Mets Take Series Against Reds

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets

Series Recap, April 4^th-6^th

Results:

April 4th	Reds: 3	Mets: 4
April 5th	Reds: 3	Mets: 6
April 6th	Reds: 2	Mets: 1

The New York Mets were able to bounce back from a poor season opening series, taking two of three from the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend at Citi Field. It was a nice response for the Mets, as the opening series created more questions than answers for manager Terry Collins. It also gives them a little positive momentum as the Mets will embark on a nine-game road trip starting against the division rival Atlanta Braves.

-Positives

Elsa/Getty Images

After struggles in the first series, the Mets first basemen blasted the ball against the Reds. Receiving the start in the first game, Lucas Duda launched two homers, knocking in all four runs in a Mets 4-3. Ike Davis then hit a pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam in game two to give the Mets a 6-3 victory. Davis continued to hit well, going 2-4 in the series finale.

The bullpen was atrocious to start the season, but they had a solid series against a dangerous Reds offense. The Mets bullpen gave up only two runs in eight innings, both surrendered by John Lannan in 2/3 inning of work in the series opening game. Jose Valverde was able to lock down his first save of the season in the first game, also pitching a clean inning in the finale to keep his ERA at 0.00 to start the season. Kyle Farnsworth pitched 2.1 innings in the series, looking more comfortable after a rocky first appearance.

Mets' Opening Day Ruined By Bullpen in Loss To Nationals

Written By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The New York Mets started the 2014 season with the same problem they ended 2013 with; a leaky bullpen.

The Mets bullpen blew the lead they had built behind starting pitcher Dillon Gee, and then imploded again in the 10^th inning. Gee deserved a better outcome than he received on opening day, as he retired 15 straight Washington Nationals after allowing a two-run homer to Adam LaRoche.

The first pitcher to really struggle was Bobby Parnell. Parnell blew the save in the ninth inning, as Denard Span roped a double and knocked in Ian Desmond. Parnell would surrender two hits, one walk in his inning of work.

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

The worst news for Parnell and the Mets came after the game, when it was announced that Parnell has a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Parnell complained of forearm tightness after the game, and tests revealed the tear. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow and will be sidelined for about two-weeks before getting re-evaluated. The re-evaluation is where it will be determined if Parnell needs to undergo surgery or not.