It was a special night Friday for Brooklyn-born Nelson Figueroa, as he pitched six innings and earned his first win as a New York Met, as the Mets topped the Brewers by a score of 4-2.
Figueroa, who grew up a Mets fan, made his first appearance, throwing six innings of two hit ball. He allowed two walks, both ended up costing him as those base runners came around to score both runs for the Brewers. Those were the only runs given up by Figueroa and the Mets. Figueroa struck out six batters, needing only 85 pitches to get through six. After each walk, Figueroa allowed deep doubles to J.J. Hardy and Prince Fielder to drive in the runs.
What a feel good story. I love his stuff tonight, but I have to say he was benefiting from a huge strike zone, but he was still dealing all night. Those walks really hurt him, which stinks but what a story. He walked onto the field with a huge smile, ear to ear, across his face. Good stuff.
Joe Smith pitched a hitless seventh inning for the Mets. Aaron Heilman rebounded nicely from three straight disaster innings, pitching a perfect eighth inning, striking out Jason Kendall and Rickie Weeks. Billy Wagner came in to close it out, his first save opportunity in nine days, and set down the heart of the Brewers order 1-2-3.
Any night the bullpen doesn't allow a hit is a good night. Great stuff by Heilman to bounce back after giving up two runs in his last three appearances. Two strike outs tonight is huge for his confidence.
The Mets got on the board in the fourth inning as the first two batters got on base, David Wright with a single and Carlos Beltran taking a base on balls. Carlos Delgado came through, knocking a single to right field and driving in Wright. Beltran ran the bases perfectly as Gabe Gross bobbled it in center and Beltran took third. The smart base running paid off as Damion Easley drove in Beltran with a sac-fly. After a passed ball that allowed Delgado to take second and a single from Ryan Church, Raul Casanova, who was appearing in his first game of the season, singled to left, plating Delgado.
Pagan and Wright both went 2-4 on the night, and Delgado, Easley, Church and Casanova all pick up one hit.
The Mets struck again in the seventh, as they played a little small ball. Endy Chavez walked to start the inning, moved to second on a Marlon Anderson bunt, and Pagan drove him in with a single to right field.
Pagan, Delgado, Easley and Casanova all had one RBI for the Mets tonight. Spreading the love around, I see. I like that. Offense wasn't great tonight, as they hit into two double plays and left six on. But they won, which is all that really counts.
Injury news: Jose Reyes left the game in the bottom of the fifth inning with a "tight left hamstring." On the SNY postgame, he commented that he probably won't play tomorrow.
I think he needs a day any way. Something to clear his head.
Game Ball: Figueroa.
Beardless watch: 3-0.
