For a team that was reeling just over a week ago, two separate sets against the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks were just what the New York Mets they needed to get rolling again. David Wright led the Mets to an 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamdonbacks this afternoon, blasting two homeruns with three runs and three RBI on the day. It's the Mets' fourth straight win and first season sweep of the season.
In today's preview I mentioned that the pitchers the Mets would face this series were the types they needed to take advantage of and Armando Galarraga was no different. Wright got the scoring started in the first inning with a two-run blast, scoring Daniel Murphy who had walked.
Wright was again in the middle of the scoring in the third inning when he reached safely on a throwing error by Ryan Roberts. Carlos Beltran then doubled, Jason Bay struck out and Ike Davis was intentionally walked to bring up the least dangerous of the Mets' hitters in Josh Thole and Jason Pridie, with the score 2-0. Thole hit a sac fly and Pridie -- of all people -- hit the first homerun of his career, a three-run shot that put the Mets up, 6-0. The Mets' all-star third basemen would smack his second homerun in the fourth inning.
Wright, Beltran and Davis all enjoyed two-hit days. Davis had an RBI -- his 18th of the year -- in the fourth after Wright's homerun, driving home Beltran. Davis is on a roll right now, with hits in eight straight games.
Jon Niese was solid on the mound this afternoon, not allowing a run until the fourth inning, when the Mets already had a very comfortable lead. He threw seven innings, gave up six hits and allowed two earned runs (three altogether) while striking out three. The Mets need their starters to give them quality innings and Niese surely did that today.
A little disconcerting was the effort from D. J. Carrasco this afternoon. Carrasco came on in the eighth inning and allowed two doubles and a run before being replaced by Tim Byrdak for the last two outs of the inning. Carrasco was signed to be a key cog in the bullpen but has given up runs in four of his appearances, while allowing 13 hits and six walks in his 10 2/3 innings. After the game the Mets sent him down to Triple-A in order to recall Chris Young. Dillon Gee, who has pitched admirably since his recall, remains on the roster but it'll be interesting to see what his role is. One thing is for sure: this front office wants to see some results and when you're producing you'll get more than enough chances to play.