Johan Santana just pitched himself into Mets history. Absolutely amazing.
As Jerry Manuel said, "If I had to explain that one...that was gangsta."
Pitching Performance
This was Johan Santana's day. He's worth every million, every dollar, every penny. I've never seen or heard Shea Stadium rock as loudly as it did today. Amazin'.
Johan Santana, coming off his career high 125 pitches on three days rest, threw one of his best games of his career, and easily of his Mets tenure. With their backs against the wall, Johan went out and threw a complete game shut out. He allowed only three hits, walked three, and struck out nine Marlins.
He was supposed to have a cap of 105 pitches, but he was so good, he had to stay in. 117 pitches later, the Mets were walking off the field victorious behind one of the best pitched games I've ever seen.
There's nothing else that needs to be said. He's the ace. He's the leader of this staff. He is amazing. Cy Young bid, I think so.
The Mets needed him, and he stepped up and filled in with the game of his life.
Offensive Output
You must tip your hat to Ricky Nolasco. Seven innings, allowing only five hits and two earned runs. He walked only one while striking out 10.
This was a pitchers duel, and one of the most exciting and tense games I've had the privilege to watch.
It didn't look like Nolasco was ready for the game to start, as the Mets were able to jump on him in the first for a run. Jose Reyes led off with a single to center. With Carlos Beltran batting, Reyes stole his 56th base of the season. Beltran then singled, moving Reyes to third. Carlos Delgado followed that with a long fly ball to center, allowing Reyes to tag and score.
Another sac-fly. How about that.
In the fourth, an unlikely source drove in the Mets second run. Daniel Murphy was hit by a pitch, bringing Ramon Martinez to the plate. Martinez then drove a double into the gap between center and right field, allowing Murphy to chug all the way around from first to score the only other Mets run.
Honestly, where did this guy come from?? He's 4-13 this year, with three doubles and three RBI. He's another diamond in the rough, and the Mets seem to have caught some more lightning in a bottle.
The Rest of the Story
A mere two hours and seventeen minutes of spectacular baseball.
At time of post, the Cubs are up 2-0 on a Daryle Ward two-run home run.
Go Cubs and Go Nationals.
Game Ball: Johan Santana. A no-doubter.
