Mike Pelfrey is likely the most talented pitcher in the Mets rotation right now. But a miserable start in Colorado was no indication.
Pelfrey lasted only four innings, surrendering seven runs (six earned), as the Mets fell to the Rockies by a score of 8-3. While throwing 96 pitches, only 55 landed for strikes. No surprise that Pelfrey walked five batters. He did strike out four, but also let up two home runs, including a three-run home run to Todd Helton in the fourth inning.
This is a season Pelf would likely want to forget. He’s given up five runs or more in seven of his 26 starts. He’s let up nine runs in a game twice. Yeesh.
The Mets looked to have Rockies’ starter Jorge De La Rosa on the ropes in the first inning, even with a base running gaffe by Angel Pagan.
Pagan led off with a single but misread a ball hit by Luis Castillo, thinking the ball was caught, he attempted to go back to first base, which was already occupied by Castillo.
Still, the Mets managed to score two runs, one on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jeff Francoeur and another on a double down the right field line by Fernando Tatis.
Since Tatis had gotten some steady playing time at third base with David Wright recuperating, he’s been swinging a hot bat. Maybe that’s the trick.
The Mets were held in check by De La Rosa until he exited after the sixth inning. Cory Sullivan returned to Colorado with a one-out pinch-hit triple to center field. Pagan followed that up with a triple of his own, easily chasing in Sullivan.
And that was that. It could be considered a victory because no one got hurt. Except Pelfrey’s ERA.