Ike Davis, New York Mets Beat Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves 5-2

In an exciting game that came down to the final at bat, the Mets beat the Braves behind Ike Davis‘ first career home run and a brilliant relief appearance from Hisanori Takahashi, who went three innings and struck out seven to get the win.

Notes

• John Maine left after just 3.2 innings with muscle spasms and pain in his non-throwing elbow. His line: 3.2IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K, 0HR.

• Takahashi, Raul Valdes, Pedro Feliciano, and Francisco Rodriguez combined for this line: 5.1IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 9K, 0HR. Takahashi gave up the only run.

• K-Rod earned his second save of the season.

• Angel Pagan went 1-for-5 with a run scored in the leadoff spot.

• Luis Castillo went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

• Jose Reyes went 2-for-4 with a run scored batting No. 3.

• Jason Bay woke up a bit going 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

• Ike Davis got his first Major League homer going 1-for-3 with a walk.

• David Wright had a pair of RBI going 1-for-3.

• Jeff Francoeur went 1-for-4.

Thoughts

It’s always something with John Maine, isn’t it? He said he couldn’t lower his left arm during the game, but that he expects to make his next start.

If he can’t make his next start, I can’t see how Takahashi doesn’t get it, but there are already rumblings that R.A. Dickey will get it if they need to replace Maine.

The new lineup was impressive. The players need to stay consistent, but it was a good start. The big bats got hits at the right times.

Quotes

John Maine on his arm: “It’s just one thing after another so far...I couldn’t bring my arm down...It would lock up and get kind of stuck. I was able to throw. I went out there and threw in the fourth inning...I don’t know how effective. Like I said, it’s just one thing after another.”

Line of the Night

Takahashi: 3IP, 2H, 1R, 1BB, 7K. Without Takahashi, the Mets don’t win this game.

Up Next

The Mets have a decent shot to sweep a series here with Niese and Big Pel going the next two games, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Hope to split the next two.

• Saturday, April 24: RHP Jair Jurrjens (0-1, 6.06) vs. LHP Jon Niese (0-1, 4.32).

• Sunday, April 25: RHP Tommy Hanson (1-1, 2.81) vs. RHP Mike Pelfrey (3-0, 0.86).