New York Mets rout San Diego Padres 9-0 as Johan Santana throws shut-out game - MLB Update
Johan Santana lives up to his credentials of being an ace as he throws a shut-out game and takes the New York Mets to an impressive 9-0 win against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field, New York, NY on May 26, 2012 in third game of the four match series.
In front of the home crowd, Santana cannot prefer any other place to throw an epic spell of nine innings.
Injury which kept him out for almost two years was being believed as a cause of his decline as an ace. Even since the start of 2012 season, he has been just at-par and has not exhibited the pedigree he belongs to.
On Saturday, he was nearest to his best. Striking-out seven and giving up four hits in nine innings, the Padres’ freedom was caged.
Not just the pitcher, the Mets witnessed all-round performance from their players.
Offence which went through a rough patch last week was rampant on Saturday. Hitting nine hits in 30 at-bats, most of the hitters who came to face were prolific.
Even the first baseman Ike Davis, despite a poor run of form in the season, managed one hit and contributed one RBI.
Left fielder, Scott Hairston struck a homer in the first and got the Mets off to a bombastic start. He went 2-for-3 as he added three RBIs and completed one run.
Third baseman, David Wright was unable to restore the batting average above the .400 level. As he was hitless, he stood at .390/.489/.604 after the game.
As Santana finished best outing of the season, there was nothing that suggested a tinge of complacency in his words. For him, it was seamless and he just went there and tried his best and fortunately results followed.
"I didn't know how everything was going to be," Santana said. "I've been working and I'm still working. You never know. You always have to go out there and perform."
The biggest positive for the Mets was the fact, those hitters who have been struggling before the game, showed mettle for becoming an important link in their victories.
Mets' manager Terry Collins will be relieved now. He will like to see the offence replicating same performance consistently.
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