Bleacher Report - Articles by Micah Benton

Mets fall to Marlins 2-1, Can't overcome costly error in pitchers' duel

Micah Benton — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:59:01 -0400

The New York Mets fell to the Florida Marlins on Sunday by a score of 2-1, despite an outstanding performance by Met starting pitcher Johan Santana.

Santana, who is now 1-1 on the season, took a loss in a start for the first time since June 18, 2008 despite striking out 13 batters in seven innings and allowing only three hits. The two runs scored on the Mets were not charged to Santana.

With two outs in the second inning, Florida's Cody Ross hit a routine fly ball to young Mets left fielder Daniel Murphy. The ball hit Murphy's glove and bounced to the ground, keeping the inning alive and allowing Jeremy Hermida to score.

Then, the Marlins' next batter, Ronny Paulino, hit a single to score Ross.

The Mets made things interesting in the ninth, as Carlos Delgado hit a double with two outs and Carlos Beltran hit a single to score Delgado.

But the next batter, Ryan Church, flied out to Hermida to end New York's chances.

Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (2-0) pitched the second complete game of his career, struck out seven, and walked just one. He was charged with just five hits in the outing.

The Mets (3-3) return to New York on Monday to play the San Diego Padres. The game will be the Mets' first at their new stadium, Citi Field.

The Marlins (5-1) will travel to Atlanta to play the Braves on Monday night.

Perez dominates Phillies as Mets take possession of 1st place with 3-1 win

Micah Benton — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:51:52 -0400

The New York Mets reclaimed sole possession of first place in the National League East on Thursday as Oliver Perez gave his best pitching performance of the season against the now-second place Phillies.

Perez, who struggled in the first half of the season, continued his domination of the Phillies, giving up only six hits and striking out a career high 12 batters in 7 2/3 innings.

Aaron Heilman (2-3) came on in relief of Perez in the eighth and picked up the win, while Phillies reliever J.C. Romero (4-3) received the loss.

Romero came into the game in the eighth inning in relief of 45-year-old starter Jamie Moyer. The Mets struggled to get on base during the game, picking up only two hits off Moyer.

However, the Mets rallied in the eighth inning as pinch hitter Robinson Cancel lead off with a single. Shortstop Jose Reyes bunted Cancel over to second, and outfielder Endy Chavez hit a line drive shot to Romero that was caught for the second out of the inning.

The next batter, David Wright, was intentionally walked by Romero, bringing up red-hot first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado, hitting .403 this month entering the game, was just two for 18 against Romero in his career.

Delgado worked the count to 2-2, and then hit a hard fly ball into the left field corner, breaking the 1-1 tie and scoring Cancel and Wright. Delgado was thrown out trying to reach third to end the inning.

Mets’ closer Billy Wagner picked up his 26th save of the season to close out the game in the ninth.

Although Perez (6-6) did not receive the win, he was masterful against the Phillies once again. Coming into the game, Perez had not allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 innings tossed against the Phillies this season and had struck out 15 batters.

The scoreless streak ended when Philadelphia right fielder Jayson Werth hit a home run to center field to tie the game at 1-1 in the seventh.

The Mets now lead the NL East by one game over the Phillies, a position they have not held since April 19.

Since Willie Randolph was fired as the Mets' manager on June 18, they are 20-12 under interim manager Jerry Manuel. The Mets were 34-35 upon Randolph's departure.

The Mets will look to stay in first place on Friday as they face the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium.

Mets prevail over Phillies 4-2 in 12th on Tatis' home run

Micah Benton — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:41:44 -0400

The New York Mets overcame a blown save by All-Star closer Billy Wagner on Sunday to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in a game delayed by rain for more than 2 1/2 hours.

Journeyman Fernando Tatis blasted a two run home run to give the Mets the lead in the top of the 12th inning. Reliever Joe Smith (1-1) got the win while Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick (8-4) took the loss.

Up-and-down starter Oliver Perez (6-5) had one of the best outings of this season, throwing for seven scoreless innings and giving up only four hits, drawing a no-decision after Wagner's sixth blown save of the season. Perez also struck out six batters.

Wagner was one strike away from sealing the Mets' victory in the bottom of the ninth. New York had a 2-0 lead when Wagner entered the game, but Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino drew a lead-off single to start the inning.

Wagner retired the next two batters, bringing lead-off hitter Jayson Werth to the plate. Drawing a 1-2 count, Werth launched Wagner's slider over the center field wall to tie the game at 2-2. Wagner then allowed a base hit to Chase Utley before retiring Jimmy Rollins to end the inning.

The Mets' two runs in regulation were driven in by outfielder Carlos Beltran, who hit his 13th home run of the season in the third inning. Beltran also had a single in the 8th, which scored shortstop Jose Reyes from third.

The Phillies stranded 14 baserunners, and had a chance in the eighth to tie the game. Coming back from the rain delay, reliever Pedro Feliciano was facing Ryan Howard with two men on, and Howard struck out swinging. Aaron Heilman then came in to face Pat Burrell, who walked to load the bases. Pedro Feliz then grounded out to Heilman to end the inning.

The Mets have now evened their record at 44-44, and are 3 1/2 games behind the Phillies for first place in the NL East. They will face the Phillies again on Monday.