New York Mets outscore Tampa Bay Rays 9-6 as Frank Francisco shines in last inning - MLB
Relief pitcher Frank Francisco blocks the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth and helps the New York Mets clinch 9-6 win at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida on June 14, 2012 in third game of the three match series.
Thanks to the relievers, Mets were able to silence the resurgent Rays. The way the Rays roughed up starter Johan Santana; it was to be no surprise if they had treated relievers similarly.
Part of the reason behind the victory was fairly better performance by the offence. Right from the start, Mets experienced run-production. What kept them on surface was the fact that hitters stepped up whenever it was needed.
Responding to one-run lead by the Rays, the Mets blew it right away in the third. Scoring two runs in the third and four runs in the fourth, they took their lead to a substantial position.
Santana looks to be low on confidence after the New York Yankees sent him for massive hits in the last game. For the same reason perhaps, when he stepped on the mound on Thursday, his control was dithering.
He pitched five innings and gave up four runs, while striking-out six. He rightly acknowledged the role of the bullpen in the victory.
"The bullpen deserves all the credit," Santana said. "They did a great job. For all of us, you don't want to come here and lose games. I think this is good for everybody to get three wins in a row, especially after losing three to the Yankees. We're just
building up our confidence. We played pretty good."
Miguel Batista came to do the closing job, but he was made to struggle straight away. While the Mets were still three runs ahead after he gave up two runs, he was yanked and replaced with Frank Francisco to avoid further damage.
Afterwards, Francisco wrapped up the inning, ensuring victory for the Mets.
Without many hits for number of games, third-baseman David Wright finally had the day to reiterate his hitting credentials. He went 3-for-4. Similarly, centre fielder, Kirk Nieuwenhuis brought three RBIs and struck two home-runs on Thursday.
Series win will act as a morale booster for the Mets and will help them steady their quest in the season.
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