New York Mets lose to Philadelphia Phillies 2-3 as Jonathon Niese allows three runs - MLB Update
Starter Jonathon Niese gives up three runs as the New York Mets lose to the Philadelphia Phillies 2-3 on August 30, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the last game of the three match series.
Mets surged to a two-run lead in the first two innings. From there onward a spell of scoreless innings was required from the starter in order to win the game. However with the three runs given up by Niese in a span of six innings, the chances for victory
diminished. At this stage of the game, New York needed more support from the offence.
The fact the Mets’ hitters struggled to connect hits late in the innings ensured that they will not be able to experience a triumph.
New York relied on home-runs to score as opposed to using conventional run manufacturing techniques.
Other than Mike Baxter and Scott Hairston, none of their batters struck hits that sent base-runners aboard. On the other hand, the Phillies were more regular in hammering hits. More importantly they managed to strike them when they were needed the most.
Although it was not a comprehensive victory by Philadelphia, they showed some great team spirit for pulling off the win.
Apart from the offence, their starter Kyle Kendrick carried out an excellent job on the mound. He completed little more than seven innings and struck-out six while leaking two runs.
In contrast to him, Niese was unimpressive as he allowed nine hits in the match.
Meanwhile, the Phillies’ catcher Steven Lerud is ecstatic after finding his first Major League hit on Thursday.
"The more nerve-wracking part was wondering even two weeks ago if I was ever going to get here," Lerud said. "I think it was more of a relief when I was finally out there and playing in a big league ballgame."
Philadelphia's first baseman Ryan Howard has endorsed the strategy of his manager Charlie Manuel towards the matches and believes that he understands what is best for the team.
"You want guys to be able to go out and hustle," Ryan Howard said. "He knows better. He knows better. It's simple, be on time, hustle. That's it. That's two things that you can control.”
The series has concluded now. The Phillies will be pleased with the fact that they are heading to upcoming games with momentum on their side.
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