Rod Barajas's attempt to send the fans home happy with a two-run walkoff base hit was thwarted by Mets defensive nemesis Willie Harris. Down one run in the ninth inning, the Mets loaded the bases against Nationals closer Matt Capps on a Jose Reyes single, David Wright walk and Jeff Francoeur walk (that's three this season already). Barajas came up with two outs, courtesy of a patented Alex Cora sac bunt and Jason Bay strikeout. Barajas's well-struck liner to left field was reeled in by a diving Harris and the game was over. Harris pulled a similar stunt on May 15, 2008, preserving a 1-0 Nationals win. And who could forget this little heartbreaker from 2007 when he was a Brave:
Harris spoiled the return of the king, Jose Reyes. The first eight innings were inauspicious for Reyes--he was impatient at the plate and showed some defensive rust, in the form of an error and double-clutch on a tough but makeable play in the fourth inning that turned into an infield single. He shook off the rust in the ninth, making a nifty one-handed play on a groundball to rob speedy Nyjer Morgan, followed by a well-struck leadoff single in the bottom half of the frame to start the doomed rally. Welcome back, Jose.
Oliver Perez was Commonplace Ollie, turning in a so-so 5.2 inning, six strikeout, four walk performance. His fastball velocity was around 89 mph, and there were signs of encouragement. Two of the strikeouts came against star player Ryan Zimmerman. His slider was sharp most of the day and his swinging-strike% was a strong 14%. Still, the walks continue to be a problem and giving up a triple to Willy Taveras on a poorly located 0-2 pitch is inexcusable. Overall, it was non-disastrous start, which is more than we can say about most Ollie outings over the last twelve months.
DIPS paradox (and Long Beach's own) John Lannan picked up the win but didn't pitch all that great. He allowed ten baserunners in five innings but the Mets couldn't capitalize. Lannan didn't get to face Smithtown's own Frank Catalanotto, denying us the pleasure of watching a Nassau County vs. Suffolk County showdown. Tyler Clippard was utterly dominant in three innings of relief for the Nats, striking out seven. Early season MVP candidate Francoeur led the offense, going 2-4 with a walk, but also a costly double play with the bases loaded and none out in the third.
The bullpen continued to shine. Ryota Igarashi, Pedro Feliciano and Jenrry Mejia allowed no runs after Ollie departed. Igarashi was throwing heat, touching 95 mph while averaging about 93 mph. Mejia even threw a breaking ball, just like he did on Friday night.
The game plodded long like a Steve Trachsel start until the ninth--no home runs, few extra base hits, a quiet crowd and lots of visits to the mound. Gary Cohen and Ron Darling characteristically did a fine job in the booth, keeping viewers engaged and entertained. What a difference a strong announcing team makes.
This loss was depressing but with a little luck the Mets could be 4-1. Given tomorrow's pitching matchup of Johan Santana vs. Livan Hernandez, the weekend should finish on a high note. Stranger things have happened though--the Mets won Livan vs. Tim Lincecum last season.
Poem by Howard Megdal
Jose
He's back
He's still rusty
We're willing to wait
Excitement
SB Nation Coverage
* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* Federal Baseball Gamethread
Win Probability Added
Big winners: David Wright +10.8%, Ryota Igarashi +10.7%
Big losers: Rod Barajas -26.8%, Angel Pagan -13.8%
Teh aw3s0mest play: Fernando Tatis single +13.8%
Teh sux0rest play: Barajas line-out -26.8%
Total pitcher WPA: -4.0%
Total batter WPA: -46.0%
GWRBI!: Willy Taveras
Game Thread Roll Call
Nice job by KeithsMoustache; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.
Num | Name | # of posts |
---|---|---|
1 | KeithsMoustache | 138 |
2 | bm01bath | 114 |
3 | blueandorange4life | 104 |
4 | squid92 | 98 |
5 | Brian. | 89 |
6 | Syler | 72 |
7 | ProustianDisplay | 71 |
8 | Brittannia | 64 |
9 | Gina | 58 |
10 | cjmulrain | 52 |