Final Score: Mets 7 Marlins 3
The Mets (67-83) defeated the Marlins (66-85) by the score of 7-3 tonight at Citi Field.
Jonathan Niese allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven over 6.1 innings pitched. It was Niese’s 19 consecutive start in which he has pitched at least six innings.
Ike Davis hit is 28th homerun of the season in the seventh inning and now leads the Mets with 83 RBIs this season.
Scott Hairston hit a three-run homerun in the first inning to set a career high with 18 homeruns this season.
Josh Thole and Ruben Tejada each had a double.
Lucas Duda was removed in the third inning by Terry Collins due to a lack of hustle after not running hard on a misplayed ball in the outfield by the Marlins defense.
Bobby Parnell pitched a hitless 1.2 innings in relief.
The Mets scored three runs in an inning at home for the first time since the All-Star break.
For a full recap and box score, check out SNY’s In-Game Live.
Mike Nichols
Well look at that. Break up the Mets. They won a home game for the first time since August 26. Do you know what is even more impressive? They scored at least three runs in an inning for the first time since the All Star break.
Perhaps the team took out some frustration over their manager implying some of the players have quit on the season or maybe it was taking advantage of a team that clearly made their offseason plans months ago. Whatever the reason, the Mets were alive tonight and it was a welcome sight.
Jon Niese continued to be his reliable self tonight, pitching another six innings plus. It wasn’t Niese’s best performance, but he continues to learn how to get though rough spots and overall, he has turned a significant corner this season.
As far as Lucas Duda is concerned, it’s about time. I mean, this isn’t about just Lucas Duda. This is about the manager sending a message to his team and holding them accountable for their actions.. I’m just not sure why it took so long for Terry Collins to send this message to his players that he will not stand for a lackadaisical approach to playing the game. Duda deserved to be pulled. Why Collins waited an inning to do so is something to question, but he did and it was the right move. It’s just a shame after eight weeks of atrocious play that it took a 16-1 loss for Collins to take that stand.
W.B. Mason Post Game Extra
The Mets continue their three game series against the Marlins tomorrow afternoon at Citi Field with R.A. Dickey (18-6, 2.67 ER) looking for his 19th win of the season taking on Mark Buehrle (13-12, 3.78 ERA). Game time is 1:10 PM.
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