pelfrey threw mostly fastballs on a beautiful night at shea; in fact, Pelfrey said he threw only one changeup all night.
He struck out 8 and worked calmly when the DBacks did manage to get runners on base. It was a significant step for Pelfrey, who has pitched very well in three consecutive starts.
Last Three Starts:
21 IP, 15 Hits, 4 ER, 6 BB, 15 Ks. 1.71 ERA
After the Wagner homerun you could hear a pin drop at Shea as the Mets faithful sat in stunned disbelief. Even during the bottom of the 9th, when the Mets put two runners on base, there was barely a noise even though the Mets were one hit away from a 9th inning walkoff.
The Mets other relievers did a great job, particularly Aaron Heilman, in keeping the game tied until the 13th. Heilman pitched two scoreless frames and struck out 3, while only allowing 1 walk and no hits.
And then came Beltran. Carlos hammered a 1-2 pitch from Edgar Gonzalez (1-3) to right-center for the fifth game-ending homer of his career and first since Aug. 22, 2006, off St. Louis reliever Jason Isringhausen.
Exhausted-looking Mets poured out of the dugout to celebrate at the plate, mobbing Beltran and bouncing in unison.
"Fastball up, in the middle of the plate. I just reacted to it," Beltran said. "I wasn't sure it would be gone because it was on a line."
| Final 13th | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 2 |
| N.Y. Mets « | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
|
It was gone, the Mets won, and life in Metville goes on.
Random Thoughts from NY Sports Dog:
- The Mets aren't as bad as their record.
- David Wright needs a day off.
- Ryan Church out is huge for this team...who would've thunk it when the Milledge deal was made?
- Brian Schneider is a phenomenal backstop.
- Aaron Heilman is still our best bridge to Wagner option.
- Why do the Mets not swing at the pitch when we steal bases? On Reyes last two caught stealings, and Castillo's caught stealing from last night, three strikes were called and we didn't swing at any of the pitches.
John Harper comments about the Mets bullpen. Two words: knee jerk.
Marlon Anderson tries to inspire his teammates.
Enjoy your coffee!
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