The New York Mets tried their best to make things interesting tonight. With a 6-0 lead achieved in the fifth inning, the Mets allowed what seemed like an insignificant run in the seventh inning -- that is, until they allowed three more in the ninth to make it just a 6-4 advantage. Luckily for them, Francisco Rodriguez was able to find his groove after giving up a three-run homer, and slammed the door, giving the Mets a 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves, their first series win since mid-May.
On national television, Jose Reyes shined, showing just why New York should do everything in its power to keep him in blue and orange. Reyes went 2-for-4 with two runs, a walk and an RBI. He's now .337/.386/.506 on the year and deserved to show just how dynamic of a player he is with a good game in front a such a large audience.
Another player who is really beginning to show his 2010 season was no joke is R.A. Dickey, who dazzled for eight innings tonight, allowing only four hits and one run while striking out three. The knuckleballer has really been a bright spot for this team for just over a year now. It's truly fun to watch and it really couldn't happen to a more sincere guy. He's been a nice find for a team that needs these darkhorse players to emerge to be successful.
The Mets' bullpen, namely Manny Acosta, tried its best to blow Dickey's chance for a win. Acosta allowed a hit and a walk (and got Brian McCann to fly out in between) before being pulled for Rodriguez. However, pinch-hitter Diory Hernandez slugged the fifth pitch he saw in a 3-1 count into the the left-field bleachers. K-Rod would get the next two guys to strikeout, however, to end the rest of Atlanta's ninth-inning threat.
In addition to Reyes' good day at the plate, Daniel Murphy had two hits and a walk, while Justin Turner continued his solid rookie campaign with his 24th RBI and Carlos Beltran had an RBI (and left the game with a bruised shin, but it is not considered serious). Ruben Tejada also had a hit and an RBI on a bases-loaded walk.
New York is off tomorrow before a series at Milwaukee begins on Tuesday.