Double L’s help get W: Mets 8, Marlins 4
The unlikely duo of Livan and Luis (Hernandez and Castillo) led the Mets to a crucial early-season win in Florida. Luis beats out Livan for the top honors in this one.
First, let me say…welcome to the 2009 season Luis Castillo. In fact, welcome to the Mets because this was Castillo’s best game as a Met without question. Jerry Manuel talked to Castillo before the game and told him to get more aggressive. Whatever he said worked because the former Marlin had four hits (could have been five if not for a tough official scorer) and scored three runs. This is what we thought we were getting out of Castillo when the Mets traded for him before the 2007 deadline. Let’s hope and pray this is his wake-up call.
Now to Livan. He was awesome in tonight’s win. He did everything you can hope for out of your fifth starter. Also a former Marlin, Livan pitched into the seventh inning and only gave up two runs. He challenged hitters all night long and gave the bullpen a much-needed rest. That pickup is looking really smart so far.
Jose Reyes had a great game tonight too. The Mets shortstop drove in three runs, including his first home run of the season. Welcome to the 2009 season, Jose.
And finally, how nice was it to see David Wright getting an RBI? I know it wasn’t with the game in much doubt, but you have to hope this is the confidence builder that can lift Wright out of the funk he’s been in dating all the way back to the All-Star break last season. Wright’s overall numbers haven’t been bad, but anyone that’s watched the Mets on a regular basis knows David has struggled mightily driving in runs late in games. He’s one of the top talents in baseball and a integral part to the Mets’ success. Wright needs to continue to deliver clutch hits if the Mets are going to make any damage this season.
As Keith mentioned in the telecast, it’s so nice the game before Johan pitches. You know if you can just win tonight’s game, then you have a great chance to win the series. Tomorrow won’t be easy with Josh Johnson on the mound for the Marlins. Some people are picking the young righty to win the NL Cy Young this year. There’s also a few guys picking Santana. It should be a great matchup.
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Tags: David Wright, Jose Reyes, Livan Hernandez, Luis Castillo
2 Responses
Phil April 12th at 9:50 am
Hey Mike, great win last night. Livian was extremely impressive & seemed to be locating his fastball very well, backed up by some good defense. I agree – an ideal performance for a 5th starter, hopefully he can provide some much needed stability at the back end of the rotation because I’m extremely worried about Ollie and Pelf.
Nice to see Wright drive in an important run, although it hasn’t been much of an issue due to the awesome productivity coming from the 4, 5 and 6 spots. Also good to see the back of the ’sandwich’ this weekend!
I have a longstanding concern that Pelf isn’t a no.2 pitcher. There was a glaring need in the offseason, in my opinion to shore up the middle of the rotation with a proven 30 start, 190+ inning guy, with an ERA around 4.00. Without that reliability the rotation remains a house of cards beyond Johan, and so I am not overly optimistic about our prospects this year.
What do you think? (great podcast/blog by the way)
Leonard Rudner April 12th at 11:45 am
As you know, I was at the game. It was so good to see the offense come alive with key hits. Livan looked terrific. His 60 mph changeup was awesome.Castillo had a great game, my friend Marvin was so pessemistic about him when he first came to bat. Had lots of fun teasing him after the 4th hit. David Wright looked lost at the plate, even the rbi hit, was a poke into right field. I have no doubt he will come around. Church’s hitting has been impressive. Let’s hope he can keep it up.
Almost time for Johan, talk with you soon.