New York Mets fall to Los Angeles Dodgers 6-7 as Johan Santana gives up six runs - MLB Update
Starter Johan Santana puts up another poor outing on the mound as he takes the New York Mets to a 6-7 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 20, 2012 at Citi Field, New York in the first game of the three match series.
Carrying his misery from the last game in which he started, Santana spent just three innings on the mound on Friday. He was so dismal with regard to his throws that he was scratched by the manager Terry Collins immediately after he started the proceedings.
One can say that the rough-up that he endured in his previous outing has taken a toll on his mind. Therefore, it is not letting him throw like a true ace.
With such an extravagant contract under which he is playing for New York, Santana will be depressed with the fact that he has not lived up to the expectations of the management.
The worse aspect of a poor run of form by him is the fact that it has come at a time when the team needs his contributions the most.
In-contrast to Santana, the starting pitcher R.A. Dickey has unexpectedly been far better for the Mets this year.
However, since he alone cannot lift the whole team throughout the season, New York will be hoping that Santana gets rid of his poor form at the earliest.
"I'm just going through a tough time. I'm not on top of my game right now," Santana said. "After everything I've been through, I'm very happy to take the mound every five days. I just have to keep working, battling, competing."
Offensively, the second baseman Daniel Murphy struck the highest number of hits on Friday for the Mets as he connected four hits in five at-bats.
Besides, the pinch hitter, Jordany Valdespin was 2-for-2 in the game while he contributed two RBIs.
Mets' manager Terry Collins hints at possible changes with regard to Santana in the next couple of days. He thinks that he can be put on the disabled list so that he can take some time off the season and can come out stronger.
"He's not hurt," Collins said. "We're going to talk about some alternatives as soon as I'm done in here. Skipping a start, backing him up some -- those are some of things we are going to discuss.”
Regardless of the outcome of the game, Mets had some positives coming off for them in the game. As their offence made the right connections on the plate, they will be looking forward to see it happen more often in the upcoming games.
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