Quick Recap: Mets 8, Reds 4 — Matt Harvey Dominates And Baseball Is Fun Again

Tonight was the Matt Harvey Show. In addition to pitching 7.2 brilliant innings, he socked a two-run double in the fourth inning which gave the Mets a 3-0 lead. Harvey struck out eight, walked just one, and was economical with his pitches. Thank you, Omar Minaya! Terry Collins lifted Harvey with two outs in the eighth inning after he had allowed two baserunners and his pitch count hit 89. Bobby Parnell entered and struck out Brandon Phillips to put down the mini rally.

Ike Davis and Jason Bay each hit a solo home run off appropriately-named Reds starter Homer Bailey to lead the offense. The usually-surehanded Reds made three errors which led to three Mets runs.

Frank Francisco was atrocious in the ninth inning. He served up a home run to Ryan Ludwick on the first pitch he threw, couldn't throw strikes, and -- worst of all -- gave up an RBI single to Miguel Cairo, he of the 5 OPS+. Francisco was pulled after recording two outs and allowing three runs. Jon Rauch came on and struck out Wilson Valdez to end the game.

We knew it was over when...

Mike Baxter hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to give his team a 6-0 lead. With Harvey humming along with a low pitch count, a six-run lead with four innings to go seemed safe. It was, barely.

What else?

• Kelly Shoppach made his Mets debut and went 0-for-3 with an intentional walk. Welcome!
• Prediction: Francisco will soon return to the DL.
  

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by MetsFan4Decades; her effort in the game thread embiggens us all.