K-Rod stops bleeding with five-out save
New York Mets starting pitcher Jenrry Mejia (32) reacts after New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (not pictured) grounded to third with runners in scoring position to end the top of the seventh inning. (May 22, 2010) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Mets manager Jerry Manuel called on Francisco Rodriguez for a five-out save in last night’s 5-3 victory over the Yankees, but the Mets’ closer bristled when asked if his team was “desperate” for a win.
“We’re not desperate at all,” Rodriguez said. “Don’t bring that word around here. We know we’re not playing well and like we’re expected to be playing. But we’re not desperate at all.”
K-Rod now has 21 saves of more than one inning for his career, and last night’s save was No. 250 for his career. It was his ninth save of at least five outs and his second this season, the previous one coming April 22 against the Cubs.
“It was a do-or-die,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve got to stop the bleeding one way or the other.”
Big Pelf stands tall
Mike Pelfrey improved to 6-1 with a 2.86 ERA and has been like a second ace alongside Johan Santana. It’s the earliest Pelfrey has ever reached six victories; he’s never made it before July in the past. He also is 5-0 with a 1.85 ERA in night games.
“When I show up at the ballpark on my day to pitch, I expect to win,” he said. “I just want everyone to think the same way I think.”
Castillo a gamer
Manuel wanted to give Luis Castillo last night off because of the injury to the ball of his left foot, but the second baseman asked to play.
“It’s a day-by-day thing,” Manuel said. “He has an injury that’s kind of strange. It’s almost like he’s playing with a little rock in his shoe.”
Extra bases
Manny Acosta will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for today’s activation of Ryota Igarashi from the disabled list.
