Tim Redding, making his first start since July 2, tossed five innings of one-hit baseball. He walked three and struck out four. And then the Mets let it slip away.
Removed due to a high pitch count, Redding gave way to Pat Misch, who was recalled from the minor leagues earlier yesterday. A lead-off walk to Shane Victorino was followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Chase Utley. The 1-0 Mets lead turned into a 2-1 Mets deficit.
After Misch recorded an out, Sean Green took over. Green allowed back-to-back two-out doubles for another Phillies run, giving them a 3-1 lead.
Though the Mets knocked out eight hits and walked twice, they were only able to plate one run. The run came in the bottom of the second when a groundball from Omir Santos was just out of the reach of third baseman Pedro Feliz. As it glanced off his glove and into the outfield, Jeff Francoeur was able to trot home with the Mets first, and only, run.
The Mets ended up using seven pitchers in last night’s game, with Pedro Feliciano giving up the other run in the Phillies eventual 4-1 victory.
At one point it looked like a little of the 1969 magic may have worn off on the 2009 Mets. But in the end, the ‘69 celebration was marred by the ‘09 talent.
Tonight’s game will begin at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting, due to the 1969 World Series celebration on the field.
“We're just in a place where we're fighting for our lives right now.”