Tag: Francisco Rodriguez

Giants 5 – Mets 4 Aug. 15, 2009

NEW YORK - MAY 16: David Wright #5 of the New...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Although the biggest impact of this game came from the failures of the Mets best pitchers, the biggest impact on the rest of the season may be felt by David Wright taking a bean ball to the head. Matt Cain hit him square in the side of the helmet with a 94 mph fastball that dropped Wright to the ground. He was helped off the field and later left in an ambulance to be examined.

Johan Santana really didn’t have his best stuff today. He ended up giving up 4 runs in 6.2 innings. The 9 hits and 1 walk just didn’t cut it and he left the game with the Mets losing 4-1 in the seventh. Santana did throw a ball behind Pablo Sandoval in retaliation for Wright’s beaning. Sandoval got the last laugh though when he drilled a deep home run to left in the at-bat.

The Mets came back with a 3-run rally. They strung some hits together and rallied only to have Francisco Rodriguez give it away in the tenth inning on a solo homer to Bengie Molina.

Box score

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Mets 5 – Padres 1 Aug. 9, 2009

Johan Santana
Image by Keith Allison via Flickr

This game was the blueprint that the Mets imagined before this season started. Johan Santana was completely in control of the game throwing 8 innings only giving up 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks. He handed the ball off to Francisco Rodriguez for the ninth and he closed it out. K-Rod had blown his last two save attempts. Today’s game wasn’t a save situation but he needed to get a solid inning under his belt.

The Mets even flashed some offense today led by none other than Santana. He had 2 hits including an RBI single that led to the 3 run sixth inning. The Mets were greatly helped by Padres second baseman Oscar Salazar‘s error that allowed 2 runs to score.

The Mets win their first game in San Diego in more than two years and leave for Arizona finally tasting victory.

Box score

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Audio: Manuel, Perez, K-Rod Aug. 7, 2009

Here’s the post-game audio from last night’s devastating loss. It’s ironic that Oliver Perez had such a terrific start and the Mets end up losing one of their more stunning losses of the season. And that saying something for this team.

Jerry Manuel:

Oliver Perez:

Francisco Rodriguez:

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Padres 6 – Mets 2 Aug. 7, 2009

NEW YORK - MAY 13: Oliver Perez #46 of the Ne...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The Mets found another stunning way to lose which they specialize in doing, especially in San Diego. Tonight they got an astoundingly good start from Oliver Perez. He cruised through the first 6 innings only allowing 1 hit and no walks. But he started to lose it in the seventh giving up a hit and two walks to score a run. Overall, it looked like a real breakthrough start for Perez. He was using a new pause during his windup that seemed to really help him.

The Mets didn’t do much on offense again, only getting 7 hits and 3 walks. They scored both runs in the first inning. Then nothing for the rest of the game. For the second straight game they only had one extra base hit in the game, a double by David Wright. Very poor hitting against a sub-par Padres team.

The ninth inning is when things got crazy. Francisco Rodriguez blew his second straight save opportunity. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even get an out in the ninth. The Padres scored the tying run on a bad call at the plate. But that wasn’t the real issue. K-Rod loaded the bases on 2 hits and 3 walks (1 intentional), then gave up a grand slam to light-hitting shortstop Everth Cabrera of all people. And that was the game.

Another stunning loss for this team.

Box score

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Cardinals 12 – Mets 7 August 4, 2009

PITTSBURGH - APRIL 09: Manager Tony La Russa ...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The Mets continue to sink to new lows not seen since the Art Howe/Steve Phillips administration. It’s the same old story when Johan Santana pitches. He goes 8 strong innings, getting a big 2 RBI double along the way, making two great plays in the field. He’s trying to drag the Mets kicking and screaming to a win but they’ll have none of that.

The Mets even got some big offense tonight off Joel Pineiro. They got 15 hits and 4 walks in the game, usually enough to win a game that Santana is pitching. But not tonight.

Albert Pujols dropped two bombs on the Mets including a grand slam in the tenth inning to torch the Mets for good. The bullpen was atrocious with Francisco Rodriguez blowing a rare save opportunity. Pedro Feliciano and Sean Green were out there throwing batting practice when Green wasn’t hitting Yadier Molina to bring the leading run home.

To add insult to another injury, Luis Castillo appears to have badly sprained his ankle falling down the dugout steps in the eighth inning. Of course, one of the only players performing admirably on the active roster goes down. Of course.

The ugly Mets continue to get uglier right before our eyes.

Box score

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Mets 10 – Astros 3 July 25, 2009

The Mets had a rare offensive explosion, and even more surprising it came on a day when Gary Sheffield was put on the DL. They even had three home runs from Jeff Francoeur, Omir Santos, and David Wright. Yes, Wright actually hit a home run.

Jon Niese was very good in his first start back from the minors. He looked shaky at first, giving up a run and a couple of walks in the first inning. But he calmed down and got through 7 innings giving up only the one run. Overall, it was a great job by Niese.

Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth to get some work in during the blowout game. He ended up giving up 3 hits including a big home run to Hunter Pence. K-Rod seems to struggle in these games where the outcome appears to be decided.

The Mets finally have a game to be happy about. Hopefully, that will continue tomorrow afternoon before the Mets return home.

7.25.09

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Mets 2009 All-Stars Ready For Action

IMG_0295Three Mets are in St. Louis today for the mid-season festivities. David Wright will be starting at third base and hitting sixth in the National League lineup. Francisco Rodriguez is in the bullpen and it’ll be interesting to see where he gets into the game. In my mind, he should pitch the eighth inning. Trevor Hoffman should get the ninth, despite the fact that he was added because Jonathan Broxton couldn’t make it because of injury.

The Mets have asked Charlie Manuel, the NL manager, not to use Johan Santana unless it’s an emergency. So don’t plan on seeing Santana unless the game goes to extra innings. Santana just pitched on Saturday and threw seven innings against the Reds. I’d be thrilled if he didn’t make it into the game tonight at all for the Mets sake. He’s too important to risk in an exhibition game.

Of course, Carlos Beltran would have been starting in center field but he’s recovering from a bone bruise to his leg.

Enjoy the game tonight. I know that I will be. Sure, it’s an exhibition but the National League could sure use a win. It’s been a long time and the Mets could use home field advantage in the World Series this year. Right?

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