The Phillies took the lead in the first inning, but the Mets came back with two, two-run innings to top the division leaders 4-2. Mike Pelfrey was the better pitcher tonight, allowing two runs and two walks in six innings to qualify for the win. Opposing pitcher Cole Hamels didn’t fare as well, allowing all four runs on 10 hits in just five innings of work.
Neither the Mets’ nor the Phillies’ bullpens gave up a run to close out the game. Francisco Rodriguez allowed two hits, but struck out to get the save.
Both Jerry Manuel and Gary Sheffield were ejected from the game. Manuel was tossed for objecting to a bad call when Jeff Francoeur tried to steal second in the fifth inning. The umpire said he was tagged out at second but the replay clearly showed he was in safe. Sheffield was thrown out after flipping his bat in disgust in the seventh inning on a called strike three. It was nice to see a little fire from both Manuel and Sheffield, who showed some team spirit even though he was denied a contract extension yesterday.
Four Mets had multiple-hit nights. Angel Pagan, Louis Castillo and Daniel Murphy all had two hits apiece, while Francoeur had three, including a solo home run. It was the first by a Met in five games.
It was a gritty performance by a team out of contention and without all of the core players. It was all due to a good performance by Pelfrey. The Mets tied the season series against the Phillies with six wins each. It was good to take the first game as Tim Redding is scheduled to pitch Saturday night. Redding hasn’t been very good, but what better option is there? With the rookie sensation J.A. Happ taking the mound against him, the Mets face an uphill battle.