Thursday, May 8, 2008By Mike Steffanos
Game 31: Dodgers 5 - Mets 4
In the top of the second, the Mets had the bases loaded, 2 runs in, a 3-0 lead and no one out. The game was virtually there for the taking. Another hit or two could have busted it open. Even a couple of productive outs would have been welcome.
Instead, a 1-2-3 double play and a David Wright strikeout let the Dodgers right back in, and the game slowly, excruciatingly got away. The Mets left a baker's dozen on base, Ryan Church allowed a ball off the wall to go for an inside the park homer that scored the tying and go ahead run, and what could have gone for a nice win went for another of those losses that make the 2008 Mets continue to look like a .500 team.
All things considered, starting pitcher Nelson Figueroa wasn't very lucky. On the other hand, he hasn't been very good since pitching very well in his first two starts. Here's what he's done in his last 3, including this game:
| Nelson Figueroa (Last 3 Starts) | |||||||||||
| Date | Opp. | IP | R | ER | H | K | BB | HR | ERA | WHIP | Team Result |
| 4/22 | @CHI | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5.40 | 2.40 | L |
| 4/27 | ATL | 5.1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5.06 | 1.88 | W |
| 5/6 | @LAD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 9.00 | 2.40 | L |
| Last 3 start totals | 15.1 | 11 | 11 | 22 | 8 | 12 | 1 | 6.46 | 2.22 | 1-2 | |
There's really nothing good across the board there. He's averaged more than 2 baserunners per inning. It's amazing the ERA isn't higher.
Bottom line -- when Moises Alou successfully steals home and avoids getting hurt while doing it, you need to win that game.
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