Game Recap: R.A. Dickey to the Rescue as Mets Win 3-1

The Mets did a couple of things Saturday that they haven’t done in a week. One, they actually won for the first time since last Saturday; second, they scored more than two runs in a game for the first time in seven games. It was only three runs scored by the New York offense, but it still breaks the worst spell in 30 years for the Amazins. On a day where Neil Armstrong died, R.A. Dickey and company were able to pull out a victory to even the series against the Astros.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

During a time when the Mets need offense badly, they received some from unlikely sources Saturday afternoon. Neither team was able to put a run across until New York threatened in the bottom of the fourth. Ronny Cedeno got it started with a lead-off single, followed by a walk to Jason Bay. Josh Thole grounded into a double play, but Cedeno was left on third for Dickey, who drove him in with a single of his own. Justin Turner made some noise with his first home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth, and they added some insurance in the eighth as Scott Hairston and Ike Davis singled in front of Bay, who singled in the third and final New York run. Andres Torresenjoyed a two-hit day, and six other Mets players all registered one hit to make up the eight-hit attack.

Astros Offensive Highlights:

Houston couldn’t muster much against Dickey and the Mets, as he kept them off the board until the top of the seventh inning. Scott Moore was hit by a pitch, then moved to third base after a Tyler Greene single. Then, Moore scored on a wild pitch during an at-bat to Brandon Barnes, who ended up walking. Dickey was able to wiggle out of the jam with an inning-ending double play, which was the second time he would use a pitcher’s best friend to escape trouble. The lineup went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving four stranded on the base paths.

Pitching Highlights:

In his first MLB start after being a reliever in 2012, Fernando Abad didn’t last very long during his 71-pitch outing; he went 4 innings and only gave up 1 run on 4 hits, but also walked 4 hitters, while striking out 2. Mickey Storey and Fernando Rodriguez both gave up runs in their relief outings, while Hector Ambriz and Xavier Cedeno were able to hold the Mets scoreless during their appearances.

R.A. Dickey was great en route to getting his 16th win of the season; he went 7 strong innings, gave up 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk, but only struck out 2, which is uncharacteristic for him in 2012. Jon Rauch and Josh Edgin teamed up to produce a 1-2-3 eighth inning, while Frank Francisco set the side down in order for his 21st save of the season.

The victory breaks the six-game losing streak for the Mets, and improves their record 58-69 on the season.

Probable Pitchers Sunday:

Jeremy Hefner (2-5, 5.11 ERA) is looking to give the Mets a rare series victory in the second half, as he takes the mound in the rubber game against Lucas Harrell (10-9, 4.04 ERA). First pitch is set at Citi Field for 1:10pm.