The New York Mets accomplished something last night against the Houston Astros they hadn't done in over a year: comeback from a four-run deficit. The last time the Mets did it was May 11 of 2010 against the Washington Nationals, but yeserday's erased what almost could've turned into a lopsided loss. It all came undone for Dillon Gee in the sixth inning -- and he couldn't even get an out in the frame, finishing with four earned runs in five innings -- but the Mets used the longball (from Fernando Martinez and David Wright) to ignite the rally.
What was so encouraging about the way the Mets came back was who they did it against. Bud Norris was rolling along until the eighth inning, but the Amazin's made him pay when he left some offspeed pitches out over the heart of the plate. In addition, the bullpen was solid, yet again, posting four scoreless innings.
This afternoon the Mets and R.A. Dickey will take on the Astros' J.A. Happ. Dickey has had a rough go of it so far this year: either walking too many guys or giving up way too many hits. Thus far his ERA sits at 4.50 and his WHIP at 1.54. In his start against the Astros on April 20, he threw the longest outing of the season, an eight-inning start in which he gave up four earned runs, and earned the loss in a 4-3 game.
Happ is another guy who has been very up and down this season. He's a very hittable lefty, who will not strikeout very many guys, so the Mets really have a chance to put some runs on the board. He's coming off a nice start against the Pittsburgh Pirates (two runs in six innings), but the last time he faced the Mets, he lasted only 4 2/3 and allowed six earned runs.
Today's lineup will have Jerry Hairston in center field and Ronnie Paulino behind the plate because of the left-handed starter.