Mets 6, Dodgers 1: Jason Bay Totally Redeems Himself

After Ike Davis hit a go-ahead solo homer in the second inning, Jason Bay quieted the haterz (for one night at least), with a three-run dagger double in the eighth inning. He was 2-4 on the night and also made a brilliant catch to rob Jamey Carroll of extra bases, crashing Rowand style into the Dodger Stadium left field wall. I generally don't buy into the "turning point game" type of stuff, but hopefully this can ignite Bay.

Johan Santana threw 74 strikes out of 98 pitches, giving up just one run on five hits in seven strong innings. His K:BB ratio was 4:1 -- good, not great. The swinging strikes weren't there but pounding the strike zone can compensate for that. Johan threw 22 first pitch strikes to 27 batters, a welcome sight for fans and fielders. This is anecdotal, but when you throw strikes, fielders are more alert and ready to make plays. In addition to Bay, Angel Pagan also made a great catch in the outfield. And he would have gunned down Russell Martin at home plate in the fifth inning if Henry Blanco handled the throw. Pagan > Jeff Francoeur in right field.

Jerry Manuel was ejected in the second inning for arguing a missed call at first base by Doug Eddings. Methinks Jerry was still calling the shots from the clubhouse post-ejection, as three batter Pagan dropped down a sac bunt with runners on first and second and none out in the eighth inning. Oh Jerry, [expletives deleted].

Speaking of terrible managers, Joe Torre's eighth inning bullpen management was something to behold. He burned through four relievers after Vicente Padilla completed seven innings of one run ball (needing just 77 pitches). Jeff Weaver, James McDonald, Jack Taschner and Travis Schlichting walked four, struck out one and gave up four runs in their combined two innings of work. The excellent Dodgers blog Memories of Kevin Malone provides a picture of Torre during one of his many mound visits:

In contrast with the Dodgers' relief corps, Bobby Parnell and Francisco Rodriguez were brilliant -- two innings, no hits, no runs, no walks, three strikeouts. Captain Fastball was dealing in the 96-97 mph range and Frankie needed just eight pitches in his one inning stint.

David Wright is 6-34 with 12 strikeouts since the All Star break. Whatever, slumps happen, even to the best. However, an off day might be in order. He hasn't had one since May 19th. Until the Mets adjust their bench of two catchers, two corner outfielders and one middle infielder, only Alex Cora could reasonably spell David at third base. Cor-ugh in the lineup is always a bad thing, but a day of rest for the team's best player would be a fair trade-off. Mike Hessman or Nick Evans should be on the roster. Remember when Jerry said resting his regular players would be a priority? So much for that. All talk, little action, much like Francoeur and his annual declaration that he'll "mix in 50 or 60 walks". (Sorry to pick on Frenchy but it came to mind when thinking about Jerry's hollow statements.)

This was a therapeutic win. Bay busted out, the defense was superb and Johan earned his paycheck. Mike Pelfrey faces Carlos Monasterios Saturday afternoon at 4:10 PM. The game will sadly be broadcast on FOX.

Unintentionally sexual quote of the game: "Pitchers never get the best wood." -- Gary Cohen, after Padilla had his bat shattered

Poem by Howard Megdal

Is this where Jason Bay starts to go right?
Return of the bat that has been out of sight?
He also hit two home runs against the Yanks
But 0-fers and paychecks have been what he banks
Still hoping he'll pan out, that today's the day
We can celebrate the delayed arrival of Bay

SB Nation Coverage

* Traditional Recap
* Boxscore
* Amazin' Avenue Gamethread
* True Blue LA Gamethread

Win Probability Added

Big winners: Johan Santana +33.1% (as pitcher), Luis Castillo +13.6%
Big losers: Angel Pagan -9.5%, David Wright -6.8%
Teh aw3s0mest play: Ike Davis solo homer +10.6%
Teh sux0rest play: Russell Martin +8.5%
Total pitcher WPA: +34.8%
Total batter WPA: +15.2%
GWRBI!: Ike Davis

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by blueandorange4life; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.