April 9, 2010
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets
Citi Field – Flushing, New York
This week the New York Mets opened their second season in their new ballpark Citi Field.
2009 was disappointing for the “Amazins” as they completed the season with 70 wins – 92 losses. Injuries plagued the team and their dynamic lead off hitter shortstop Jose Reyes was a missing key.
2010 promises to be a new beginning for the Mets with changes on the field and pitching. The Mets have 5 rookies on the team, the most in the majors. 20 year old rookies, infielder from Panama Ruben Tejada and Dominican pitcher Jenrry Mejia are the youngest players in the Major Leagues.
The New York Mets have the most foreign-born players on their opening day roster; to include Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Let the games begin.
After winning their home opener vs. the Florida Marlins on April 5th with their Venezuelan ace, Johan Santana, the Mets lost the next two.
Prior to the three game series vs. Washington Nationals, the Mets held a press conference to report shortstop Jose Reyes would be joining the team on the field on Saturday. After an eleven month absence due to a thyroid condition, Jose Reyes exclaimed “I’m finally going to be in New York again. It was a tough year. It’s an exciting day for me.”
Starting their 1st game of the season, Mike Pelfrey pitched for the Mets while Garrett Mock took the mound for the Nationals.
In the 2nd inning, the Washington Nationals took a 2 run lead when shortstop Ian Desmond hit a triple to left field scoring Adam Dunn and veteran catcher Ivan “pudge” Rodriguez.
The Mets rightfielder Jeff Francouer home run in the 2nd inning and a home run by catcher Rod Barajas in the 4th tied the game 2 – 2.
The cold wind blowing at Citi Field, pieces of paper in circular motion on the field.
After 3-1/3 innings of play, a call to the bullpen brings Miguel Batista to pitch for Washington.
Catcher Rod Barajas connected for his 2nd home run of the game giving the Mets the lead 3 -2.
With the wind playing games on this night, David Wright hits a long ball to left field, first thought to be a home run. David Wright at 2nd base, Fernando Tatis hitting for Mike Jacobs drives Wright home and the Mets are 4 -2. A Pitching change for Washington puts Tyler Walker on the mound who promptly serves Jeff Francoeur his 2nd home run of the game, scoring Fernando Tatis. Mets 6 – Nationals 2.
The last time the Mets had multiple home runs by two players was 2006 in Arizona by Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado.
Bottom of the 8th inning, rookie shortstop Ruben Tejada gets his first Major League Baseball hit and the ball is promptly retired for him. It was a memorable game for the rookie, 2nd youngest player in the Major Leagues Ruben Tejada. Yet, tonight he shuffles off to Buffalo. Under his bet, his 1st hit, 1st run scored, 1st walk and he assists in making the final out of the game by throwing out Nationals Willie Taveras. After the game we spoke to Ruben Tejada who spoke in Spanish “muy contento por la oportunidad. Feliz por el equipo en la llegada de Jose Reyes. Tranquilo con la decisión de seguir jugando en Buffalo (AAA), con el deseo de jugar mas fuerte.
Tomorrow #7, shortstop Jose Reyes will be in the New York Mets line-up.
Final score New York Mets 8 – Washington Nationals 2.
Winning Pitcher Mike Pelfrey (1-0)
Losing Pitcher Miguel Batista (0-1)
Time of game: 3:06