The New York Mets opened their season against the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium, hoping to rebound from a subpar season in 2010. Unfortunately, the bad play from the previous campaign reared its ugly head in the first game of the 2011 season.
The Mets entered the season with low expectations after years of disappointment, including a losing record last season. They cut ties with Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel, they removed Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez from the roster, yet with new management and a fresh start, the Mets still fell to the Marlins Friday, 6-2.
Here’s an in-depth look at what was good, what was bad, and everything else that transpired in the game.
The Good
Starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey got off to what looked to be a strong start, throwing three and 2/3rd innings of shutout baseball. As for the rest of his performance…We’ll get back to that later.
Carlos Beltran made his first start in right field this year, and snagged a few fly balls early. While he didn’t have to run any down, it was nice to see him look comfortable in right. He also had a double and an RBI.
Former “Mets killer” Willie Harris made his Met debut, and looked good doing it. He put the Amazins’ in the hit column after getting a double in the 7th. He would score later in the inning, giving the Mets their first run of the season.
The Bad
Back to Big Pelf’s day. After the first eleven outs, Pelfrey let the bases get loaded, then gave up a grand slam to John Buck. He gave up another run the next inning, after which was the end of his night.
While Harris got his first hit as a Met, it took until the seventh inning for it to happen. The Mets were held hitless by Josh Johnson until Harris got the double. The rally that it led to was the only offense the Mets showed all night.
Taylor Buchholz also had a Met debut tonight, though it was one not to be desired. Buchholz came in for relief work in the eighth inning, but gave up a one run shot to Logan Morrison.
Odds and Ends
Ike Davis and Carlos Beltran drove in the two runs of the game. Beltran’s double drove Harris home, while Davis’ sacrifice fly allowed Beltran to cross the plate.
Pedro Beato threw two shutout innings of relief work. He gave up three hits, with 16 of his 25 pitches being strikes.
In addition to Harris and Beltran, Angel Pagan had a hit in the game.
The Mets fall to 0-1, holding last place in the National League East with the Washington Nationals. The Marlins are tied for first with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.
Pelfrey falls to 0-1 on the season. Johnson’s record goes to 1-0.
What’s Next
Jonathon Niese (0-0) takes on Ricky Nolasco (0-0) Saturday, at 7:10 P.M., EST.
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