Game Recap: Jeremy Hefner Gets Revenge Against Former Team in 6-2 Win

By Matt Musico
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Jeremy Hefner was pretty jacked up to make his first MLB start back in May against the first organization he ever played for; you know, the one that gave up on him. Even though he got off to a great start, a rain delay derailed his rhythm, handing him the loss against the Padres. This time around, there was no rain in the forecast, and Hefner made sure that he was able to get a small bit of revenge against his old team.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

Ike Davis got the rally started in the second inning with a lead-off single, followed by Daniel Murphy and Mike Baxter both drawing walks to load the bases with nobody out. After Andres Torres struck out, Edinson Volquez walked Josh Thole to bring in the first run. Volquez then struck out Jeremy Hefner, but proceeded to walk in another run, putting Ruben Tejada on first, then Jordany Valdespin ended his night with a two-run double to make it 4-0. In the seventh inning, Daniel Murphy wanted to try and get some insurance runs, as he lead things off with a double. Mike Baxter followed with a walk, then Torres moved both runners up a base with a sacrifice bunt. Thole drove Murphy in with a groundout to the pitcher. New York added another run in the eighth, as Tejada singled and came around to score with two outs off an Ike Davisbase hit.

Padres Offensive Highlights:

San Diego tried to start a comeback in the bottom of the third, when they were able to break through against Hefner for the first time. Everth Cabrera hit an infield single, then got sacrificed to second base. He scored on a single to right field by Alexi Amarista. They wouldn’t score again until Chase Headley hit a solo home run to center field off Bobby Parnell. The Padres put together an eight-hit attack, but five of them cam from Amarista or Cabrera. There was also an issue with getting those runners to scoring position, as they only had four chances, cashing in on one opportunity.

Pitching Highlights:

Edinson Volquez was able to put up a goose egg in the first inning this start, but it was the second inning that was a bugaboo, as he was not able to make it out of there before hitting an early shower. The right-hander threw 1.2 innings and gave up 4 runs. Although he only gave up 2 hits, he walked 4 hitters, in addition to striking out 3. Brad Boxberger did a great job by eating up 2.1 scoreless innings in long relief, followed by 1.2 more innings from Cody Burns. Alex Hinshaw got touched up for a run in his one inning of work, and Brad Brach and Dale Thayer rounded out what ended up being a six-pitcher night for San Diego.

Jeremy Hefner had what could be considered his best start of the year, as he went 6 solid innings, only giving up 1 run on 5 hits, no walks, and 2 strikeouts. Josh Edgin entered in relief, and continued his dominance with 2 scoreless innings. Bobby Parnell entered the game in a non-save situation to get some work, and gave up a run on Headley’s solo shot. Collins decided to bring in Frank Francisco and his lat issues for the save, and he secured the last two outs for the victory and his 19th save of the season.

Worth Noting:

Mike Baxter did a lot of work, with almost nothing to show for it. He went 0-0 today, despite starting the game, mostly because he drew five walks, a Mets record. New York once again collected nine hits on the night, with Daniel Murphy leading the way with four knocks of his own, followed by Tejada and Davis, who each collected two hits. However, the Amazins stranded 13 runners, going 3-for-15 with RISP. David Wright went 0-for-3 with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

The win evens the series at one a piece going into the finale tomorrow, and the Mets are 53-55 on the season, 11.5 games behind the Nationals, and 8 games out of the Wild Card.

Probable Pitchers Sunday:

Matt Harvey (1-1, 1.59 ERA) heads to the mound for his third MLB start, which is the finale of New York’s 11-game West Coast swing. He will be opposing veteran Jason Marquis (6-10, 5.54 ERA). First pitch in San Diego is scheduled for 4:05pm EST.

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