Series Recap: Astros Take Two from the Mets

The Houston Astros defeated the New York Mets in the “Battle of the Cellar Dwellers,” but at the very least, the Mets did not get swept. In fact, their offense and pitching finally clicked towards the latter part of the series.

In game one, the Astros defeated the Mets 6-1. The Astros did not connect for a single home-run despite their six total runs–instead relying on a little small ball, and some key Mets miscues in the field (including errors by Justin Turner and Scott Hairston). It didn’t help that Jon Niese surrendered five walks too.

Unlike Game one, the second game of the series was very much in reach for the Mets. Even though the Mets were trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth, Jose Reyes leadoff the inning with a single, seemingly starting a late rally for the Amazins’. Manager Terry Collins gave the next batter, Josh Thole, the bunt sign–however, Thole laid down a horrendous attempt, lining out to the pitcher Brandon Lyon, who easily tossed it over to first base to complete the double-play. Instead of coming to bat with Jose Reyes on second and one out, David Wright stepped to the plate with two outs. Wright flied out to deep right field to end yet another discouraging and pathetic New York Mets loss.

For the first time since the Marlins win, the Mets were actually a pleasure to watch in game three. Chris Capuano pitched a gem, hurling seven innings of six-hit, one earned-run, two walk, and four strikeout baseball. The Mets offense was arguably even more impressive, roughing-up Astros stater J.A. Happ for six runs on six hits.  Mike Nickeas, David Wright, and Ike Davis led the charge, all connecting for home-runs. Even Jason Bay, who sat-out the first eighteen games with a rib cage injury, went 1-4 with a double and two runs scored. The win improved the Mets record to 6-13.

METS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS:

• Starter Jon Niese had an interesting line: pitching six innings, while giving up seven hits, two earned-runs, an uncharacteristic five walks, and three strikeouts. Niese is still win-less on the season. (Game 1)
• Pedro Beato’s scoreless streak is now at ten innings. (Game 1)
• Tim Byrdak came in the ballgame to pitch to left-handed hitter Michael Bourn, and surrendered a single (which turned into a run after Bobby Parnell replaced him, and promptly balked and let-up a RBI-single to Angel Sanchez). (Game 1)
• Carlos Beltran hit his third home-run on the season. (Game 1)
• Justin Turner made his 2011 debut after replacing Brad Emaus on the active roster. Turner went 1-4, and made one of two Mets errors. (Game 1)
• Jose Reyes went 4-5 with a run scored, and two stolen bases. He now has eight on the season. (Game 2)
• David Wright drew two walks, and almost tied the game in the ninth (if Citi Field had normal dimensions). (Game 2)
• Carlos Beltran went 3-4 with two doubles, including a RBI-producing one in the third inning. (Game 2)
• Dan Murphy, who is essentially the new starting second baseman, went 3-4 with two RBI, one run scored, and his first home-run of the season. The home-run was his first since 2009. (Game 2)
• R.A. Dickey pitched a solid eight innings, giving up eight hits, four earned-runs, two walks, and striking out four batters. He was handed the loss, and his record is now 1-3. (Game 2)
• Jason Isringhausen pitched a scoreless inning, reducing his ERA to 2.45. (Game 2)
• Chris Capuano recorded his second win of the season with a terrific performance– seven innings, six hits, one earned-run, two walks, and four strikeouts. (Game 3)
• David Wright went 2-3 with a double, home-run, walk, three RBI, and two runs scored. (Game 3)
• Jason Bay bounced back from the disabled list, going 1-4 with a double, and two runs scored. (Game 3)
• Ike Davis smacked a home-run to deep center field in the bottom of the eighth. (Game 3)
• Mike Nickeas hit his first career home-run. (Game 3)
• Angel Pagan left the game with an apparent side injury. (Game 3)win of the season with a terrific performance– seven innings, six hits, one earned-run, two walks, and four strikeouts. (Game 3)
• David Wright went 2-3 with a double, home-run, walk, three RBI, and two runs scored. (Game 3)
• Jason Bay bounced back from the disabled list, going 1-4 with a double, and two runs scored. (Game 3)
• Ike Davis smacked a home-run to deep center field in the bottom of the eighth. (Game 3)
• Mike Nickeas hit his first career home-run. (Game 3)
• Angel Pagan left the game with an apparent side injury. (Game 3)