Pristine Pitching, Porous Players

Josh Johnson’s fastball clocked in at 96 MPH during the 9th inning Sunday in Florida. The Marlins’ starting pitcher was still on the mound trying to close out his second career complete game. The visiting New York Mets pushed across a single run thanks to the bat of centerfielder, Carlos Beltran. Beltran’s RBI single came with two outs in the final chance for the Mets. New York lost the game 2-1 in a contest of pristine pitching and porous defensive plays. Misplays and errors were the sidebar to a game that featured two tremendous pitching performances.
The economical Johan Santana threw seven innings for the Mets. The profound ace punched out 13 Marlin hitters, a franchise single game record. He blistered and blazed his way through the opposing lineup with engaging elegance. Santana did not allow an earned run but will still be tagged with the loss. Florida scored on a Daniel Murphy dropped fly during the second inning. The drop led directly to the Fins’ runs. The left fielder misplayed Cody Ross’s two out fly and looked uneasy going back on the ball. The shot seemingly got lost in the sun, resulting in Murphy’s gaff. The result was Jeremy Hermida racing home for run number one. The Mets should have been out of the inning on Ross’s ordinary hit. Instead, Ronny Paulino singled on Santana’s next pitch to increase the lead to two runs.
Mets fans who are enamored with Daniel’s offense have to realize he is not a natural outfielder. Murphy is still learning how to play left field. He hasn’t played in all the major league parks and it will take the kid time to adjust accordingly.
Murphy can take the brunt of the blame for yesterday, but the fact the Mets could not cross the plate is the main reason the team lost. Offensively, this team needed to pick up their left-fielder. The Mets are not good situational hitters. The could not fold under the pressure of facing a pitcher in Johnson they have never before beaten. There is no excuse for failing to score runs to back Santana‘s stellar start. Instead, the offense continued to strand runners and leave men on base. Even when they were able to catch a few breaks, the Mets could not score. Jose Reyes and Murphy managed to hit back to back ground balls to the first baseman for easy outs. Most the of the other Met hitters couldn’t get the ball past the infield either. Save for Reyes to lead off the game, no Met reached base until Luis Castillo’s sixth inning bloop single. Jose reached base on Wes Helms’ dropped throw at first base. Reyes was picked off first by the cannoned arm of Marlins catcher, Paulino.
Luis’s broken bat single went for naught as Reyes preceded to end the threat with a groundout. Reyes also failed to drive in a run, leaving men stranded at the corners in the eight. Beltran was unsuccessful to advance the runners in scoring position in the seventh when he hit into a double play.
Other miscues yesterday included Castillo watched a routine ground ball go through his legs into the outfield. Ryan Church recovered the misplay but not in time to tag out the runner. In the seventh with David Wright on base, earnest Emilio Bonafacio bobbled a double play ball that put the tying run aboard.
Johnson out-dueled Santana, but only in the final outcome. Johan’s first loss in 19 starts was not an accurate assessment of the actual mound occurrence. Santana was absolutely brilliant statistically and extremely economical. He was accurate in allowing one walk during the seven innings he pitched. The left-hander was relieved by Bobby Parnell in the eighth inning. Parnell kept it a two run game but the Mets’ late rally fell short. New York was finally able to figure out Johnson by the seventh inning. Josh was equally dominant, issuing five hits and throwing Mets hitters off balance the entire game. Johnson showed his change-up more often than he has in the past. He tossed 113 pitches and struck out seven of his own. The two-run lead was enough leg room for him to fire his way to victory. Johnson’s velocity showed no signs of slowing down, even as he threw his final pitch to Church. Ryan has been “Mr. Doubles” so far in this six game season. He had another double yesterday afternoon in Florida. Church caressed a soft liner to Brett Carroll, defensive-replacement player, put in the outfield to make that exact catch in a close game. Carroll didn’t disappoint and dramatically dawdled the ball near his shoe straps.
This loss typifies, in a way, the Mets. They always get the short end of the stick despite very positive facets. The rusty playing should not have crippled their chances of winning the ballgame. The fish were off to a hot start, reeling off four straight wins before losing to the Mets Saturday. The team shows grit offensively and they got what they need yesterday to add another win to their record. Bonifacio, Florida’s darling leadoff man, came into the contest with the major’s highest hit total and average. Santana kept him off base for the first time this year. The Marlins took advantage of the early error but had several of mishaps themselves on the field. New York realistically had seven innings to overcome a mere two run deficit but they couldn’t battle back. You have to fault the team for their inability to push across runs when it matters most.
Johnson and Santana pitched gems and are both in the pinnacle of their careers. They are two explosive pitchers with defined deliveries. It’s unique whenever baseball games are quick affairs with pitching duals. The two hour game would have been better if played cleaner on the field, but the errant plays proved to be major conditions. Santana’s efforts were wasted in what is a game of inches, unfair at times. If you are an Amazin’ fan, you can’t help but feel ripped off. Nonetheless, the game’s intensity was incredible. Both haulers field their position really well. I am continually awed by Santana’s speed in getting to bunted balls and making catches on the mound. He dusted the Florida batters off the plate with unreserved and regal revere. Santana should continue piling astronomical numbers this year. Johnson’s defense was desirable, as Josh took charge with six putouts from the pitching position.
Tonight, the San Diego Padres fly into the Metropolitan area. They will be the first visiting team to play in the new Citi Field. The Mets open their ballpark in a home opener with Mike Pelfrey tossing the first pitch. I am looking forward to how players will handle the adventurous right field. The new park looks exciting enough on the surface.
I am also curious to see how receptive the crowd is to Castillo. He is not a fan favorite in New York but he hasn’t had a shaky start to warrant too many boos. Still, Luis has a delicate ego and the second he has an 0-for night, he will hear it from the crowd. Festivities get underway around 6pm tonight when Terrific Tom (Seaver) throws out the first pitch to Mike Piazza.

Parting points: Trivia- What baseball team was sold by the founder of Domino’s Pizza to the founder of Little Caesars in 1992?