The New York Mets put Mike Pelfrey (3-4 5.35) on the mound vs the Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Maholm (2-7 3.39)
Maholm hasn't got much run support this season having a low earned run average of just 3.39. He has allowed three earned runs or less in 10 of his 13 outings. Mike Pelfrey on the other hand pitched very well his last start versus the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing only 2 runs, Prince Fielder's home run.
Jose Reyes after last night's performance now leads the MLB in batting average with an amazing .346.
The Mets are looking to get to .500 tonight.
Daniel Murphy moved all the way down to the 7th spot in the batting order. This gives Murphy good RBI chances at the 7 spot. Bay moved to the 4th spot.
Pirates all-star center fielder Andrew McCuchen is getting the day of tonight vs Pelfrey.
Pirates have used three catchers during this 4 game series.
Carlos Beltran has a .471 batting average against Paul Maholm
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In the bottom of the 1st, Pirates' Jose Tabata singled to right field. Xavier Paul then roped a single to center field, where Pagan moved a little bit to his right, Tabata running around 2nd to third, was out at third base with a great throw to Just Turner the third baseman. Only problem was, Umpire Lane at 2nd base called Jose Reyes for obstruction. Tabata was safe at third base. After looking at the replay, Reyes was out of Tabata's way in time, and that call shouldn't have been called. Neil Walker who was 0-21 until his at bat, hit a single up the middle scoring Tabata, a run that shouldn't have scored if the umpires made the right call. Right after that, Pelfrey threw a bullet to second base, picking off Xavier Paul to get his first out. He was then able to settle and get the next two outs. The score was 1-0 going into the 2nd inning.
In the 5th inning, Brandon Wood hit a sinker for a home run off of Pelfrey.
In the top of the 8th inning, Paul Maholm was taken out of the game after allowing 2 hits. Reyes scored on a sac fly double play. There was some question on if the left fielder, Tabata actually caught the ball. Either way, Reyes scored, but Duda was doubled off, because he thought the ball dropped. The score was 2-1.
In the bottom of the 8th, Pelfrey was taken out. Acosta came in, and he pitched brutally. Leaving bases loaded, Tim Byardk came on striking out the first batter he faced. He then walked the next batter to make the score 3-1. D.J. Carrasco then came in for Byardk, getting the batter to line out to left field. 3-1 was the score going into the 9th inning.
Joel Hanrahan hadn't blown a save in 16 tries, having 16 saves. Coming in for the Pirates, he held a 1-2-3 9th inning for his 17th save of the season.
Paul Maholm's performance landed him the win now (3-7 3.12) with 3 hits 2 walks and 4 strikeouts with only 95 pitches. Mike Pelfrey took the lost after pitching well again, he is now (3-5 5.11) allowing 4 hits 2 runs and 6 strikeouts only pitching 81 pitches. Once again, Pelfrey was taken out early and the bullpen pitched bad again. Pelfrey deserves better, and most of Pelfrey's success is Paulino.
Mets had only 4 hits during the game, in the last 4 games they had at least ten hits.
Mets now drop 2 games under .500 and are now off the Atlanta to finish their road trip.
Gee will pitch tomorrow and will be looking for his 8th win of the season.
Overall, I didn't like Murphy at the 7 spot tonight, and was happy with Bay's approach at the plate. With all the criticism he is now getting, its good to see him have good swings.
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