NEW YORK — Defense, as much as anything, hurt the Mets on Saturday, when two errors and a fair share of other blunders led to their first loss in four games. So defense, they know, is what can help them win this series against the Brewers on Sunday.
“It’s not just fielding the ball,” manager Willie Randolph said. “It’s communication, also.”
Third baseman David Wright was at the center of Saturday’s struggles, making both errors and playing a prominent role in another run-scoring play, when the Brewers scored on a safety squeeze. Before the game at Shea Stadium, Wright was presented with his first Gold Glove award, an honor that Braves third baseman Chipper Jones vocally criticized last winter. During the game, he opened the door for even more criticism.
“I didn’t vote for myself for the Gold Glove last year,” Wright said. “It’s an honor to win it, and now there are some expectations up there. But this is New York. There are a lot of expectations for everything. There’s pressure every time you go out there and take the field.”
That goes not only for Wright, but for everyone. Starter Oliver Perez will feel increased pressure on Sunday, knowing not only that he has a scoreless innings streak intact — 11 2/3 and counting — but also that the Mets need him to secure a series win.
To do that, he’ll likely need to pitch deep into the game — something he didn’t do last time out. Minimizing his pitches should be a key, and the Mets certainly know it.
“That’s always the goal,” catcher Brian Schneider said. “You don’t want him throwing 100 pitches in five innings or six innings.”
The Brewers will counter with right-hander Jeff Suppan, another pitcher off to a hot start, but one that should pose a decidedly easier challenge than Saturday’s starter, Ben Sheets. Suppan has won three straight decisions dating back to last year.
Pitching matchup
NYM: LHP Oliver Perez (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Perez earned a no-decision in his second outing of the season, despite holding the Phillies scoreless for 5 2/3 innings. A high pitch count forced him out of the game with only a slim lead, and the Phillies ultimately came back to win against a shaky Mets bullpen. Perez will aim for a better fate against the Brewers, a team he beat twice in two tries with a 3.14 ERA last season. He’s pitched 11 2/3 scoreless innings to date this year.
MIL: RHP Jeff Suppan (1-0, 2.03 ERA)
Suppan was also hurt by a lack of offense in his latest outing, earning a no-decision despite allowing one run over seven innings in an eventual Brewers win. He posted a 4.38 ERA against the Mets last season, and holds a 2.70 career ERA at Shea.
Tidbits
Duaner Sanchez was scheduled to appear for Triple-A New Orleans for the second straight night on Saturday. Randolph said he expected Sanchez to rejoin his bullpen perhaps by the middle of next week. … Wright will make an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday. … Carlos Beltran, Wright and Johan Santana were all presented with their 2007 Gold Glove awards prior to Saturday’s game. Beltran and Wright also received their Silver Slugger awards.
No Comments, Comment or Ping
Reply to “Defensive Lapse Downs Mets”
You must be logged in to post a comment.