Mets 3, Astros 2: R.A. Dickey Pitched Really Well Many Hours Ago

It took 14 innings, and no doubt plenty of weak or elderly fans probably died along the way, but the rest of us survived another impotent offensive "attack" and a Manny Acosta three-ground-ball save to see the lowly Mets best the lowly Astros, 3-2. The official time of game was "way too long."

The Mets had 20 baserunners on 11 hits and nine walks (three intentional), but went just 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. The only real bright spot on offense was Jose Reyes, who went 4-for-6 with a walk. Ike Davis drove in the go-ahead run in the 14th on a sacrifice fly, but went just 1-for-6 on the night. Josh Thole went 0-for-7.

David Wright left the game in the 12th inning after seemingly hurting his leg running out a single. After the game Jerry Manuel said that Wright had complained of being queasy and light-headed. Whew.

R.A. Dickey was great again, striking out six and walking just one in 8.1 innings. He probably didn't need to come out for the ninth, but he did and served up the game-tying home run to Geoff Blum.

Bobby Parnell struck out three in two scoreless innings of relief, and lit up the radar gun something fierce. He (apparently) threw 27 fastballs and three sliders (data here). Ten of those fastballs hit triple digits and one, a heater that struck out Chris Johnson to end the 11th, was registered by PITCHf/x at 102.5 MPH. He threw 19 pitches at 99 MPH or better. He has always been a hard-thrower but this is getting ridiculous.

The Mets and Astros wrap up their series at 8:05 pm on Thursday. Pat Misch and Bud Norris are scheduled to bore us to death.

Poem by Howard Megdal

Dickey goes short, just 8 1/3
Tak is solid, Parnell's fastball absurd
Mets get the lead on a sac fly by Davis
Then Manny Acosta entered to save us
Jose's steals and his hits were a thrill
But if Wright is out long, that will be bitter pill