Wright has a merry Opening Day
David Wright (5) reacts while walking past Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning. (April 5, 2012) Credit: AP
There's just something that clicks for David Wright on Opening Day.
"It's like Christmas for me," said the Mets third baseman, who is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with seven RBIs on Opening Day after going 2-for-3 Thursday.
The next step, he joked, is figuring out how to maintain those numbers throughout an entire season. "It'd be nice to try to bottle up that adrenaline," he said with a smile.
Wright's RBI single with none out in the sixth on a first-pitch fastball from Tommy Hanson was the difference in a 1-0 win over Atlanta -- the Mets' seventh Opening Day shutout in franchise history.
"To have David come off and get the big hit, it means a lot to him," manager Terry Collins said. "This guy is a real proud pro."
Wright, who missed most of spring training because of a torn abdominal muscle, was pleased to deliver a clutch hit on an afternoon when late Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter was honored during pregame ceremonies.
"Tough time going to sleep last night," said Wright, who plans to mail the jersey he wore to Carter's family. "And then you get Johan on the mound and the energy in the building -- that was a lot of fun."
Something to prove
There's a definite chip on the Mets' shoulders, Collins said. "I do think they're a little bothered that people don't think they're very good," he said before the game. "That's pretty much a slap in the face if you're a major-league baseball player. These guys have talent. They've already shown it."
The Mets finished 77-85 last year, but Ike Davis believes this season will be different. "We're going to have an exciting team," he said. "It's going to be a fun show to watch."
