Sunday afternoon’s contest between the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins was everything to be expected. Two of the National League’s premiere pitchers faced off in what turned into the most heated pitcher’s duel thus far in the season. Prized ace Johan Santana pitched nothing short of a gem, surrendering only three hits over seven innings and striking out a head-turning 13 — Johan’s personal best since his 17 K outing with the Twins. Marlin’s Josh Johnson tossed the league’s first complete game, giving up only one run in the final inning.
To the demise of Johan’s stellar performance, two inexplicable fielding errors led the Mets to their loss. A routine fly ball hit by Marlin’s RF Cody Ross to Daniel Murphy fell right out of his glove, as Keith Hernandez slyly referred to Murphy’s “All Star catch” as not using two hands to catch the ball. The dropped ball allowed Florida LF Jeremy Hermida to score, eventually leading C Ronny Paulino to drive in Ross. Being Florida’s only two runs, it can be assumed the game would have turned out differently if not for Murphy’s “rookie mistake.”
Speaking of “rookie mistakes,” Luis Castillo showed off one of his own. Showing a catch that resembled Bill Buckner, Castillo let a routine ground ball go right through his legs, allowing Jeremy Hermida to stretch a routine out into a two-base hit. Castillo, coming off a spectacular 4 for 4 game last night, did not seem to be holding the flame that carried the team previously.
Despite the two errors, I like the fight the team is putting out. The ninth inning mini-rally showed some heart, hopefully enough heart to carry them into their first regular season game at CitiField. Tune in tomorrow at 6 PM for a special hour-long pregame on SNY. Mike Pelfrey looks for his second win of the season as the Mets look for their first win in their new ballpark. The Hot Foot Bleachers will surely be packed — I’d love to join, but fortunately for myself, I’ll be at the game!
Pete Lappin (3)
