Dickey dictates win over Cardinals

By Gary W. Marchese Jr.

Flushing, NY (July 28) – The New York Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals today by the score of 4-0. R.A. Dickey made the start today and pitched 8 1/3 innings giving up no runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Francisco Rodriguez pitched 2/3 inning striking out one and picking up his 22nd save of the season. Dickey has been a real find for the Mets who could of never suspected that he would pitch this well. Dickey is a 35 yr old journey man knuckleballer who has found his way with the Mets.

The Mets offense has been completely different since returning home. The offense which was pretty much none existent on the 2-9 west coast trip has resurrected themselves at Citi Field. Jose Reyes had a hit, Angel Pagan had two hits and a walk and Carlos Beltran had a hit and an RBI. Ike Davis had a hit and three RBI, Josh Thole had a hit and two walks. The Mets got on the board with three runs in the third inning on a three run home run off the bat of Davis. The Mets would add a insurance run in the fifth inning on a RBI single by Beltran. Beltran after struggling upon his initial return to the lineup has started to heat up in the last few games. The Mets really need him to be close to the player he was for their offense to succeed. Jason Bay was not producing at all and it is unknown how long he will be out for with the concussion.

The Mets trail the first place Atlanta Braves by 6 1/2 games in the NL East. The Braves lost their game this afternoon to the Washington Nationals so the Mets picked up a game on the day. The Mets will now take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at home starting tomorrow night. Mike Pelfrey will be on the mound against Ian Kennedy. The Mets will have revenge on their mind as they got swept in Arizona on their most recent road trip. It is the first series the Mets have won since beating the Twins two out of three in June. Dickey won for the first time since June 23rd even though he has posted a 1.89 ERA over his last five starts.