Game #96: Mets 4, Braves 1

What vacant spot in the rotation?

(NYDailyNews.com)

Carlos Torres pitched brilliantly for his first New York W and Ike Davis's double highlighted a three-run 6th as the Mets bounced back to a 4-1 win over the Braves.

The Good Stuff:

• After serving up a leadoff home run to Andrelton Simmons, Carlos Torres was untouchable in six strong innings, allowing the sole run on seven hits and two walks, striking out six on 96 pitches. He also drove in the tying run on an RBI single in the 3rd.
• The Mets brought the big bats just in time for Torres to get the decision. Daniel Murphy and Davis Wright led off the 6th with singles. After Marlon Byrd's fielder's choice, Ike Davis took a Kris Medlen curveball and bounced it off the wall in right. Murphy scored and New York was on top. John Buck followed with a single to score Byrd, and Juan Lagares added an RBI to his earlier double and run with a sac fly to plate Davis. 4-1 Good Guys.
• David Aardsma, Scott Rice, and LaTroy Hawkins shepherded the Mets through scoreless 7th and 8th innings, and Bobby Parnell redeemed his failings yesterday with a 1-2-3 9th, complete with two strikeouts in 10 pitches.

The Bad Stuff:

• Omar Quintanilla was the only Met starter to fail to get on base, going 0-3 to drop his average to .223. Quintanilla's glove has always been an asset, but if Ruben Tejada is close to getting his act together we may see the end of Mr. Q's reign at shortstop.

Final Analysis:
Now that's more like it. Solid starting, great relief work, clutch hitting. They all came together tonight. I especially feel good for Ike Davis, who is finally showing signs of life in this series. And Carlos Torres is certainly making Jonathon Niese's & recently released Shaun Marcum's absences easier to deal with; he'll make a fine long man once Niese comes back. All in all, a very nice night at the ballpark.

MM

P.S. The New York Daily News's recap of tonight's game like this: "Maybe Anthony Weiner isn't the only Carlos Danger in town." Touche, Daily News. Touche.