Mets Finally Stop Skid Against Astros

by

Jul 25, 2009

It's about time.

New York finally earned it's third win since the All-Star break, putting forth an uncharacteristic offensive barrage en route to a 10-3 victimization of the Astros.

Jonathon Niese took the mound for the Mets and submitted seven impressive innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three and lowering his ERA to 4.08. It was the 22-year-old's first win of the season and just his fifth career start.

Francisco Rodriguez allowed a two-run homer to Hunter Pence in the bottom of the ninth but escaped further damage.

Houston's Russ Ortiz fell to 3-5 after allowing a disappointing six earned runs in just 4 1/3 innings, fanning three and walking four.

New York capitalized on Ortiz's shaky start, getting to him for three runs in the first. The Astros answered back in the bottom of the frame when Ivan Rodriguez's single plated Michael Bourn. After that, though, it was all Mets. They scored seven unanswered runs, highlighted by a fifth-inning, three-run shot by Jeff Francoeur, an Omir Santos solo shot, and a David Wright solo homer in the top of the ninth.

Everyone in New York's lineup managed at least one hit except for shortstop Alex Cora and Niese. Houston, on the other hand, featured just one player who got more than one hit: catcher Chris Coste, who finished 2-for-4.

Previous Article

Hall of Famer Rice Gears Up for the Big Day

Next Article

Leading Off: Red Sox Aim to Sweep Orioles

Picked For You