Jordany Valdespin. Photo by: Stacy Podelski
The New York Mets (8-8) have lost six of their last eight games, including dropping a tough doubleheader 6-1, 7-2 to the San Francisco Giants (9-7) on Monday. This is the first time the Giants have swept the Mets in twin bill action since April 13, 1997 at Shea Stadium.
“We haven’t pitched like we are capable of doing that is the biggest thing we have a good offensive club that is not hitting and that has hurt us,” said Mets manager Terry Collins. “We had plenty of opportunities tonight and did not cash in-and that is what we have to start doing is driving in some runs and I think that is what will get us going.”
In Game One, starter Miguel Batista (0-1) went 3.2 innings giving up seven hits and allowing six runs. Helping to set the tone for the Giants offense was Nate Schierholtz, who finished with a season high-tying three hits, recording a single, triple and three run shot in the third inning.
“One of the things Miguel has to do is that he really relies on his sinker, the homer to Schierholtz didn’t sink,” Collins said. “Josh (Thole) called for the sinker and the ball stayed up. Right now it is about consistency and making the pitches you need to make. “
Game Two featured Dillon Gee (1-2) who allowed a career-high 12 hits, which is the most by a Mets pitcher since Johan Santana gave up 13 against St. Louis on July 28, 2010.
“The Giants are a tough club; you really have to make pitches on them. You really have to pitch on the edges to get ahead of them, because they attack you so early,” Collins said of Gee. “There were a couple of mistakes that I am sure he wishes he had back, they are a tough team to pitch against-they run all of those switch hitters at you and they just outhit and pitched us. “
Not helping the starters was the fact that the team went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Over the last four games, the Mets are hitting .184 (7-for-38) in RBI situations.
Continuing to impress is centerfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who is hitting .361 (13-36) over his last 10 games. Kirk has recorded three doubles, one homer and two RBIs in that span. Daniel Murphy extended his hitting streak to five games, after finishing 2-for-4 in Game One against the Giants.
Jeremy Hefner. Photo by: Stacy Podelski
Josh Thole continued his fine hitting in Game One, as his 1-for-4 day at the dish allowed the backstop to reach base in 14 games thus far this season. It is the longest streak to begin a season by a Mets catcher in team history.
On if there were any concern on the confidence of his younger hitters who are struggling Collins had this to say, “Not necessarily, I think we can take care of that all we have to do is start getting hits. That is the key to getting them going offensively. I don’t know if they are pressing or not, but we‘ve got to get them to do a better job of getting them to execute the things we want them too. ”
Two MLB Debuts for One: Mets fans were treated to two MLB Debuts in the doubleheader as Jeremy Hefner tossed three scoreless innings for New York in Game One. Hefner was then recalled to Buffalo to make room for infielder Jordany Valdespin who pinch hit in Game Two.
Both players were used due to the fact that infielder Ronny Cedeno was placed on the 15-Day Disabled List, with a left intercostal strain.
“We don’t know, we know he hasn’t been sleeping very well lately,” Collins said of the Cedeno injury. “He thought he got himself in a bad position and this morning he woke up with a lot more pain. He came in early and waited for the Doctor to examine him and we decided to put him on the DL.”
Oy Bay: In the nightcap of the doubleheader left fielder Jason Bay injured his left ribs going for a full out dive on a shot hit by Gregor Blanco in the fourth inning. The X-Rays were negative, but Bay will be revaluated in the A.M.
Welcome Home Jose: Former shortstop Jose Reyes will be returning to New York for the first time on Tuesday. This will be the first time that fans will get to see him in a uniform that has words other than New York on it. The franchise is planning on having a pre-game video tribute to the All-Star.
“I think it is going to be a little odd seeing him in a different uniform,” said David Wright. “That is going to be a little strange, but all in all I am excited. Obviously you’d like to be on the same side, but I am eager to see what it is going to be like playing against a talent like that.”
The Mets and the Marlins are set to play a three-game series starting tomorrow as Miami will send out Mark Buehrle (1-2, 2.66 ERA) to take on Mets-ace Johan Santana (2-1, 3.97 ERA). The game will air on the SNY network, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
Written on April 23, 2012 on the Examiner.com site below:
http://www.examiner.com/article/mets-drop-tough-twin-bill-to-giants-6-1-7-2