New York Mets beat Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 as R.A. Dickey shines on the mound - MLB Update
Second baseman Daniel Murphy singles and causes Andres Torres and David Wright to add two runs in the first inning as the New York Mets win 3-1 over Arizona Diamondbacks in the third game of the series at Citi Field, New York, NY on May 6, 2012.
R.A. Dickey was the stand-out pitcher in the game. His knucklers kept the batters guessing and making mistakes. So far in the season, he is using the distinction of being the only pitcher to use the knuckler in the season to the maximum.
During his first stint on the mound, he went scoreless. However later in the ninth, he gave up a double to right fielder Justin Upton, which cost him his sole run in the game.
In eight innings, he walked four times and struck-out four. The walks he conceded were successfully managed as base-runners did not reach the home-plate on the back of those.
The Mets face a dilemma at the moment regarding their starting pitchers. Mike Pelfrey is sustaining an injury and is not an option. Therefore, rotation desperately needs someone who can spend a lengthy time on the mound while keeping the hits to a minimum.
Earlier reports came suggesting that Matt Harvey, a Minor-League prospect, can be called up to the Majors, but the General Manager denied any such eventuality.
Even if Dickey performs, the Mets cannot neglect the reality of being weak in their pitching department, relative to other teams in the Division.
Reliever Frank Francisco kind of kick started the season and after few rough outings at the start, he has stabilised now. He recorded his seventh save in the game.
The game saw Andres Torres playing at the top of the line-up, replacing Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who has been doing a great job in that position throughout the season.
Torres went 1-for-3 while Nieuwenhuis, in stark contrast to his outings until this game, was hitless.
It was a 15th win by the Mets. While it is an average performance, with a long winning streak from now onward, they can easily take over the number one team on the table.
Getting the starter stay on the mound for such a long time was the biggest positive for the Mets. They will like to see rest of their starters following suit in forthcoming games.
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