8/29 Game Recap: Mets Clobber Phils 11-3, Split Series

The Mets drubbed the Phillies at Citi Field today by the score of 11-3, splitting the 4-game series with their neighbors to the south. The story today was the Mets’ battery, Carlos Torres and Anthony Recker. On a day when the Mets desperately needed their starter to go deeply into the game, Torres did just that. He pitched 6.2 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits with 6 strikeouts. He was relieved by Scott Rice, Gonzalez Germen, Pedro Feliciano, and LaTroy Hawkins. The bullpen went a combined 2.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits.

Aug 29, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher Anthony Recker (20) catches a foul ball by Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Roger Bernadina (not pictured) during the sixth inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

On the offensive side, the Mets opened the scoring in the bottom of the third, when Daniel Murphy singled in Eric Young Junior, who had singled. In the bottom of the 4th, Anthony Recker blasted a two-run home run, widening the Mets’ lead to 3-0. Andrew Brown got into the offensive act in the bottom of the 4th, driving in Daniel Murphy with the 4th New York run. Later in the game, Andrew Brown added a home run, and Eric Young contributed a bases-clearing triple, as the Mets cruised to a comfortable win.

Thoughts:

This home stand started very badly for the Mets, as they lost 5 of the first 6 games. However, they won two of the last 3 to go on the road feeling a little better about themselves. The formula for the two wins was very simple-pitching. On Tuesday night it was Jonathon Niese, and today is was Carlos Torres. When the starting pitching is there, the Mets just seem like a different team. Today they had life and energy, stealing 3 bases on the day (and Young was not one of the base thieves). The Mets hit in the clutch today, and even played some very good defense, highlighted by a nice catch on a foul pop by Anthony Recker. The offense on this team clearly follows the lead of the starting pitching.

Highlights:

• Andrew Brown continues to impress, and if he can keep this pace, he may help fill the void created by the trade of Marlon Byrd. Brown had 2 hits, a HR, and 2 RBI today.
• Eric Young Junior had a great day, with 3 hits, 3 RBI, and a run scored.
• Daniel Murphy absolutely raked today, going 4 for 5 with 2 RBI.
• Matt den Dekker made his debut today, going 0 for 5, but stealing a base and playing flawlessly in center field.
• David Wright is on his way to Florida for rehab. His presence has been sorely missed.
• Today was Anthony Recker’s 30th birthday, and he celebrated with a solid day on the field. Recker should be at least as good as John Buck in backing up Travis d’Arnaud.

Up Next:

The Mets begin a road trip that will take them to Washington, Atlanta, and Cleveland. Dillon Gee opens the Washington series on the mound for New York.

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