New York Mets defeat Miami Marlins 2-1 at Citi Field - MLB Update
Johan Santana leads the New York Mets to a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at Citi Field in New York, NY on April 24, 2012.
In a fascinating match-up between two strong aces, the game unfolded characterising caution by the hitters. Only six hits by the Mets and three by the Marlins are evidence of how the offence was paralysed by the starter of both teams.
While the Mets ended up on a winning side, their frailties before Josh Johnson cannot escape a mention. Excluding centre-fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis and first baseman Daniel Murphy, the offence largely remained restricted.
If the Marlins’ shortstop Jose Reyes finished hitless, the Mets’ Ruben Tejada was no different.
On the departure of Reyes from the Mets, Tejada was presented as the next big shortstop star in the making. Interestingly enough, if his performance so far is anything to go by, he hardly leaves any doubt on his credentials.
The fact Tejada is hitting .246, better than Reyes’ .215 at-least the Mets will have no regret of missing him in the season.
David Wright appears to be on-course with .365 batting average so far and going 1-for-4 in the game.
Starter Santana threw just over six innings for the Mets and struck-out 11 while conceding three hits and giving up one run.
Frank Francisco bounced back immediately from a poor outing the other day, throwing one scoreless inning.
Marlins starter Johnson also pitched for little more than six innings, grabbing nine strike-outs and giving up one run.
Two teams in the National League East Division, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Marlins are being undone by their offence in every game. No wonder they are languishing at the bottom of the table.
While the Phillies are marred by injuries and thus can concoct excuses, the Marlins adorned their roster with three all-stars in the off-season, as a messed up performance speaks of something seriously wrong with them.
The Mets needed the victory after falling in the twin bill the other day against San Francisco Giants. Their rotation has not been as strong as they will have liked. They will look to work out this area in the games to come.
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