Game Recap: Tejada Secures Sweep in Walk-Off Fashion in 3-2 Win

It was Ruben Tejada who played hero this afternoon at Citi Field, helping the Mets to a rare three-game sweep at home. However, it was more of the same against the Marlins, who they beat for the seventh straight time. Also, David Wright continued his chase toward Ed Kranepool’s franchise hits record with a 1-for-4 day at the plate.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

New York immediately got to work against Ricky Nolasco and the Marlins in the bottom of the first inning. Daniel Murphy started the rally with his 38th double of the year, while Wright hit his 19th homer of the season to give the Amazins an early 2-0 lead. Outside of that, there was no offense to speak of until Tejada had the opportunity to give the Mets their third win in a row. They put together a seven-hit attack, but no player recorded a multi-hit game, and yet again, they went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position while stranding 8 runners on base. In the ninth, Scott Hairston singled and Andres Torres walked, leading the Marlins to intentionally walk Fred Lewisto load the bases, and Tejada lined a ball to the left center gap to end the ballgame.

Sep 22, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada (11) singles to right during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

Marlins Offensive Highlights:

Miami’s struggles continued, as Chris Young held them in check most of the afternoon. As a team, they were able to put together five hits, as Donovan Solano was the only player to record a multi-hit game. The only scoring rally came in the fifth inning, and started with back-to-back singles from Rob Brantly and Gil Velazquez. Ricky Nolasco sacrificed them over to second and third, allowing one run to score off a Bryan Peterson sacrifice fly. Gorkys Hernandez walked and stole second base, allowing Velazquez to score thanks to a throwing error from Kelly Shoppach. As a team, the Marlins stranded 7 runners and went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Pitching Highlights:

Ricky Nolasco dueled with Chris Young for most of the afternoon, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5 hitters. Out of the bullpen, Mike Dunn and Heath Bell combined for a scoreless eighth, but Ryan Webb couldn’t do his job in the ninth, earning himself his third loss of the season.

Chris Young went 6 innings in one of his last starts of the season, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Ramon Ramirez, Manny Acosta, and Bobby Parnell each threw a scoreless inning of relief, with Parnell being the one to get the victory, giving him 5 for the year.

The win is the third in a row for New York, as they improve to 69-83 on the season, and 3-0 since Terry Collins’ body language suggested to the media in a post-game interview (after a 16-1 blowout loss) that his team had quit on 2012.

Probable Pitchers Monday:

The Pirates are in town for the Mets’ last home series of the season, as Jenrry Mejia (0-1, 9.00 ERA) will get his second start up at the Major League level. Clint Hurdle will send Kyle McPherson (0-1, 2.25 ERA) to the mound for the opposition. First pitch in Flushing is set for 7:10pm.