Game Recap: Bullpen Loses Late Lead in 3-2 Loss

Jeurys Familia earned the rights to his first MLB start tonight, and although his stuff was great in the strike zone, he had a real hard time getting the ball over the plate, as he handed out 6 free passes in just 4 innings of work.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

It was a frustrating night for New York, as they put together an 11-hit attack, but couldn’t get runs on the board, as they went 5-for-15 with runners in scoring position, but only scored twice and stranded 12. Ronny Cedeno started the first scoring rally for New York in the fifth inning, as he reached base off a fielding error by Gil Velazquez. Ruben Tejada sacrificed him to second base, then got to third on a soft single from Daniel Murphy. David Wright didn’t let it go to waste, as he singled Cedeno home with the first run of the game. The Amazins were at it against the very next inning, as Kelly Shoppach hit a lead off double, then moved to third on an Andres Torres single. Mike Baxter drove him home with a double of his own, but the offense couldn’t capitalize with a two-men on, one-out situation. Murphy, Wright, and Jason Bay all recorded two-hit games in the loss.

Marlins Offensive Highlights:

After falling behind 2-0, the Marlins started to mount a comeback, first with a home run from the powerful Giancarlo Stanton, a liner over the left center field wall. In the seventh, Austin Kearns walked to start the frame, then evenutally made it over to third so Jose Reyes could drive him in with a sacrifice fly. Miami continued to build their fence on the scoreboard, as Carlos Lee singled in the eighth and scored on a Rob Brantly double. They also struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-10 in the situation, while stranding 10.

Pitching Highlights:

It was a very interesting first MLB start for Jeurys Familia, as he threw 4 shutout innings and only allowed 1 hit, but walked 6 men and struck out 3 in 75 pitches. Elvin Ramirez threw a shutout inning of relief, but Manny Acosta, Jon Rauch, and Ramon Ramirez each got touched up for a run a piece in their appearances.

Wade LeBlanc filled in admirably for Josh Johnson, who was a late scratch from his scheduled start. He went 5 innings and allowed 1 unearned run on 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Tom Koehler and Dan Jennings combined to give up 1 run in the sixth, while Ryan Webb and Heath Bell both threw scoreless innings. Steve Cishek secured his 15th save of the season, closing the door and giving Bell his fourth win of the season.

The loss is the third straight for New York, as they drop to 73-87 on the season.

Probable Pitchers Tuesday:

R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.69 ERA) will make his final case for the NL Cy Young award tomorrow night as he takes on Jacob Turner (2-5, 4.94 ERA). First pitch in Miami is set for 7:10pm.