Summary:
Roy Halladay was his usual Met-killer self tonight through five, with Daniel Murphy the only baserunner through those first five with a sharp single to right. Jon Niese was shaky at the outset again, allowing a double to Jimmy Rollins in the first, he advanced to third on Andres Torres’ bobbling of the ball, and then quickly scored on John Mayberry Jr.’s liner to center. Niese got out of the jam without further damage, but walked Carlos Ruiz to start the second, and he promptly scored on Placido Polanco’s RBI double.
Niese settled down nicely, allowing baserunners every inning, but left after five decent innings, with the Mets only down by two. After getting two weak popups to start the sixth, Halladay walked Torres, Kirk singled to left center, and David Wright had a huge double down the left field line which plated two after the hard grounder caromed off the wall in a decidedly Met-friendly fashion. Lucas Duda struck out to end the threat. The Mets put two on in the top of the seventh on singles by Ike and Thole, but Hairston struck out pinch hitting to end that chance.
The Phils had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh as Parnell followed Manny Acosta’s solid sixth inning with a shaky start. He walked pinch hitter Juan Pierre and gave up a single to Rollins, and after Mayberry Jr.’s flyout, Victorino hit a fortunately-placed infield single to Justin Turner’s right to load the bases. Hunter Pence hit a sharp grounder to Murphy which he bobbled, and for an instant it looked like Murph might be the goat, but after recovering quickly and gunning Victorino out at second, Turner fired a relay to Ike at first. While the umpire called Pence safe, as Terry Collins was racing out of the dugout, the second base umpire bravely and correctly called interference on Victorino, who was a good five or six feet from the bag when he slid at Turner. This nullified Pierre’s run and ended the inning.
After Torres and Wright walked in the top of the eighth, Duda grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the inning. Parnell put two on in the bottom of the eighth, but after falling down on Ruiz’s bunt right back to him, Parnell recovered and fielded Freddy Galvis’ grounder to throw Wigginton out at home, but the hard slide knocked Thole out of the game.
Murphy battled but struck out against new Phillie Jonathan Papelbon, and Ike worked out a walk. Following Turner’s K, Mike Nickeas blasted a double to left, and Jordany Valdespin came to the plate, and simply blasted a long shot to right for his first major league hit and it cleared the RF fence for a shocking, invigorating 5-2 lead.
Francisco set down the top of the Phils’ order 1-2-3 in the ninth for his eighth save.
A very taut, exciting, and truly memorable game, which ended in thrilling fashion.
Plays of the Game:
Clearly Valdespin’s incredible 3-run HR off of Papelbon.
Second base umpire Ron “Not Mea” Kulpa made a gutsy and correct call in declaring that Victorino interfered with Turner’s attempt to complete a double play in the bottom of the seventh. Pence hit a one out, bases loaded grounder to Murphy, who of course bobbled it long enough to prevent Turner from making the relay in time. But while players often slide right at the 2B/SS at second base even if he is off the bag to distract them when they are making the DP throw, Victorino was so far from the base that the ump made the call, ending the inning and saving a go-ahead Phillie run.
What’s to Like:
The resilience of this team…once again, after falling to .500 at 13-13, the team has come right back and won three in a row, battling their nemesis Halladay and beating Jonathan Papelbon…the Mets now are an MLB-best 11-3 in 1- and 2-run games, and all five runs tonight scored after two men were out…also, one has to like the fact that, barring a rainout rescheduled as a one game series, there’s no chance the Mets see Halladay more than four more times in the regular season…Niese’s adjustments and settling down despite a rough start—before getting the fourth out of the game in the bottom of the second, Niese had given up two runs on two doubles, a single, and a walk; had no control of his curve; had thrown a ton of pitches; and appeared to be headed for another early exit…but he settled down, finished off the second, and in five frames allowed just one more single and three more walks while striking out five and keeping the Mets very much in the game.
What’s Not to Like:
Victorino’s slide. This writer has been a regular defender of Victorino, who is in fact a charitable family man, but that slide was just way out of line, both literally and figuratively…Thole’s leaving the game…he held on and made a nice play to keep the game tied, but losing Thole for any length of time with what this team has in terms of catching depth is a truly horrific prospect.
What’s Going on in Hamels’ Head?:
Well, one has to appreciate the honesty, but on the other hand, saying less may have made sense. After deliberately hitting Nats’ rookie Bryce Harper, Harper stole home later in the inning, and Jordan Zimmerman plunked Hamels. The Phils salvaged the last game of the series behind Hamels’ continued excellence, but one has to wonder about Hamels’ actions. Harper was so shaken up that he followed the steal of home with a single and a double in his remaining at bats. These Nats are young and hungry, have a fantastic pitching staff, and are led by a manager known for encouraging tough, hard-nosed play. One must consider that this move may invigorate the already very good Nats even more in their many remaining games with the aging, offensively-challenged Phils.
What’s Trivial But Interesting:
Dating back to his Toronto days, Halladay had won his last eight starts against the Mets. Thanks to David “Clutch” Wright, that streak ended.
What Didn’t Happen Yesterday:
One of the most-read sports blogs in the region has repeatedly posted totally misleading and erroneous information regarding Ruben Tejada’s injury yesterday. Anyone who has seen a story or a comment suggesting that Ruben was injured “diving” into first base and/or criticizing him or the team for it, don’t believe it. As the replay most definitely and quite clearly shows, Ruben tripped and fell, landing hard on the bag and smashing his face into the ground. This is just a public service announcement in the spirit of accuracy and respectful support of a smart young player; it would be a shame if even one fan thought Ruben had made the generally idiotic decision to slide head-first into 1B and as a result wound up on the DL. He didn’t.
What’s Next:
Tomorrow night at 7:05 the Mets and Phils play game two of the series, with the surprisingly good Joe Blanton squaring off with the not-so-surprisingly not-so-good Miguel Batista. Yes, it is too bad that we don’t have Pelf or Chris Young or a good minor leaguer pitching, but we don’t. So let’s be realistic and just hope that somehow the Metsies can outslug the Phils tomorrow. Batista has allowed at least 1 run in 5 of his 10 appearances this year, and as all but one of these outings have been 2.2 IP or less (the iron man game was a 3.2 IP start when he allowed 6 runs) one can be forgiven for looking ahead to Gee’s start.
This team continues to show serious fight. Sure it is still just 29 games, but the team is 11-5 in the division, and 7-3 in games with ATL and PHI. Injuries, tough losses, lack of power and speed, inconsistent bullpen performance-nothing is phasing this team. 11-3 in 1- and 2-run games and using the entire 25-man roster. It’s been a great ride for these 29 games, and let’s see them keep it going tomorrow.
34 comments
SaltyGary
5/7/2012-10:18pm at 10:18 pm (UTC -4)
The most in depth post game at lightening speed. You need to pass some time in the dugout this year. Nothing but good times and no haters.
kingman 26
5/7/2012-10:23pm at 10:23 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks man, and I will visit soon. I start writing in the 7th, and race and race to get it done ASAP. After making a pathetic error last week which NJTX noted, I had nothing but water and an orange while doing it tonight.
Seriously, 12-3 in 1- and 2-run games?
Not sustainable, but this has been a great 29 games.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-10:46pm at 10:46 pm (UTC -4)
why not sustainable? at some point, it becomes real!
and if not, just enjoy the ride.
kingman 26
5/7/2012-10:51pm at 10:51 pm (UTC -4)
Let me clarify–ALL I meant was unsustainable was continuing to play .800 ball in 1- and 2-run games.
I would, at this moment, bravely say that playing .552 ball might be sustainable.
That would mean ending the year with a record of 89.4-72.6.
89.4 wins would be cool.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-11:00pm at 11:00 pm (UTC -4)
ah hell, lets just round up to an even 90, ok?
kingman 26
5/7/2012-11:28pm at 11:28 pm (UTC -4)
Oops, 11-3 in those games….
Stickguy
5/7/2012-11:32pm at 11:32 pm (UTC -4)
Did you do a quite post-publish edit? Could have sworn it originally gave the record in 1 and 20 run games!
Or I could just be having a senior moment…
NJstuckinTX
5/7/2012-11:44pm at 11:44 pm (UTC -4)
I saw it too! I thought it was humor at the highest form. Either way, another solid job Kong. Keep them coming, especially if they are for Met wins.
kingman 26
5/8/2012-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
Guilty.
I always do post-publish edits.
I try to post it minutes after the game, and then I polish it, finish the conclusion, and fix any errors I make.
I hate mistakes. Especially my own.
SaltyGary
5/7/2012-10:19pm at 10:19 pm (UTC -4)
On the slide, all the slo-mo’s made it look clean. There was a angle from behind the plate that showed how Ty slid and sprung up and hit Thole. Tough to call but may be dirtier that this site.
srt
5/7/2012-10:26pm at 10:26 pm (UTC -4)
Love the notes and tidbits, Kingman.
Resilience is not the word for it. All with 2 outs.
Congrats to Valdespin and Tthank you for Nickeas to keep the rally going for Jordany. ‘Shades of Omir Santos’, says Gary Cohen.
Took one from a Halladay start and lead from Papelbon. Always a great game when you can do that.
Victorino is still Dictorino.
Please, please be O.K. Josh.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-10:49pm at 10:49 pm (UTC -4)
you forgot the other think Nicky did. 1st pitch by Byrdak, a heck of a nice pick out of the dirt on a ball that if it goes by, phils take the lead.
gategem
5/8/2012-12:26am at 12:26 am (UTC -4)
Victorino is one of those type of players you hate when he is an opponent but love when he plays for your team. Once again the Mets show a “never say die,” “balls to the walls,” “take no prisoners,” and “fight to the end” attitude. They’ve become a team of clichés.
Mr North Jersey
5/7/2012-10:33pm at 10:33 pm (UTC -4)
What a game! One of the more memorable ones of 2012 indeed. Niese gave up 2 runs early but seemed to settle down but was gone after 5. Spotting Halladay 2 runs in his house is not a game many teams come back to win. But give these Mets once again credit. They scratched and clawed and fought there was back to tie the game. Props to Francisco on shutting the door.
A huge 2 out rbi double by Wright to tie the game and then an even bigger 3 run HR by the kid Spin to give us the lead.
Positives for me has to be the pen. Going 4 innings and keeping the Phils off the board though Parnell made it scary. Also Wright with that double to tie it and of course Spin with a great way to get his 1st MLB Hit. Way to go Kid.
LGM!!!
srt
5/7/2012-10:37pm at 10:37 pm (UTC -4)
What you said on the BP.
Who else was holding their breath when Acosta came in?
Terry on post game saying Thole was really hurt. Getting tests right now. Only thing he said right after was ‘I’m really dizzy, I’m real dizzy’.
Really, really hope he does not have a concussion.
gategem
5/8/2012-12:34am at 12:34 am (UTC -4)
NJ why don’t you post a listing of clichés at the bottom of the page? It would help us old folks as I totally forgot about scratched, clawed, fought, battled, inspired, etc.
Daniel Stein-Sayles
5/7/2012-10:41pm at 10:41 pm (UTC -4)
That was fabulous!!! Best game of the year. All aspects coming together and I jumped out of my seat at the Valdespin homer, against Papelbon of all people. What makes baseball great and the Mets exciting this year.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-10:57pm at 10:57 pm (UTC -4)
don’t question, just enjoy the ride baby.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-10:42pm at 10:42 pm (UTC -4)
Man, I hate the phillies. But I loved this game.
Good to see payback for Marlon getting called out on a much less egregious version of that play a few years ago.
and frankly, the most shocking part of the game? Fat Frankie coming in and having such an easy time with the top of the order.
anyway, this just goes to prove, in MLB you never know what’s gonna happen.
SpencerRealDirtyMets
5/7/2012-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
I was in favor of the all-caps recap but this was great too!
I LOVE BASEBALL!!!!
kingman 26
5/7/2012-10:52pm at 10:52 pm (UTC -4)
Was that a great game or what?
I have been watching since 1973, and it never gets old.
Football and basketball were just created to keep us from getting too bored between baseball seasons.
gategem
5/8/2012-12:39am at 12:39 am (UTC -4)
Football is it for me. Perhaps because as a youngster, until I hurt my arm, I was, as a pitcher, fairly decent in baseball but totally sucked in football.
gategem
5/7/2012-11:49pm at 11:49 pm (UTC -4)
A combination of Top Gear, Eureka and a fabulous Rangers’ playoff game kept me from the Mets tonight so once again a Kong recap comes through for me. But the length Kong? Were you inspired by “War and Peace?”
Anyway it caused me to think that if only I was once again vacationing in Nice I could have read about Niese doing nicely in Nice (that statement could equally apply in Nice, CA or in Niceville, Fl).
It was a fine victory (they all are including the Rangers winning in OT) from a team that keeps on pleasantly surprising me.
BTW I find it interesting that a criticism of Reyes is that he is perpetually injured and his replacement goes down while Reyes has yet to do so. But it’s early.
Does anyone know the status of Thole? Whenever I see a collision at home plate I think of John Stearns. “Bad Dude” was a football player in college (a DB at Colorado ) and would have put the sliding base runner out of the game.
BTW Werth had wrist surgery and will be out at least 3 months.
Stickguy
5/7/2012-11:58pm at 11:58 pm (UTC -4)
smells like a concussion, but probably find out tomorrow.
Mr North Jersey
5/8/2012-12:30am at 12:30 am (UTC -4)
Even the most pessimistic Met fan had to enjoy this game–if not Check your pulse. My thoughts are with Thole tonite–we’ll know more in AM
http://twitter.com/coutinho9/statuses/199713497020510209
BTW Great job on these recaps Kingy. i mean man talk about details.
gategem
5/8/2012-12:41am at 12:41 am (UTC -4)
Do you think “the core” over at MMO is happy?
Stickguy
5/8/2012-6:20am at 6:20 am (UTC -4)
mixed feelings. Might have to give Wright credit for clutch (ooh, that hurts), but since it was only May and the 6th inning, they will pull out the “it didn’t qualify” card to play.
and will be walking a fine line. After railing about how Thole sucks, Sandy was a doddering old fool for keeping him, if he is out it will suddenly be a crisis, and Sandy’s fault for losing such a key player.
Stickguy
5/8/2012-6:24am at 6:24 am (UTC -4)
speaking of the core and Sandy vs. Omar (the system), I actually think you have to give credit to Sandy, just as much as omar. Of course the old regime drafted the players coming up now, that is simply normal timing.
But, the current regime took over player development and coaching, and many of these guys had break-out years last year. Coincidence? natural timing? skill?
Also, they had a lot of guys with checkered pasts, and had to decide who to keep, who to jettison, and who to call up. Which is a big part of their job.
Sorry for the diversion. Just seen too many omar vs. sandy debates!
srt
5/8/2012-6:54am at 6:54 am (UTC -4)
That argument – Omar vs. Sandy – is getting so old over there.
A lot of the young kids playing and coming up of course are attributed to Omar’s reign. No one is disputing that or taking that away from him.
Because so much of a GMs tenure includes the minors, drafting, etc. – we won’t really know Sandy’s legacy for some years to come.
The never ending debate between the two can’t really be debated right now – but that doesn’t stop some of them.
srt
5/8/2012-7:03am at 7:03 am (UTC -4)
OT:
Went over to Metsblog to see if there was anything new on Thole from last night. There isn’t, just the 11:30pm post up on the injury from Cerrone. He concludes:
‘Frankly, given his past, I’m surprised Thole didn’t just bowl Josh over head on.’
That would have been a good trick, huh?
trs86
5/8/2012-9:38am at 9:38 am (UTC -4)
First I am sorry about your loss of time. Second that would have been a hell of a thing to watch.
Paul Festa
5/8/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
That would have been like the scene in Fight Club, when Edward Norton was beating himself up.
Paul Festa
5/8/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Doug – you need to write more. Your post games are great!
Also, do you think Papelbon regrets throwing that hanging slider to Nickeas, after Mike barely fouled off his fastballs?
kingman 26
5/8/2012-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks Paul!
I did write a lot more the first couple of years, but am so damn busy now I just rarely have the time.
That’s why I staked out a night when I am usually free, and gear up to do the postgames on Mondays, and also throw in some other of my voluminous verbosity as well, to get it out of my system.
Really appreciate the kind words, and you and the other newer guys have REALLY made a massive difference here.
And yes, I am sure Papelbon’s feet are sore from kicking himself today.