Mets Hand Rangers a Texas-Size Loss

The Mets had an offensive explosion this afternoon, scoring 14 runs on 17 hits, to beat the Rangers by a score of 14-5.

• Jon Niese went 5.2 fantastic innings before leaving due to a rapid heart beat. Despite not having the best command, he allowed just two runs on six hits, while striking out seven and walking two. He gave up back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to Adrian Beltre and Michael Young.

• The Mets had an eight-run sixth inning. The first eight batters to come to the plate all reached base. It was all done with just two extra-base hits. Imagine that.

• Lucas Duda went 4-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Three of his four hits were doubles.

• Carlos Beltran snapped his 0-14 slump at the plate, going 3-5 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

• Mets pitchers gave up a total of three home runs to the Rangers today.

Next up: The Mets play the final game of their series against the Rangers in Arlington. Dillon Gee gets the start for New York. Game time is 3:05 p.m.

Power or Small Ball: It Appears This Team Uses Neither

David Wright and Ike Davis are on the disabled list. Carlos Beltran is 0-14. When he's not striking out, Jason Bay only likes to hit singles. Even Jose Reyes has cooled off as of late, taking a few 0-fers in the past week.

The Mets don't have power. That's okay though, as there are other ways to score runs than to hit home runs and extra-base hits. It's called small ball.

Unfortunately for the Mets, they don't play that very well either.

You can blame the Mets lagging offense on the absence of Wright and Davis, but that's a poor excuse.

In last night's loss to Texas, the Mets managed to get one extra-base hit. One. That's it.

The Mets at this point should know what they have to work with. They are not made up of home run hitters. They trail only the Padres and Twins for fewest home runs hit this season.

The problem is, they've shown that at times they're not made up of singles hitters, or bunters either.

Execution has hurt this team consistently throughout the season. How many failed bunt attempts have we seen so far this season?

Yes, Mets batters have had their moments this season getting hits in important situations, but not too often.

The lack of offense also places added pressure on the starting pitching.

Mets pitchers allowed three home runs last night, all of which were with men on base.

Granted pitchers need to step up their game, but with the offense this team has, it'll be nearly impossible to overcome any major deficits.

Bay Sits This Afternoon As Mets Take On Rangers

June 25, 2011

4:10 PM ET

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

TV: FOX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Jon Niese (6-6, 3.70 ERA)

Niese struggled in his last start, going four innings against the Angels. He allowed four runs on eight hits. Niese has never faced the Rangers in his career.

TEXAS RANGERS

Starting Pitcher: Alexi Ogando (7-2, 2.66 ERA)

Ogando left after the fifth inning in his last start to get an IV due to the sweltering heat in Atlanta. The temperature this afternoon in Arlington is predicted to be in the mid-90's. Ogando has never faced the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Harris-DH, Beltran-RF, Murphy-3B, Pagan-CF, Duda-1B, Thole-C, Pridie-LF, Tejada-2B.

NOTES:

Jason Bay is sitting after going 3-4 in last night's game. Guy's finally hitting, and Terry Collins decides to have him sit. Makes sense...

Mets Morning News: K-Rod, and Blue Eyes

Francisco Rodriguez was none too pleased by reports that he would like a trade to the Yankees.

"I'm another employee. They can do whatever they think is best for the organization, for the team. But that's two different things. It's one thing if they come up to you and say they want to trade you. It's another thing that's like 'Go out there and trade me.'"

"I'm irritated by the situation already. Because definitely I didn't say 'Trade me to the Yankees. I want to go to the Yankees. I want to go somewhere else.' I didn’t say that."

In case you missed it yesterday, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton shared his theory on blue-eyed batters.

"Guys with blue eyes have a tough time. It's just hard for me to see (at the plate) in the daytime. ... It's just what it is. Try to go up (to the plate) squinting and see a white ball while the sun is shining right off the plate, you know, and beaming right up in your face."

If you're wondering, yes, Jason Bay has blue eyes.

Pelfrey Roughed Up Early In Loss To Rangers

The Mets fell behind early and the offense was silent for most of the night, as they fell to the Rangers by a score of 8-1.

• Mike Pelfrey went six innings, giving up four runs on eight hits, while striking out three and walking two. He struggled in the first inning, giving up an RBI single to Josh Hamilton and then a two-run home run off the bat of Adrian Beltre. Pelfrey has now allowed 14 home runs this season.

• Jason Bay went 3-4 at the plate in the cleanup spot. He is 14-40 ( .350) in his last ten games.

• Manny Acosta was awful in relief. In 1.2 innings of work, he allowed four runs on five hits, while striking out one. He apparently is trying to catch up to Pelfrey in home runs allowed. Acosta gave up a home run to Michael Young in the seventh inning, and a solo shot to Hamilton in the eighth. I would say his days with the Mets are numbered.

Next up: The Mets continue their series against the Rangers in Arlington. Jon Niese will take the mound for the Mets. Game time is 4:10 p.m.

Mets Begin Three Game Series Deep In The Heart Of Texas

June 24, 2011

8:05 PM ET

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

TV: WPIX

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey (4-5, 4.70 ERA)

Pelfrey had his best outing of the season in his last start, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run. He has never faced the Rangers in his career.

TEXAS RANGERS

Starting Pitcher: Matt Harrison (5-6, 3.16 ERA)

Harrison is 1-1 with a save and a 3.66 ERA against the National League since making his Major League debut with the Rangers four years ago. He has never faced the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Turner-3B, Beltran-RF, Bay-LF, Hairston-DH, Paulino-C, Pagan-CF, Murphy-1B, Tejada-2B

Mets Morning News: Wright Cleared, K-Rod Open To Trade

David Wright was cleared to resume full baseball activity on Thursday. Wright will report to Port St. Lucie, Fla. to begin his rehab stint. It will be several weeks before he can re-join the team.

Francisco Rodriguez told reporters he wouldn't rule out becoming a set up man if he were traded to a contending team like the Yankees.

"If I am going to be traded, obviously I want the opportunity to close out games, but if it's going to be good teams like the Yankees or the Rays, and it's going to be for two months, I can go out there and help them out."

In old Met news, our favorite "habitual liar," John Maine, left the Rockies' Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox Thursday and may retire. After pitching 46 innings, his ERA was up to 7. 43.