8/11 Game Recap: Mets Defeat D’Backs 9-5

The Mets defeated the Diamondbacks today by the score of 9-5, taking 2 of 3 in the desert over the weekend. The Mets were the beneficiaries of some shoddy Arizona defense today, scoring 4 runs in the first inning. Juan Lagares singled with one out, and Ike Davis and Wilmer Flores walked with two outs. Mike Baxter then hit a sharp grounder down the first-base line, which Paul Goldschmidt mis-played for a 3-run error. Anthony Recker followed with a double that scored Baxter, and New York was off and running.
Aug. 11, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: New York Mets pitcher Jon Niese throws in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jon Niese made the start for the Mets, and got the win, after missing nearly 2 months with a partially torn rotator cuff. Niese persevered through 6 innings, not looking terribly sharp, but he never relinquished the lead. He allowed 4 runs, all earned, on 7 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 5. Arizona drew to within 5-4 against Niese after a 3-run home run by Aaron Hill.
Wilmer Flores had a big day today, crushing his first home run in the 9th, getting 2 hits on the day, driving in 1 run and scoring 3 runs. David Aardsma, Scott Atchison, and LaTroy Hawkins pitched in relief for the Mets, with the bullpen allowing just 1 run over 3 innings pitched.
Thoughts:
The hope is that Niese will continue to improve as he strengthens his shoulder. He threw 83 pitches today, and seemed to have a good curve, while his fastball mostly sat around 90-91 mph. With Jeremy Hefner potentially facing the DL, it will be important that Niese can be counted on for the remainder of the season, particularly as the Mets attempt to limit the innings of Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler.
Wilmer Flores may be the real deal. In addition to looking good at the plate, he also made some nice plays at 3rd base. Also, Ike Davis continues to get on base, going 1 for 2 today, with 3 walks.
Highlights:
- The Mets, playing without their captain, showed courage in this series, coming back to take the series after losing the first game.
- Andrew Brown added a 3-run pinch home run today. His solid right-handed bat off the bench is under-appreciated, yet very important.
- Omar Quintanilla had an RBI today, and made some nice plays in the field.
Lowlights:
- Eric Young Junior was 0-4 with a sacrifice today, and went 1-13 in Arizona. However, Young remains solid in the field.
Up Next:
The Mets begin a 3-game series against the red-hot Dodgers tomorrow.
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