Kirk Nieuwenhuis connects first Major League hit on debut with New York Mets - MLB Update
Replacing injured Andres Torres in the outfield, Kirk Nieuwenhuis played his first Major League game with New York Mets in their second encounter against the Atlanta Braves. Instead of proving a burden on the side, he managed two hits in four at-bats.
The hit he struck though was not that strong, but he still managed to reach base. Partly the cause of his hit was relatively late throw by Braves’ shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.
As soon as Torres was injured in the first game, already lower expectations from the Mets in the season was dealt with another blow. So far Mets have defied those and if Kirk keeps swinging and hitting the way he did in the last game, they may well go on
to experience a terrific 2012 regular season.
Things are working for the Mets from everywhere right now.
For example, Jon Niese, their recently awarded five year contract extension deal immediately asserted his worth in today's game as if vindicating management decision right away.
Unlike his ordinary career record, he appeared in different shape in the game against the Braves, not allowing hits and keeping the batters guessing all the time.
Similarly after an injury by Torres, Nieuwenhuis had to be called up from Triple-A Buffalo and obviously not an ideal choice that the manager would have liked. He also however turned out as valuable as Torres was in their first victory against the Braves
at Citi Field.
“It was fun. I wish it was (hit) a little bit harder. But I will take that every single day. It’s great to get it out of the way,” said Nieuwenhuis. “Definitely, it’s something to build on. It’s just fun to be back on the field after a couple of injuries.”
Manager Terry Collins will love to see an incredible run of luck keep benefiting the side throughout the season.
Luck they have enjoyed so far does not mean however that the real contribution by starter Johan Santana and others was insignificant, just implies that they have not been dismayed by any uncontrollable event.
How far the Mets can take their winning streak in the regular season will be determined by their consistency in the upcoming games. Manager will look to help the side guard against complacency they may be vulnerable to at the moment.
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