Game Recap: Twice is Nice for Ike in 6-2 Win Over Pirates

The Mets started their last home series with a bang, as Ike Davis helped provide Jenrry Mejia all the support he would need to earn his first MLB win. Meanwhile, David Wright continued to inch closer toward Ed Kranepool’s hits record.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

The scoring didn’t start until the bottom of the fourth, as Wright drew a walk to lead off the frame. Then, it was Davis who put New York on the board with a two-run, opposite field homer that reached into the Party City Deck. In the fifth, Josh Thole walked and Fred Lewis singled, setting the stage for Wright with two outs, who brought a run with a single of his own. Davis kept the rally going, as he launched his second home run of the night (his 30th of the season), a shot that landed in the bullpens in right center field. Daniel Murphy and Ruben Tejadaalso contributed singles in the winning effort, but it was Davis and Wright who led the way for the offense.

Sep 24, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis (29) celebrates scoring with third baseman David Wright (5) and outfielder Fred Lewis (15) during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

Pirates Offensive Highlights:

Pittsburgh was able to get Mejia to throw a lot of pitches early, but despite forcing him to deliver to the plate 70 times in the first three innings, they weren’t able to get any runs across. Once they were down 6-0, Clint Hurdle’s team tried to mount a comeback, as NL MVP hopeful Andrew McCutchen tripled to left on a ball that skipped past a diving Lewis, and Garrett Jones singled him home. In the ninth, Michael McKenry walked and took second on defensive indifference, which allowed him to score on Jose Tabata‘s single. Neil Walker was the only Pirate to record a mult-hit game, as the first five players in the lineup all collected a hit as well.

Pitching Highlights:

Kyle McPherson couldn’t stay away from giving up the long ball in getting his second loss of the season. He went 4.1 innings, gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Hisanori Takahashi came in to retire Murphy, giving way to Jeff Karstens, who allowed Davis’ second home run in 1.1 innings of work. Justin Wilson and Chris Leroux both pitched an inning of scoreless relief, but the damage was already done by the Mets lineup.

Although he threw 70 pitches in the first three innings, Jenrry Mejia ended up settling down to throw 5 scoreless innings in 96 pitches to get his first MLB win; he allowed 4 hits on 2 walks, while striking out 4. Manny Acosta threw an inning in relief of the young righty, while Justin Hampson and Jeurys Familia both threw 0.2 innings. Robert Carson couldn’t record an out in his appearance, allowing 2 hits before giving way to Bobby Parnell, who got an inning-ending double play to retire the side in the eighth. Ramon Ramirez allowed a run in his inning of work in the ninth, but was able to close the door on the victory.

The win is the Mets’ fourth in a row, improving their record to 70-83 on the season.

Probable Pitchers Tuesday:

Wandy Rodriguez (11-13, 3.76 ERA) will head to the mound to try and cool off the Mets, as Terry Collins calls upon Collin McHugh (0-2, 3.86 ERA), in hopes that he can get himself back on track after a couple relief outings. First pitch at Citi Field is scheduled for 7:10pm.