The Mets defeated the Rockies by the score of 1-0 tonight at CitiField. This was a great pitchers duel between Mike Pelfrey and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both pitchers were on top of their game and it showed, as they matched zero's for the first 6 innings.
The first scoring threat of the game came by the Rockies in the Top of the 2nd. With 1 out, Pelfrey walked Brad Hawpe, which was followed by a single to RF by Ian Stewart. Pelfrey though was able to toughen up and get the next two hitters, stranding the runners on 1st and 2nd.
The next scoring threat also came from the Rockies, this time in the Top of the 5th. Leading off the inning, Miguel Olivo singled through the hole between 3rd and SS. Then with Clint Barmes at the plate, Manager Jim Tracy put the hit and run on. Barmes however, missed the pitch and Thole made a strong through to Reyes covering the bag at 2nd base, but Reyes took his eyes off the ball and dropped it, allowing Olivo to reach safely. Then with a man on 2nd and no out, Pelfrey retired the next three hitters in a row. Barmes was retired on a liner to Reyes at SS, Ubaldo Jimenez struck out, and Dexter Fowler grounded out to Pelfrey ending the inning.
The Mets loaded the bases in the 6th with 2 outs, but Jimenez was able to strike out Ike Davis ending the threat. However, in the Bot of the 7th, the Mets finally broke the ice. Chris Carter drew a lead-off walk to begin the inning. Then with Carter on 1st, Josh Thole crushed a ball off the wall in RF, advancing Carter to third as Thole slid into 2nd. Jimenez was able to retire the next hitter in Ruben Tejada on strikes. Then the Rockies chose to walk PH Carlos Beltran intentionally, loading the bases for Jose Reyes. After falling behind 1-2, Reyes worked the count back even, and then hit a deep fly ball to RF scoring Pinch Runner Jeff Francoeur to score the games lone run.
Well done Mike Pelfrey! He was tremendous tonight. He looked exactly like the guy that we saw in the first half of the season. His fastball had great sinking movement and his pace tonight was a lot quicker than it has been the last two months. He worked in and out of the zone and was not scared to come in and brush hitters off the plate. It looked as if Pelfrey and Dan Warthen had a plan tonight and it was executed to perfection. After the Top of the 6th, Pelfrey had thrown 107 pitches, and it looked as if he was done for the night. Jerry Manuel however pushed the envelope and it paid off when Pelfrey had a 15 pitch 1-2-3 Top of the 7th. Mike Pelfrey threw a career high 122 pitches. His final line was 7 IP, 0 Runs, 4 Hits, 1BB, and 4 K's. Congrats big Pelf on your big Win and welcome back!
Manager of the Rockies Jim Tracy made a few questionable decisions in tonights game. First in the 6th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Tracy chose to IBB the struggling David Wright to get to Ike Davis. The move worked as Jimenez K'd Davis, but you have to question walking the struggling Wright. The other questionable decision came in the 7th. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out, Tracy again IBB a hitter, this time it was PH Carlos Beltran who is struggling tremendously. Not only do you have to question walking a struggling hitter, but Jose Reyes was the next batter. The Rockies played their IF back looking for the double play. Reyes however is rarely doubled up. Reyes then cracked the ball to RF to drive in Francoeur.
Hisanori Takahashi pitched a perfect 1-2-3 8th inning, and Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect 1-2-3 9th inning earning is 25th save of the season. Rodriguez has been fantastic as of late.
Great game to start the homestand. Congrats once again Pelf. You deserved this one.
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