Just judging the New York Mets' lineup on paper Saturday afternoon, even in Texas, one would've wondered how they could scratch out one run. With Jason Bay out with a stiff neck and Justin Turner sitting with a jammed right thumb, the light-hitting Jason Pridie and Ruben Tejada were inserted into the lineup. Of course, the Mets were also without their slugging corner infielders as well -- and had a slumping rookie, Lucas Duda, at first base and Willie Harris DHing.
But when the Rangers' Alexi Ogando finished the third inning he had already given up three runs and four hits. And by the time he finished the third it was 6-0 Mets and his day was done after allowing eight hits. Granted, three of his runs were unearned, but the Mets pelted him and the two relievers afterward, routing the Rangers 14-5. Altogether, New York had 17 hits in the game -- and none were home runs.
Besides the offensive explosion, Jon Niese was superb on the mound against a very tough lineup and hitters ballpark. He tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowed two runs on six hits and struckout seven. The 24-year-old continues to take the next step this year.
Duda had his first four-hit game against the Rangers, going 4-for-5 with two runs and four RBI to lead the team. Jose Reyes, Harris, Josh Thole and Tejada all had two-hit days, while Carlos Beltran went 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBI on the day. Daniel Murphy and Thole had two RBI. Angel Pagan was the only player in the lineup who did not record a hit. Even more encouraging: The Mets only struckout four times the entire game.
Bobby Parnell continues to be an enigma -- dominant one day and terrible the next -- as he allowed one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings. D.J. Carrasco threw two innings and saw his ERA rise to 6.16 after allowing two runs. He's nothing but mop-up material right now until he puts some zeroes on the board and Terry Collins can trust him.
The Mets will send rookie Dillon Gee to the mound tomorrow to take on Derek Holland.