Tough game for Ike Davis
Mets' Ike Davis reacts as he tries to get out of the way after Miami Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis, right, attempted to pick off Justin Turner at second base during the first inning. (August 1, 2013) Credit: AP
Ike Davis has shown signs of progress, but the Mets first baseman is still struggling in his role as a run-producer.
Davis stranded five runners in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Marlins. He struck out swinging with two on in the first and fouled out with the bases loaded in the third, ending the inning each time.
"Both of them are frustrating, obviously," he said. "You want to get a big hit in that situation. I got a pitch to do it with and I just was late on it."
"Those are the balls he's certainly got to put in play and see if he can do some damage," manager Terry Collins said.
Davis is hitting .234 since his July 5 return from Triple-A Las Vegas, with five extra-base hits and nine RBIs. He was 5-for-22 on the road trip with a homer.
"I'm playing better," he said. "But I've just got to stay patient because when I start trying to do too much is when I have bad games."
Closer down?
Bobby Parnell said he will be available for Friday night's opener against the Royals at Citi Field, though Collins said he's not so sure. A stiff neck sidelined him Thursday.
"It's a little sore, no biggie," said Parnell, who last pitched Tuesday night.
Parnell said the problem stemmed from sleeping awkwardly. Asked what caused his neck stiffness, he responded: "Pillows."
Koehler shines
Marlins starter Tom Koehler improved to 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three 2013 games against the Mets. The Stony Brook product threw six shutout innings.
Niese makes progress
Jonathon Niese threw four scoreless innings in a rehab start for Class A St. Lucie last night.
