Met's bullpen is in a good groove
Josh Thole congratulates Bobby Parnell, right, after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0. (June 30, 2012) Credit: AP
The Mets' bullpen continued its recent surge of excellence with four shutout innings in a 5-1 win over the Marlins Sunday.
Bobby Parnell, Josh Edgin, Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco each threw a scoreless frame in relief of Chris Young and combined to limit Miami to two baserunners.
The bullpen has given up one earned run in 221/3 innings in its last eight games. Ramon Ramirez allowed a run in the eighth inning Saturday to snap a collective scoreless streak of 16 1/3 innings.
And all this from the gang who couldn't shoot straight for most of the season.
"For me, it's that they're throwing strikes," manager Terry Collins said. "When we've walked guys, we've gotten in trouble in the past. I think they're trusting their stuff more right now; they're throwing the ball over the plate. They're getting guys out."
Rauch in particular has been outstanding. He threw a perfect inning with two strikeouts and has allowed two earned runs in his last 191/3 innings dating to June 26 (27 appearances). The impending free agent has an overall ERA of 2.98.
Extra bases
Collin McHugh will make his second big-league start Monday against the Cardinals in St. Louis. McHugh threw seven shutout innings in a no-decision in his debut Aug. 23 against Colorado. Joe Kelly will pitch for the Cardinals . . . The Mets are expecting a visit Monday from Mike Pelfrey, who is rehabbing from elbow surgery.
