8-16-10 Z-Cap: Takahasi Closes The Door On Stros

The New York Mets defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 to win their first road series opener since June 18th (vs. Yankees).For the third straight start Jonathon Niese went 7 innings while allowing 1 run and for the third straight start he left without a win. His opponent Wandy Rodriguez was brilliant in his own right. He struck out 6 batters over 7 IP allowing just a solo home run to Carlos Beltran in the top of the 4th inning and like Niese, he did not factor in tonight’s decision. Jonathon has now gone 14 innings pitched without issuing a walk, while managing to strike out 12 batters over that span.  His 2.5 K/BB ratio is tops amongst New York starters and all MLB rookies. Manager Jerry Manuel commented about his sensational rookie starter:

"

He pitched extremely well.   He customizes his pitches, he keeps the ball on the ground for the most part keeps it in the park and he threw strikes. That’s a good combination for a young pitcher.”

"

David Wright entered the night just 5 for his last 44 (.114 AVG) but showed signs of life at the plate going 3 for 4 while scoring the game winning run in the top of the 9th inning:

"

It feels good we’ve been playing very average baseball. Our pitchers have really stepped up and picked us up. Really Jon Niese was no different tonight. Pitched deep in the ball game.  Really didn’t give up much and its unfortunate we couldn’t give him a win. but our bullpen came in (and) was phenomenal. We made some good defensive plays and finally broke out a little bit offensively there late.”

"

In the top of the 7th inning, Wright singled to left before a Carlos Beltran walk put runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. The Mets, who entered the game 1-22 with runners in scoring position over their last 3 games, had their first opportunity of the game to break out of their team-wide slump.  It should come as no surprise,...TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST AND OTHERS LIKE IT HEAD TO METSZILLA.COM BY CLICKING HERE:

http://www.metszilla.com/?p=11045