Final Score: New York
Mets: 6 San Diego Padres: 2
Hefner Performs Well in Spot Start
The Mets offense was able to wake up some Saturday night,
scoring six runs in defeating the Padres 6-2.
The Mets move one game closer to .500 with the win tonight and sit with
a record of 53-55 after tonight’s victory.
A strong performance from spot starter Jeremy Hefner not only earned him
a spot on the major league roster for the time being but a much needed victory
for the Mets.
Hefner threw a strong game for the Mets against his old team
in the Padres. He allowed the first
batter to get on, but erased him with a double play on the next at-bat. Hefner ultimately would allow only one run in
six innings, surrendering only five hits and no walks to go along with two
strikeouts. One thing that stood out in
Hefner’s start was that it took him only 74 pitches to get through the six
innings.
With Johan Santana expected to return from the DL next
weekend, Hefner will be moved back to the bullpen according to manager Terry
Collins. Hefner’s performance tonight
saved him from a demotion and showed how valuable he could be for the Mets
organization.
The Mets did a lot of their damage tonight in the 2nd
inning, scoring four of their six runs in the inning thanks to an erratic
performance from Edinson Volquez.
Volquez managed to get through only 1 2/3 innings, giving up two hits
and four walks, resulting in four earned runs while also striking out three.
Two of Volquez’s four walks on the night forced in runs in
the 2nd inning, which was highlighted by a two-RBI double by Jordany
Valdespin. Valdespin had been struggling
on the road trip before the at-bat, going only 3 for 23.
Daniel Murphy had another strong performance tonight, going
4 for 4 at the plate for the Mets, also adding a walk.
Mike Baxter had a record tying night at the plate for the
Mets as well without recording an at-bat.
Baxter walked five times tonight, which is the first time a player has
accomplished that feat since 2006 when Ryan Howard did it for the Philadelphia
Phillies.
Josh Edgin, the only lefty currently in the bullpen with Tim
Byrdak landing on the DL with an injury to his shoulder, tossed a shutout 7th
inning despite an error from Ruben Tejada.
Edgin then tossed a second shutout inning, even after manager Terry
Collins said he would be conscious of not over-using Egdin in Brydak’s absence.
Bobby Parnell came into the game in the 9th
inning and imploded giving up a leadoff homerun to Chase Headley followed by a
double by Yonder Alonso. He was relieved
by Frank Francisco, who was making his first appearance since coming off the
DL. Francisco was able to close out the
game without allowing another base runner, stranding Alonso on base.
The Mets will head into the finale in San
Diego looking to win their second series in a
row. They have already clinched a
winning road trip, which is a positive sign after such an awful start to the
second half. Matt Harvey (1-1, 1.59 ERA)
will make his third career start against Jason Marquis (4-6, 4.08 ERA).