Ishii as 1, 2, 3…

by Guichard Cadet

It really was not easy for the Mets to win these past 3 games. They could have easily stumbled and be 0-8. Instead fans have been treated to a multi-faceted team, anchored by starting pitching, solid defense and speed.

The wins have a few things in common, mainly great starting pitching, from the Mets and their opponents.

Kaz Ishii joined the team late in spring training after Steve Trachsel's season-ending injury. The knock on Ishii has been his high walk-to-strikeout ratio. Though he walked 3 batters yesterday, Ishii mixed his pitches well and only allowed 2 hits in 7 shutout innings.

Ishii followed the path set by Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. Both had to battle formidable pitching foes, John Smoltz and Andy Pettitte, respectively.

Of the three, only Pedro garnered a win for his efforts, by pitching a complete game. Pedro held the Braves batters at bay until the Mets found their power, hitting 3 homeruns in the 8th and 9th innings. The win helped the team avoid a sweep at the hands of division rival, the Atlanta Braves.

In Glavine’s hometown season-opener against the Houston Astros, the Mets squandered a lead and had to scrap their way back with a myriad of hits and base-running highlights. This version of “small ball” has been dubbed “WillieBall”, part homage to manager Willie Randolph, and his first big league manager, Billy Martin.

Last night, there were no leads to lose as Roger Clemens stymied Mets batters. The lone run came off Astros reliever, Dan Wheeler, in the bottom of the 11th inning. Jose Reyes’ bloop single scored Victor Diaz from second base, giving the Mets a 1-0 victory.

The bullpen has played a key role in the budding winning steak. Last night, 3 relievers combined to throw 4 shutout innings. Lastly, the team has been solid defensively, even yesterday, when playing without 2 of their starting outfielders.

The wins have demonstrated the many ways the Mets can win a game.