Posts tagged ‘Luis Castillo’

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.

On Tuesday night the Mets had their worst loss of the season.  Well tonight might have been their best win.  With no one on and two outs down by a run and Luis Castillo up, things looked bleak for the Metropolitans.  But all of a sudden, this is the team that scores down the stretch and comes back!

Three straight guys get on and Carlos Beltran steps to the plate.  Beltran has failed so often in situations like this and really has had an underwhelming season.  But with one gigantic swing of the bat, he changed all of that.  If the Mets go on to win the division, Beltran’s blast will be perhaps the most memorable moment of the season. 

The bottom of the ninth was dicey beyond belief, but Luis Ayala did something that many Mets relievers have failed to do this season.  He hung on for dear life and got the job done. 

The Mets are winners this Friday night, and the Phillies are losers.  We’re two games ahead, and it’s looking as strong as ever that we’re going to be playing in October.  Thank you Carlos Beltran!