Chan Ho Park vs. Johan Santana
Advantage: Santana and the New York Mets, right?
Who could have imagined that the veteran Park (who was barely holding on to his rotation spot) could dare out-duel the larger-than life Santana?
It’s just too bad the Phillies defense didn’t show up. The Phils’ drop their first game in the new Citi Field 1-0. But it wasn’t Park’s fault in the least.
Park threw six near perfect shutout innings allowing just a hit -- a measly blooper in the bottom of the 6th. It’s unfair that his outing had to end in a no decision.
Park was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the 7th and that’s where it went all went oh so wrong.
A critical and completely avoidable throwing error from Pedro Feliz in the bottom of the inning allowed Carlos Delgado to score. In total the Phils’ were charged with three errors in the contest.
One run was all the Mets needed because Santana was just as good as his counterpart. In fact, he proved once again just how dominant he could be. He pitched seven shutout innings -- doing it in style with 10 strikeouts.
The Mets’ bullpen closed the door in the 8th and 9th.
Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez got the save and the Phils got the L. It was a defeat just as bitter as the rivalry between the two.
Undoubtedly the win means much more to New York than the loss means to the Phils (who possess a current championship).
The Mets have now won four in a row, all over division opponents.
Meanwhile, Santana remained undefeated against the Fightins.
The good news for the Phils is that they remain in first place in the NL East and tomorrow the Mets throw out Mike Pelfrey on the mound.
And, let’s just say Pelfrey ain’t no Johan Santana.
