New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Post Game Recap 6-30

Final Score: New York Mets: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers: 0

The Mets ran their winning streak to four games at the expense of the reeling Dodgers with yet another shut out, winning 5-0.  Tonight’s win moved the Mets one game closer to their first ever four game sweep of the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have suffered shutouts in five of the last six games without All-Star hitters Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier in the lineup.  Tonight the Dodgers offense was unable to get anything going because of the stellar performance of Johan Santana.

Santana pitched eight shutout innings, scattering three hits and two walks to go along with three strikeouts.  Santana now has career numbers of 5-0 with a 0.50 ERA against the Dodgers, closing out June with almost as dominant performance as he started it with (Santana threw the first no hitter in Mets franchise history on June 1^st).

The Mets offense tonight was led by Ike Davis. Davis took advantage of the Dodgers intentionally walking David Wright in front of him in the 6^th inning, hitting a three run homerun, his 11^th of the season.  Davis would finish the game 2-4, getting his batting average over the Mendoza line for the second time this season at .203.

Daniel Murphy and Josh Thole both knocked in RBI’s with sacrifice flies in the 2^nd and 5^th innings to round out the offense for the Mets. 

The Mets’ defense struggled in Chicago, but tonight was on point against the Dodgers.  Santana made two stellar plays in the field to help his own cause and were was also helped by David Wright and Daniel Murphy. 

In the 2^nd inning, Murphy ranged to his right to start up a 4-6-3 double play.  It does not seem like much but it is encouraging to see Murphy becoming more comfortable playing 2^nd base as it has been a work in progress for Murphy on defense.  Wright was able to make a barehanded on a bunt attempt in the 4^th inning, throwing out speedster Elian Herrera at first base.

Not everything was great about the Mets as a whole tonight, as Andres Torres struggled on the base paths.  In the first inning, Torres was doubled off first pass on a fly out to right field by Wright. Torres was able to get on base in his next at-bat in the 3^rd inning, but was picked off first base by Dodgers catcher A.J Ellis. 

Next up for the Mets is the 4^th game of their series against the Dodgers on Sunday night baseball.  The only thing between the Mets and a sweep is reigning NL Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw (5-4 2.72 ERA).  Dillon Gee (5-6 4.42 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets.