New York Mets defeat Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 with three-run homer in the ninth - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon gives up a three-run homer in the top of ninth as the Philadelphia Phillies lose to the New York Mets 2-5 in the first game of three-match series at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 7, 2012.
Until start of the ninth, both sides were tied 2-2 and the game may have gone anywhere as the last inning approached. The Mets stole the show however, as they continued their customary style of victory during penultimate moments of the game.
Right from start of the season, on number of occasions, the Mets have pulled off stunning wins.
Phillies’ starter Roy Halladay had a far better time than the one he had against the Atlanta Braves the other day. As he went on to throw seven innings, he struck-out seven and gave up two runs.
"I felt good the whole time. I felt I made good pitches," Halladay said. "You have to overcome it and move on."
Every time there is an injury in the Mets’ line-up, replacement they bring turns out equally reliable.
The game saw Jordany Valdespin, coming as a pinch-hitter in place of an injured Ruben Tejada, and much to satisfaction of the management, he made decisive contribution in the game.
"It was a great moment for me," said Valdespin. "He's one of the best closers in the big leagues. They called me last night and told me to be ready."
In the ninth, Valdespin hit a homer and that proved a winning one as the Mets’ closer wrapped up the Phillies afterwards.
Relief pitcher, Frank Francisco is fulfilling the closing job incredibly well as he recorded his eighth save of the season, he threw a scoreless ninth inning.
In a matchup between Jon Niese and Roy Halladay, both had almost similar stats at the end of the game.
Niese spent five innings on the mound and conceded four hits. While striking-out five, he walked four and allowed two runs.
The Mets will be happy the way their bullpen contained hitters down in the innings.
Only area that can cause trouble to their prospects potentially is their starting pitchers. Getting them to throw more than five innings will have to become a norm, if the Mets have to perform consistently.
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