7/7 Game Recap: Mets Edge Brewers 2-1

This afternoon in Milwaukee, the Mets and Brewers played the finale of their three game set.

Jul 7, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In a scoreless game in the fourth, Andrew Brown hit an infield single with two outs and Marlon Byrd on second.  On the play, an errant throw by Juan Francisco (who was attempting to throw Brown out at first base) allowed Byrd to score and put the Mets ahead 1-0.

The Mets extended their lead to 2-0 in the sixth when Josh Satin lined an RBI double off the base of the wall in right field.

The Brewers got on the board in the seventh.  Jeremy Hefner, who had been cruising, left an 0-2 fastball over the plate to Jonathan Lucroy leading off the inning.  Lucroy deposited the pitch over the left center field wall to draw the Brewers within a run.

In the eighth, with Norichika Aoki on first base, the Mets summoned Bobby Parnell for a four out save opportunity.  After Aoki stole second base, Parnell got Jean Segura to ground out to second base to end the threat.  In the ninth, Parnell worked around a two out walk to earn the save and give the Mets the series victory.

Highlights:

• Jeremy Hefner pitched 7 brilliant innings today.  He allowed 1 run on 2 hits, walked 1 and struck out 8.  He lowered his season ERA to 3.39.

• David Wright, Marlon Byrd, and Eric Young, Jr. each had 2 hits.

• After 2 straight days on the bench, Josh Satin got the start at first base and went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

• Bobby Parnell recorded a 4 out save.

Thoughts:

Jeremy Hefner has been lights out since June 4th, with the best ERA in the majors over that span.  He’s added a few miles per hour to his fastball this year, is featuring improved secondaries, and has harnessed his control.  Hefner will eventually come back to Earth, but he’s proving so far this season that he may be more than just a swing man/fifth starter type.  With Jonathon Niese‘s health in question, that’s huge for the Mets.

Next Up:

The Mets travel to San Francisco to open a three game set with the Giants tomorrow night at 10:15.  Matt Harvey gets the start for New York.  He’ll be opposed by Tim Lincecum.

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