Harvey Shines as Mets Trounce Phillies 4/8

Tonight the New York Mets (5-2) defeated the Philadelphia Phillies (2-5) by a score of 7-2. Matt Harvey (2-0 0.64 ERA), once again stole the show in his second start once again going 7.0 innings. Harvey fanned 9 Phillies while only allowing one run. Harvey now has 16Ks in 14 IP all while just allowing 1 earned run. 

As good as Harvey was, there was one minor down spot. Harvey walked the leadoff batter several times in the game, though was never hurt by this as he dug deep and found a way to push forward. Harvey set the tone for the game in the first inning by striking out Ryan Howard on a 99MPH fastball to end the inning. 

The Mets then used that momentum and struck first in the top of the second as John Buck launched the 3-run homerun to right field to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. Wright and Duda had RBI singles respectively and Tejada added a two RBI single of his own. The Mets called upon Josh Edgin to finish game, and he allowed 1 run in two innings while striking out one. 

Daniel Murphy added two hits tonight and seems to be locked in as he is now up to .308 AVG on the year. John Buck’s 3 RBI now gives him 12 on the year and the NL lead. Things will be interesting if Buck remains hot as everyone knows the Mets have someone waiting in the minors to jump in and take his spot. 

Centerfield was once again a black-hole of offense as Nieuwenhuis and Cowgill went a combined 0-5 with 2Ks. Maybe it is time Valdespin saw an opportunity to prove he is the one who should be out there. Looking ahead, the Mets will face off against the Phillies for game two of their three game series as Dillon Gee will face Cliff Lee tomorrow at 7:05pm.