I was worried coming into this game that Mike would have a relapse to the pitcher that couldn't find the plate. Well, I had no need to worry. the Big Pelf was great. With a renewed Reyes and a scolding Wright hitting the ball, he had all the support he needed.
Pelfrey throw to both sides of the plate and mixed in enough sliders and change-ups to keep the hitters honest. He's even become someone who can miss a bat or two when needed. He was breaking bats and had the hitters pounding the ball into the ground all night. His fastball was hitting 94 all night, and had the slider nipping the corners.
David Wright needs to hire Letterman as his batting practice pitcher. The day after appearing on his show, David drove in 5 runs and was punishing the ball. He started the game out by hitting a 2 run homer in the first, and then added a couple of doubles later in the game. And if not for a great stop by Zimmerman, he could have had another hit.
Jose' was also great last night. I think the days off did more to clear his head than heal his hamstring. Before he sat a few games, he looked lost at the plate and totally confused. Last night he was focused and driving the ball. The double he drove into the left-center field gap was a rocket. I hope he decides to sit more often this year to help keep his head clear. I think he overthinks things when he struggles at the plate. A day off once a week would do good for Him I believe.
And Wiliie actually did something to improve the offense. He moved Castillo down in the order, and moved Church to the #2 hole. Now I wouldn't have picked Church at first, but it did break up the left-handed tilt at the lower part of the order. Ryan did well there, and Castillo did better in the 8th spot. His ability to get on base helped clear the pitchers spot, and made the Nats pay more attention to the hitters ahead of him.
And lastly, Sanchez is back. He looked sharp, and was on the verge of tears when he finished the game. His fastball and change-up were well spotted and had the proper velocity. 75-78 on the change-up and 88-91 on the fastball. Here's to seeing him straightening out the back end of the pen.
John Maine goes for the Mets tonight. Lets hope the young gunslinger brings the "A" game and shuts down the Nats for the second night in a row. I want 8 innings and 10+ strikeouts and less than 2 runs.
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I wouldn't say that Church did a good job in the 2-hole. He was 1-3 (that single occuring when Reyes no one was on base) but he struck out with Reyes on 3rd and no-one out. All he had to do was make contact with the ball and the worse possible outcome was the strikeout. Also, why did he bunt Reyes over when Reyes was on 2nd base? He was already in scoring position and a single would've scored him. It didn't make any sense...the 2-hole hitter's job is to get the runner into scoring position, or if already in scoring position, to drive him in. Church did none of these and Reyes was on base 4 times...
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