New York Mets outclass New York Yankees 6-4 as Frank Francisco throws scoreless ninth-MLB Update
Relief pitcher Frank Francisco keeps New York Yankees at bay in the ninth as he takes the New York Mets to a 6-4 win on June 22, 2012 in first game of the three match series at Citi Field, New York, NY.
Run-spree that the Mets enjoyed in the first led them to an eventual victory. While they remained quiet beyond the first, impact of initial run-rampage reflected throughout the game.
Series opening game between the Yankees and the Mets was preceded by extreme media hype. How the Yankees humiliated Mets in their last series had fuelled it. Earnest speculations were underway about how the latter will avenge their drubbing from last time.
For greater part of the innings, Mets maintained the lead. By the time, game entered later half, it was feared that Yankees will come from behind, as they did couple of times before and pull off the victory.
Exactly the same was about to happen, as the Yankees posted runs from the sixth until the eighth.
As soon as two runs were added in the eighth, Yankees needed two more runs to bridge the deficit. Thus, start of the ninth was tense for both sides.
Mets were disheartened on having allowed the Yankees to come so close.
Closer Frank Francisco was being looked upon for rescuing them during penultimate moments as he threw a perfect ninth and sealed a stunning victory for the Mets.
Expressing what was actually going on during the situation, Francisco stated that he was sent off-balance for couple of times, but in the end he managed to protect the lead.
''They tried to give me a little bit of a hard time,'' Francisco said. ''Lately, I've been fighting a little bit with my command but I (found) myself out there and got out of the situation.''
Apart from him, Jonathon Niese fared a splendid show on the mound as starter. In little more than six innings, he struck-out five and gave up eight hits.
Offensively, third baseman David Wright stood up. Against the mighty Yankees, Mets needed someone like him to stand out and deliver hits. Contributing one RBI, he made two hits in four at-bats.
First game of the series is always important. Mets have the best chance to clinch series victory against Yankees. They will look to make the most of it.
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