HOFBL Season 2: Mets @ Padres (6/8) Kingman, Gonzalez looking to out-hit ,overpower the other in SD
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00:00:00Hello and welcome.
00:00:11Thanks for joining us.
00:00:12We bring you Wednesday night baseball on the show.
00:00:16It's the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres.
00:00:19John Chambi.
00:00:20Chris Singleton with you.
00:00:21So the San Diego Padres have taken the first two games of this series and today they'll
00:00:26go for the sweep.
00:00:27They played well, Chris, and they're looking for more of the same in this one.
00:00:30Yeah, they've been the side shaking hands on the field after each game so far.
00:00:35Played solid baseball to earn those wins, as you said, but every game offers up its
00:00:40own unique challenges.
00:00:42So we'll see what those are today, but there's always a little extra motivation when you
00:00:46have an opportunity to sweep a series.
00:00:48All right.
00:00:49We'll be back to get this one started after this.
00:00:54Just about to get started towing the slab in today's game.
00:00:59Number 44.
00:01:00Yeah, Chris, he's a guy that gets better when things get tough.
00:01:03Yes, batting average against is actually better when he's in a jam.
00:01:07So we'll see if he continues to dance his way out of danger.
00:01:12OK, all set to go.
00:01:15Stepping in is the switch hitting shortstop.
00:01:18The shortstop, Jose.
00:01:21And a pitch.
00:01:24That just misses.
00:01:25And this one is off and running.
00:01:32First pitch, 640.
00:01:36And a 1-0.
00:01:37A bit behind with that swing.
00:01:41It's strike one.
00:01:42Boom.
00:01:43That's cheddar, baby.
00:01:44Out towards right center field.
00:02:01And there's a hit.
00:02:02Off to a good start with a leadoff dodge.
00:02:05Well, as hot hitting continues, he's been getting great results lately.
00:02:10You know what they say.
00:02:11He couldn't have thrown it out there any better than that.
00:02:13And that's certainly the case that time.
00:02:15Just flared it back behind the second baseman and dropped it in there.
00:02:18And now they've got some speed on first.
00:02:19So we'll see if they try to get him into motion.
00:02:22And now the center fielder, Jones.
00:02:25Two for eight in the series so far.
00:02:28Pickoff moved to first, and he's back in safely.
00:02:43Pitch misses inside, and that's ball one.
00:02:46Good speed on the base pass.
00:02:47He handles the bat very well.
00:02:50I wouldn't be surprised if the skipper puts on some type of hit and run or run and hit.
00:03:00Here comes a pitch.
00:03:02That's in there.
00:03:03That's strike one.
00:03:11Nobody out.
00:03:12He's going first.
00:03:18Here's the pitch.
00:03:19Runner goes.
00:03:20Come on and miss.
00:03:21Throw to second.
00:03:22He's safe.
00:03:23Chris, his wheels were the difference maker on that play.
00:03:27Just got in there.
00:03:28Yeah.
00:03:29With Statcast's help, we see his top speed on this stolen base, and that's a big number.
00:03:34I mean, man, he really made his athleticism work for him on that one.
00:03:42That misses.
00:03:43Two and two.
00:03:53Foul off left side.
00:03:55Swing and a line drive.
00:04:12Base hit out of the center field, and a Mets score first.
00:04:17It's one zip.
00:04:18Two consecutive base hits for these guys here.
00:04:21Everything was on time and fluid in that swing.
00:04:23At a pitch, he could get the barrel on and lined it in the center for the knock.
00:04:27Those always feel good.
00:04:34Here's the catcher for the Mets, Mike Piazza.
00:04:37He's got the power, but great contact skills.
00:04:40One of the best contact hitters in the game.
00:04:44First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:04:52Maybe some nerves getting the best of him in the first?
00:04:55Well, it's hard to know exactly if it's nerves or not, but he just doesn't have it right
00:04:58now.
00:04:59Those hitters on the other side, they're going to say it's nerves and use that as a competitive
00:05:02edge to try to jump on him even more.
00:05:10The pitch.
00:05:12See the velocity, 97 with that fastball.
00:05:22And that's outside.
00:05:33And he deals.
00:05:35Hit pretty well in the air out to center.
00:05:38Finley under it.
00:05:41Puts it away for the out.
00:05:51Here's a Mets lineup now.
00:05:53And a key factor for this club in that leadoff spot, Jose Reyes.
00:05:58And Boog, he's a fun at bat to watch.
00:05:59I mean, definitely a threat whenever he's got that bat in his hands, but for me, it's
00:06:04all about the mechanics.
00:06:05They're so sound.
00:06:06And he gets his foot down on time and starts his swing.
00:06:10So much consistency.
00:06:11That bat stays in the zone for a long time and he squares up the baseball a lot.
00:06:28That one hit to right.
00:06:30Quinn brings it in, two down.
00:06:48Rusty Staub up now for the Mets.
00:06:51Staub having a lot more success on the road this season.
00:06:58First pitch and he just misses.
00:07:20And another ball.
00:07:21They've got him working a little harder in this first frame than he anticipated.
00:07:39Two outs in there at the knees for a strike.
00:07:44One way to make a guy real uncomfortable at the plate is pound him inside with good velocity.
00:07:49And they're doing that right here.
00:08:00And the pitch.
00:08:17And that one sliced foul.
00:08:19Three-two, two out, runner on first.
00:08:22Lot of movement in the infield.
00:08:23Hitters got to stay focused on the pitch.
00:08:29Righty to the plate.
00:08:30Swing and a miss.
00:08:32The velocity blasted it right past him.
00:08:36So one run in the inning on this base hit.
00:08:39It's now a one-nothing ball game.
00:08:53Bottom of the first.
00:08:54Today's starting pitcher, number 36.
00:08:58What's the word on him?
00:08:59A really good outing for him last time.
00:09:02Scattered two runs, was attacking hitters, getting ahead in the count.
00:09:05Great performance.
00:09:06We'll see if he can do it again in this one.
00:09:13Tony Gwynn digs in now.
00:09:16Gwynn really thriving with the bat this season here at home.
00:09:31The pitch.
00:09:32You'd be hard-pressed to find a better contact hitter than Tony Gwynn.
00:09:37The ball basically stood still for him.
00:09:39If it's near the plate, he'd get the barrel on it.
00:09:47Ripped to right, base hit.
00:09:55Solid swing from start to end.
00:09:56On time with everything.
00:09:58Really good balance.
00:09:59Nice extension.
00:10:00And he made it out front for the line drive knock.
00:10:03Number 27, the next up for the Padres.
00:10:08And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:10:21Now moved to first.
00:10:22Tony Gwynn back in on a dive.
00:10:34Next offering is in for a strike.
00:10:37This is one of those situations defensively where you can't try to do too much.
00:10:40You've got to make sure that you feel the ball cleanly and get one out first.
00:10:44It's going to be tough to get two with this kind of speed in the batter's box.
00:10:55Next offering is down low.
00:11:04Line drive, base hit.
00:11:07The throw to third, and now runners at the corners, nobody out.
00:11:12That was one of those high percentage advantage counts where batting averages are just so
00:11:15much higher.
00:11:16Pretty much a model swing on that one as he ripped it into the opposite field gap.
00:11:20I'm sure he's going to be watching that one back on video because that's the kind of swing
00:11:24you want to bottle.
00:11:25So many positives that led to that knock.
00:11:28Next to hit, number 31.
00:11:30In the air right field, pretty well struck, holes it in on the warning track.
00:11:36Runner tagging and heading for home.
00:11:38He's in to score on the sack fly.
00:11:40It's 1-1.
00:11:41Oh, that's a quality at bat right there.
00:11:43You know the situation.
00:11:44You need something in the air and deep enough, and that's exactly what he did.
00:11:48Good pass to the baseball.
00:11:53Next up is the cleanup spot for the Padres, Adrian Gonzalez.
00:11:58He's a left-handed batter who still comes up with good contact and a good average against
00:12:04left-handed pitchers.
00:12:07In there and it's 0-1.
00:12:09All right, so you hit lefty.
00:12:10What makes it so hard to face a left-handed pitcher?
00:12:13Left-handers, they just seem to have different arm angles, so to keep that front shoulder
00:12:17in there and really discipline yourself can be tough sometimes.
00:12:21But the guys that do it well, man, I tip my cap to them every day.
00:12:25Next offering is in for a strike.
00:12:28Tied up here in the early going.
00:12:32The next pitch misses, now 1-2.
00:12:43The pitch.
00:12:44And now it's even up.
00:12:47He's trying to stay down in the zone, but the hitter just will not chase.
00:12:50Now back in a 2-2 count, he's going to have to go to something else to get him out.
00:12:56And the pitch.
00:12:58Swings through that one.
00:12:59It's a strikeout.
00:13:002 out.
00:13:02Boog gets talked about a lot, but a good high fastball in a two-strike situation, it's just
00:13:07become such a problem for hitters in more recent years.
00:13:11With all of the emphasis by pitchers on developing that spin rate, having a good grip on the
00:13:16baseball, those high fastballs, they kind of look like to the hitter that they're rising,
00:13:21even though they're not, but they're not decreasing in velocity and spin rate.
00:13:25So very difficult to get the barrel on it.
00:13:28Danny Machado takes a strike there as he stands at the plate now.
00:13:40Kicks and deals.
00:13:42That one misses, and it's a ball to strike.
00:13:54And here it comes.
00:13:55And 1-2.
00:13:57Well, he left that changeup up, got away with one there, and he'll take it, but doesn't
00:14:01want to make that mistake again.
00:14:031-2, bottom of the first.
00:14:08The pitch.
00:14:10Swings and misses at the breaking ball on the dirt.
00:14:12Piazza gets it to first.
00:14:14Machado out of the play.
00:14:16Play made, that ends the inning.
00:14:18So they pick up a run on two hits.
00:14:20No errors and a man left.
00:14:21We go on to inning number two, all tied, 1-1.
00:14:32And welcome back.
00:14:33Now the third baseman, David Wright.
00:14:35Sing, you talk about a guy that has all the skills.
00:14:39The range is really good, but the arm just stands out and he makes all the plays.
00:14:47To first, caught.
00:14:52Batting seventh, the designated hitter, Edgardo Alfonso.
00:14:57Edgardo Alfonso up now for the Mets.
00:15:01A guy who makes an impact not just at the plate, but also in the field.
00:15:13First offering, misses the mark.
00:15:15He needs a quick 1-2-3 this time around.
00:15:18Last inning, threw a lot of pitches.
00:15:26Right hander kicks, deals.
00:15:30And downstairs.
00:15:31He's been raking in recent games and a big reason why, getting ahead in counts.
00:15:36He's been able to do that consistently and you see the results.
00:15:42Swing and a miss.
00:15:44There are very few counts in today's game where you can just full-on expect a fastball.
00:15:48I mean, even 2-0, perfect example right there.
00:15:52That one in for a strike, 2-2.
00:15:56Wrighty delivers.
00:15:57And a foul ball.
00:16:042-2.
00:16:07Got him.
00:16:13And now two gone.
00:16:19So two down now and here is Keith Hernandez.
00:16:23Good contact guy, good defender.
00:16:26First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:16:39Two down, nobody on.
00:16:43On the ground, right side.
00:16:45Throws to first.
00:16:47And that is that.
00:16:48Now to the bottom of the second.
00:16:49All tied, 1-1.
00:16:54Back here at the ballpark, bottom half of inning number two.
00:16:57So digging in now for San Diego, Steve Finley.
00:17:03Wind in the pitch.
00:17:05And the slider just misses.
00:17:17And now the lefty, swing and a pop-up.
00:17:20Foul territory for the catcher.
00:17:24And in foul ground, he pulls it down, one out.
00:17:26Good hard fastball up in the zone right there.
00:17:28They look really good coming in, but so hard to get on top of as a hitter.
00:17:32Now it's the DH, number 17.
00:17:40He's someone that you might not describe as having elite level speed, but he can absolutely
00:17:45move and it is a factor in his game.
00:17:48In there for strike one.
00:17:50This guy's definitely a plus runner, but what I love about him is that he goes all out every
00:17:55single time.
00:17:56Never takes a break.
00:17:57It's guys like that, even though they don't have the elite speed, the fact that they're
00:18:00consistent with it, they make moves on the base paths.
00:18:05The big lefty turns, kicks, deals.
00:18:08Bounced up the middle.
00:18:09Now the throw to first on the run.
00:18:12Already two out here in the home half of inning number two.
00:18:15The second baseman, Orlando Hudson.
00:18:21Two outs, base is empty.
00:18:22Stepping in for San Diego, Orlando Hudson.
00:18:26The switch hitter batting right.
00:18:33Short hop liner handled it short.
00:18:35They get the out and that'll do it.
00:18:38Three up, three down for San Diego.
00:18:40Score remains deadlocked at one.
00:18:53Up half of the third inning, so here's Murphy now.
00:19:00The right hitter back to work.
00:19:04That's hard hit and a line.
00:19:06No trouble here, puts it away for the out.
00:19:09And there's one down.
00:19:17And now the shortstop, Jose Reyes.
00:19:20We talk about guys with good speed and definitely he has it.
00:19:24But pushing the offensive side for just a second, Chris,
00:19:27it's the defensive side that I think
00:19:30the speed factors in the most.
00:19:420 and 2 as he waves at that one.
00:19:44Not sure if he could be in more of a groove.
00:19:46Looks really relaxed.
00:19:47He's retired seven straight.
00:19:50This guy's feeling it right now.
00:19:51Next pitch misses, going to count 1 and 2.
00:19:54That's a really good job of laying off the 0-2 high fastball.
00:19:58It's going to make that pitcher really have to respect this hitter,
00:20:01even though he's behind in the count.
00:20:03He came out of his mechanics there,
00:20:04typically likes to shoot the ball the other way.
00:20:07But that time, a little anxious.
00:20:14Two outs, bases empty.
00:20:16Jones up now for the Mets.
00:20:20That one's in there, 0 and 1.
00:20:39And fouled off.
00:20:490 and 2 now.
00:20:52This to third.
00:20:55Machado throws to first in time.
00:20:58Third out.
00:20:59Nothing doing for the Mets.
00:21:01Score remains tied, 1-1.
00:21:03I do it all.
00:21:04If we ain't talking money, we ain't talking.
00:21:08It's the game.
00:21:09And yeah, I'm bossing you.
00:21:12Welcome back.
00:21:13Ready to go for the last half of the inning.
00:21:15And now here is Benito Santiago.
00:21:19The catcher.
00:21:20The wind of the pitch.
00:21:22And first offering is fouled off.
00:21:31The pitch.
00:21:33And that's outside.
00:21:42It's a 1-1.
00:21:46Well, he's so great about hitting the ball the other way.
00:21:48He gets those arms extended.
00:21:50So right there, just.
00:21:52Now this ball is well hit.
00:21:54This one's got a chance.
00:21:56Pulls it in on the warning track.
00:22:02Now batting, right fielder, Tony Gwynn.
00:22:07So the San Diego batting order turns over.
00:22:10And now the right fielder, Tony Gwynn.
00:22:17First pitch just misses.
00:22:19That's where you want it.
00:22:20It's a good miss.
00:22:23One down, base is empty.
00:22:25Ball two.
00:22:28Well, usually a high level of confidence
00:22:30when you're facing a young pitcher
00:22:31out there on the mound.
00:22:33In this situation, a head 2-0.
00:22:36He's put himself in a really good spot.
00:22:39Here's a rocket out to left.
00:22:42Stob makes the play.
00:22:44And there's two away.
00:22:48Now batting, number 27.
00:22:53Next for the Padres, number 27.
00:22:56When he steps into the batter's box,
00:22:58the comfort level looks so high.
00:23:00It doesn't matter what kind of delivery that pitcher has,
00:23:03what kind of velocity, what kind of secondary stuff.
00:23:06He is so settled in there.
00:23:08He owns the home plate area.
00:23:10Bat.
00:23:23Next pitch in the dirt, 1 and 2 to count.
00:23:32Two outs.
00:23:33And the 1-2 misses to even the count.
00:23:36Really good take, especially with two strikes.
00:23:42Out there to center, Jones.
00:23:44Under it.
00:23:46Makes the grab, and that'll end the inning.
00:23:48Padres go down quietly.
00:23:50Still tied, 1-1.
00:23:59As we go to the top of the fourth
00:24:01and stepping in for New York, Mike Piazza.
00:24:03Coming off with a mess.
00:24:05The catcher, Mike Piazza.
00:24:15The right hander back to work.
00:24:19That one missed.
00:24:27Line drive, and a base hit right there.
00:24:30So a man on base to start the inning.
00:24:36That's a good sound coming off the bat, man.
00:24:38And as he connected out front and lifted into the outfield,
00:24:41that's one of those swings where you just don't even
00:24:43feel the ball hit the barrel.
00:24:45That's a pure stroke.
00:24:48Go ahead, run on base.
00:24:49Next is the cleanup hitter for the Mets, Dave Kingman.
00:24:530 for 1, he flied out to right this first trip.
00:25:01At the belt and fires, and it's even up.
00:25:13And the pitch, run around the goal.
00:25:16Swing and a miss.
00:25:17The throw, tag, and he's out.
00:25:19Well, I think that was a hit and run right there.
00:25:21When you look at how far that pitch was out of the zone,
00:25:24and the hitter still trying to push the ball
00:25:26to the outside of the zone, it's just
00:25:27how far that pitch was out of the zone,
00:25:29and the hitter still trying to put wood on it,
00:25:31put it in play, that tells you that they had something going.
00:25:34But unfortunately, it was a good job of execution
00:25:37by the pitcher and the catcher to get that out of the zone,
00:25:39and then throw out the runner at second base.
00:25:41Really nice job behind the dish.
00:25:45The other way, that's a base hit.
00:25:48So a man aboard now with one away.
00:25:50The left fielder, number two.
00:25:56Here's the left fielder, Rusty Staub.
00:25:59Oh, for one, he struck out swinging last time.
00:26:05And that's in there for strike one.
00:26:20And the righty deals, and a foul ball.
00:26:25With two strikes, may see some movement over there
00:26:28at first base, trying to stay out of a double play here.
00:26:35Check on the runner.
00:26:36Kingman dives back in safely.
00:26:45Left-hand batter waits.
00:26:50Tried to get him to chase on the change-up that time.
00:26:53Good miss with that change-up away.
00:26:55He needs a ball on the ground for a double play,
00:26:57minimize the potential threat right here.
00:27:00On the hitter's side, nice job of laying off that pitch.
00:27:05And a swing and a miss.
00:27:07And he's down on strikes for the second time today.
00:27:11Well, I've always said it's tough, an elevated fastball
00:27:14you see so well, hard to lay off of.
00:27:16Well, when you're talking about 100 miles per hour,
00:27:19chances of catching up are next to none.
00:27:21So you see that one just blown right by him.
00:27:24I think you're going to have to start a lot earlier
00:27:25if you're going to catch up to that speed.
00:27:27Right in the box now.
00:27:29No balls and a strike.
00:27:30Comes up empty on the swing, 0 and 2 now.
00:27:48Got him swinging.
00:28:01That's the third out.
00:28:04Met strand one.
00:28:05Score remains deadlocked at one.
00:28:19And welcome back.
00:28:23John Chobby and Chris Singleton with you
00:28:25and leading off the bottom of the fourth.
00:28:27Number 78.
00:28:28No left fielder.
00:28:30Number 31.
00:28:43Here comes a pitch.
00:28:44Swing and a miss as he was late.
00:28:46It's good speed at the top of the order here.
00:28:48You want to get it on, see if you can get a stolen base,
00:28:50maybe get around the bases and pick up a run.
00:28:56The wind of the pitch.
00:28:57Slow curveball drops in for a strike.
00:29:00This guy's got a great feel for his breaking ball today.
00:29:04Next pitch is outside.
00:29:06And the count is 1 and 2.
00:29:16And he deals.
00:29:19Reyes.
00:29:21One up, one down.
00:29:28The first baseman, number 23, Adrian Gonzalez.
00:29:34So here's the cleanup hitter, Adrian Gonzalez.
00:29:38He's not going to get cheated up there.
00:29:40No, he's not.
00:29:41He's looking to do damage with every swing he takes.
00:29:57High in the air, out to right.
00:29:59Kingman under this one.
00:30:03Makes the grab, and there's two gone.
00:30:06The third baseman, number 13, Manny Machado.
00:30:14Two outs, base is empty.
00:30:15Here's Manny Machado now.
00:30:25And the first offering is not close.
00:30:28Good eye right there.
00:30:342-0.
00:30:38A rare three-ball count here.
00:30:40He's been throwing strikes all day.
00:30:42Got to be ready to hit if you're in the box.
00:30:513-0 down.
00:30:52And that's ball four.
00:30:553-0 down.
00:30:56And that's ball four.
00:30:59That all just came apart right there.
00:31:01Four-pitch walk, and the guy at the plate
00:31:03was not going to help him out by swinging at something
00:31:05out of his own.
00:31:07Steve Finley, the next up for the Padres.
00:31:10This is a true five-tool guy.
00:31:13Not very many of them out there, but when he's on the field,
00:31:16you can't take your eye off of him.
00:31:20And first offering is fouled off.
00:31:23Fans come to the ballpark to watch him play.
00:31:26And in baseball, to have such a talented player
00:31:28going out there every day and putting on the show
00:31:31that he does, just a joy to watch.
00:31:34The 0-1 is outside, and it's a ball and a strike.
00:31:42This one in the dirt.
00:31:43Throws down to first, but he wasn't going anywhere.
00:31:47But you won.
00:31:49Ground ball up the middle.
00:31:51Murphy over to pick it up.
00:31:53They take the force out.
00:31:55That ends the inning.
00:31:57One left for San Diego.
00:31:59Score remains tied, 1-1.
00:32:11Ready now for the fifth inning.
00:32:14Ready now for the fifth inning, and now the Mets D.H.
00:32:17Edgardo Alfonso.
00:32:20Hits for average power.
00:32:22The ability to field, the arm, and then the speed.
00:32:25Really impressive.
00:32:27And a pitch.
00:32:290-1.
00:32:310-1.
00:32:41Next offering way off the plate.
00:32:51Swing and a line drive.
00:32:52Base hit out of the center field.
00:32:54So a runner aboard to start the inning.
00:32:58He's been swinging it really well lately.
00:33:00That's about as textbook as it gets.
00:33:02Got his stride and load out of the way early.
00:33:04He stayed inside that ball and squared it up out front.
00:33:08Man, that was like he was in the cage hitting off a tee.
00:33:11Go ahead, run on base.
00:33:13And now the first baseman, Keith Hernandez.
00:33:16Kind of a throwback.
00:33:17No batting gloves.
00:33:19Out towards left center.
00:33:21Finley ranging to his right.
00:33:24And he makes the catch.
00:33:26And there's one away.
00:33:31Now batting, the second baseman, Daniel Murphy.
00:33:41Daniel Murphy up now for the Mets.
00:33:56Swings through that one.
00:33:570-1.
00:33:59This guy absolutely flies.
00:34:00The defense wants to turn two,
00:34:02but they've got to get a ball they can do it with.
00:34:04Make sure you get the first out before you try to rush and get two
00:34:07and end up with nothing.
00:34:09And the right-hander deals.
00:34:30And delivers outside.
00:34:48Pick-off throw.
00:34:49Back in safe, really close.
00:35:00The next offering misses.
00:35:023-1.
00:35:153-1 and he couldn't come up with it.
00:35:18Well, interesting.
00:35:19He went with the off-speed and walked the hitter.
00:35:22Man, you've got to challenge the guy with the fastball.
00:35:25Back to the top of the Mets order.
00:35:27Here's the Mets leadoff man, Jose Reyes.
00:35:30He's turned into one of the best shortstops in the game.
00:35:38First offering and it just misses.
00:35:40Yeah, Boog, if you're that baserunner at second base,
00:35:42you want to be quiet out there.
00:35:44Not bouncing around, not distracting your teammate, the hitter.
00:35:48Make sure that he can clearly focus on that pitcher and that release point.
00:35:55The 1-0.
00:35:58Line drive.
00:35:59Makes the grab and there's two out.
00:36:02Yeah, that was a wasted RBI opportunity.
00:36:05But competitor like him, he is looking forward to making up for it in his next at-bat.
00:36:14Jones will hit next.
00:36:17It's been such a good hitter with runners in scoring position.
00:36:20Some guys just take it to another level.
00:36:22For him right now at the plate, it's like everyone else is in slow motion
00:36:26and he's in full speed.
00:36:28Yeah, he swings and misses and it's nothing in one.
00:36:37Two outs.
00:36:38Couple of baserunners at first and second.
00:36:46Next pitch is outside.
00:36:57And that's downstairs and outside.
00:36:59Good spot for the hitter.
00:37:00Definitely has the advantage in this count with runners on.
00:37:03Look for him to be aggressive on this next pitch.
00:37:12Two on, two outs.
00:37:14The two on is high.
00:37:18First and second.
00:37:19Two down.
00:37:27Smoked in the left field.
00:37:29Base hit.
00:37:30Now a long throw home.
00:37:32He beats it safe.
00:37:34It's 2-1.
00:37:38Here we are, third time through the order.
00:37:40And this is where we see the OPS jump up.
00:37:43Manager might have to go to the bullpen a little bit sooner than he anticipated.
00:37:53So two on with two away.
00:37:55And now Mike Piazza.
00:37:57This guy has turned into a beast.
00:38:00And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:38:17Just missed.
00:38:252-0.
00:38:30There's the strike.
00:38:31In today's game, not that many fastball counts.
00:38:34But hitters still in the back of their minds, they're looking for one.
00:38:372-0 change up call right there.
00:38:39Excellent pitch selection to go with.
00:38:46Pulls out one foul.
00:38:55The pitch.
00:38:58And a swing and a miss.
00:38:59And that's that.
00:39:02But they pick up one run on the RBI single.
00:39:05And it's now a 2-1 ball game.
00:39:17Back here at the ballpark, we head to the bottom of the fifth.
00:39:20Here's a speed threat.
00:39:22The pitch.
00:39:24And there's a strike.
00:39:25Good hitter at 98.
00:39:27Well, we call that key-holey.
00:39:29Even though it's right there and looks pretty good, if he doesn't love it,
00:39:33he's not going to swing that early in the count.
00:39:41Next offering misses.
00:39:42And the count is 1-0.
00:39:44And it's 2-1.
00:39:47Next offering misses.
00:39:49And the count is 1-1.
00:40:02Kicks and fires.
00:40:05Base knock, center field.
00:40:07Just kind of sliced that one into center.
00:40:12Well, that was an important at-bat in this game.
00:40:15So, a great job there stepping up to the challenge.
00:40:18I could watch base hits like that one all day long.
00:40:21And so could every hitting coach in the league.
00:40:23Just a nice line drive into center field.
00:40:26Orlando Hudson, the next up for the Padres.
00:40:31This one in the air, center field.
00:40:34Diving makes the grab.
00:40:41And wow, what a great diving catch, Ziggy.
00:40:44Stackcast says that was a near-perfect route, and it had to be.
00:40:48That's just a big part of his game.
00:40:50I mean, this guy's instincts just seem to always put him in a position
00:40:54to make special plays.
00:40:55And right there, he's done it again.
00:40:58So, digging in now for San Diego, Benito Santiago.
00:41:02Known for his rocket arm behind the plate.
00:41:11First pitch, and he just misses.
00:41:15And that one off the outside edge.
00:41:30Everyone here understands just how quickly things could change.
00:41:37And a foul ball makes the count 2 and 1.
00:41:45And that one fouled off.
00:41:552-2.
00:41:56Here's the pitch.
00:41:57Run around the goal.
00:41:58It's in the dirt.
00:42:00Throw.
00:42:01Save.
00:42:02Piazza too late with that one.
00:42:04You know, nights like this, when it seems hard to score,
00:42:07I like the call to put them in motion and try to steal the ball.
00:42:10It seems hard to score.
00:42:11I like the call to put them in motion and try to steal the base.
00:42:15Ball's not carrying.
00:42:16No home runs so far.
00:42:17So, trying to manufacture some offense like this may be the way to go.
00:42:25In the air.
00:42:26Pretty deep out to center field.
00:42:30Pulls it down, and there's two gone.
00:42:38Now batting.
00:42:39Right fielder.
00:42:40Tony.
00:42:42So, the batting order turns over.
00:42:44Stepping in for San Diego, Tony Gwynn.
00:42:48You know, this is kind of a tough matchup as a left-handed hitter facing a left-handed pitcher.
00:42:52What you tell yourself is, I want to stay square to the plate.
00:42:55Try to hit the ball over the shortstop's head.
00:42:57Checks his swing.
00:42:58Now would appeal to third.
00:42:59And yes, he did.
00:43:01He went around.
00:43:03Runner leads away at second.
00:43:06On a line.
00:43:08Kingman.
00:43:09Pulls it down, and that is that.
00:43:11Padres lead one, and they trail it here, two to one.
00:43:24Welcome back.
00:43:25All right, we go to the top half of inning number six.
00:43:28And stepping in for New York, Dave Kingman.
00:43:32Kingman.
00:43:33And the pitch.
00:43:37That one hit the knees for a strike.
00:43:43Here's your one.
00:43:46He swings and fouls one off.
00:43:59Fly ball.
00:44:00Pretty well struck right field.
00:44:02That one's got a chance.
00:44:04And that ball is out of here.
00:44:08So he blasts one out the other way.
00:44:10His fourth home run of the season.
00:44:12It's 3-1.
00:44:28When you see a guy take a slider on the outside part of the plate
00:44:31and hit an opposite field home run,
00:44:33it fires you up because not only is he flexing the muscles to show the pop,
00:44:37that kind of approach, you'll hit for a high average as well.
00:44:40And the Padres manager making his way towards the mound
00:44:43as he will make the move.
00:44:45Number 44 won't go any further tonight.
00:44:48We'll be back in a minute with a new arm on the mound.
00:44:58The new pitcher in the game, Randy Jones.
00:45:01He last pitched four days ago, so he should feel pretty fresh.
00:45:05At this point in the ball game, we're talking about middle innings,
00:45:08and a little length out of this arm coming out of the bullpen.
00:45:12We'll see just how many outs he's able to give his skipper.
00:45:16Now the left fielder, Rusty Staub,
00:45:19who's 0-2 with a pair of strikeouts.
00:45:22First pitch, not close.
00:45:24Always exciting to see a late-off home run in an inning.
00:45:27Kind of gets the offense fired up, and you start to expect a big inning.
00:45:32The lefty, the 1-0.
00:45:36Got it started a little too early, strike one.
00:45:41The pitch.
00:45:44So, a foul ball makes it 1-2.
00:45:53A wide kick to pitch.
00:45:56And now the count is even.
00:46:00Swing and a pop-off in foul ground.
00:46:03And that's a foul ball.
00:46:102-2 now.
00:46:13Swing and a miss, and he is down on strikes
00:46:16for the third straight at-bat.
00:46:19Well, they've had a great plan of attack for him tonight.
00:46:21I mean, finding all the holes in his swing,
00:46:24Just frustrating for him up there.
00:46:27You strike out a guy three times in a game,
00:46:30I think that guy's got to go back and really study some video with his hitting coach.
00:46:33Figure out how they're beating him.
00:46:36Make this adjustment really quick, because word will get around the league in a hurry.
00:46:39Right.
00:46:42In the box here, lets that one go for a ball.
00:46:54And a 1-0.
00:46:57Bounding ball here, rolls foul.
00:47:09That one ran inside, almost got him.
00:47:20And a foul ball.
00:47:25The 2-2.
00:47:32And a foul ball, he stays alive.
00:47:44Next offering is fouled back.
00:47:55And here it comes.
00:47:58Stays alive.
00:48:18Ninth pitch of the at-bat due next.
00:48:24Next one off the plate inside.
00:48:27And a full countdown.
00:48:36Got him looking.
00:48:39That's his second strikeout.
00:48:42Really good battle right there.
00:48:45And that final pitch probably could have gone either way.
00:48:48He was hoping he'd get ball four.
00:48:51And he did.
00:49:01Two out, space is empty.
00:49:04And next is the designated hitter, Edgardo Alfonso.
00:49:07In there and it's 0-1.
00:49:100-1.
00:49:20The pitch.
00:49:23Fought off foul.
00:49:30And the pitch.
00:49:33Popped up. Hudson.
00:49:36Throw to first is in time.
00:49:39And the inning is over.
00:49:42The Mets add one to their lead on this solo shot.
00:49:45It's now a 3-1 ball game.
00:49:54Here's the shortstop at the plate.
00:49:57Number 27.
00:50:01A wind in the pitch.
00:50:04And misses inside.
00:50:07Home plate umpires trying to tighten things up a little bit.
00:50:15Next one misses.
00:50:18Two balls, no strikes.
00:50:26Good eye right there.
00:50:30Swing and a miss.
00:50:33And it's 3-1.
00:50:36The wind of the pitch.
00:50:39That one out to right.
00:50:42Kingman moving under it.
00:50:45Hauls it in.
00:50:48And there's one away.
00:50:51The Mets are in the lead.
00:50:54Hauls it in.
00:50:57And there's one away.
00:51:04Number 31.
00:51:07The next up for the Padres.
00:51:10Singing you gotta appreciate a guy who's this good defensively.
00:51:13I mean watching him track balls in the outfield.
00:51:16It is beautiful.
00:51:19First pitch is in the dirt.
00:51:25Next offering upstairs.
00:51:31Kicked Sandeels.
00:51:34That one's spoiled.
00:51:36The count now 2-1.
00:51:44Swing and a miss. He was late. Strike two.
00:51:55Next pitch is popped up.
00:51:58Hauls it in. And there's two away.
00:52:01The baton.
00:52:04The first baseman.
00:52:07Adrian Gonzalez.
00:52:10Adrian Gonzalez.
00:52:13The next up for the Padres.
00:52:19In my blue skies.
00:52:22In my blue skies.
00:52:25There's a clown.
00:52:28First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:52:31You want to be patient here. Try to work a walk if you can.
00:52:34You've got a big power bat behind you in the on deck circle.
00:52:37And with two outs, one swing can put you right back in this ball game.
00:52:40Next pitch misses. Ball two.
00:52:47He was late there. Strike one.
00:52:50It looks like these hitters have been in between with their timing today.
00:52:53Good fastball. Excellent slider.
00:52:56Now this one is blasted to right.
00:52:59Forget it. Way back there and gone.
00:53:02It's 14th of the year.
00:53:05And they're chipping away. It's 3-2.
00:53:21Knew what pitch he wanted to hit.
00:53:24Spent on some other pitches in this.
00:53:27The bat was very patient. And it paid off.
00:53:35So two away with nobody on.
00:53:38Manny Machado up to the plate.
00:53:41Next offering is down low.
00:53:44And it's 1-0.
00:53:50And now the lefty.
00:53:53Out to short.
00:53:56Reyes picks it up.
00:53:59Gets it to first. Machado out of the play.
00:54:02All set for the start of the inning.
00:54:05And here's the first baseman.
00:54:08Keith Hernandez.
00:54:11And the pitch.
00:54:14That's in there. It's 0-1.
00:54:17The bat can be a little bit of a dance.
00:54:20Strike one here. But a few more pitches.
00:54:23We'll see how it turns out.
00:54:26And now the 0-1.
00:54:29And ball one.
00:54:48Next pitch inside.
00:54:51And it's 2-1. Is there a little wrinkle to that? I think there was.
00:54:54Yep. A little slider action.
00:55:03Here's a 2-1.
00:55:06Late with the swing there.
00:55:09Good late sink on that fastball. Out of the hand looks so good.
00:55:12And then by the time it gets in the hitting zone, hard to get the barrel to it.
00:55:16And the next pitch is way outside.
00:55:19At this point in the game, you cannot issue free passes.
00:55:22He's going to have to challenge this hitter. Hitter's got to be ready to swing it.
00:55:25The pitch.
00:55:28Here's a high fly ball out to center.
00:55:31Finley coming on. He's got it.
00:55:34And there's one away.
00:55:37Up next for the Mets.
00:55:40The second baseman.
00:55:44Murphy. Daniel Murphy up now for the Mets.
00:55:47He's 0-1.
00:55:56First offering and it just misses.
00:56:02Here comes a pitch.
00:56:07Last couple of pitches breaking balls away.
00:56:10He's going to have to come firm inside to be able to open up that location
00:56:13if he wants to go back there later in this count.
00:56:16The wind to kick the 2-0.
00:56:19And that one wrapped foul.
00:56:28The 2-1.
00:56:31They say it went.
00:56:41Left hand batter waits.
00:56:44Swung on. Broken back grounder to third.
00:56:47Whips it to first on the run.
00:56:50And two away to start the 7.
00:56:53Good arm side run and sink on that pitch right there.
00:56:56Got inside on him and got him to bounce into that out.
00:56:59Jose Reyes up now for the Mets.
00:57:02Chris, his skill set straight out of the mid-80s.
00:57:05Good contact. Not much power.
00:57:08He always uses the wheels to his advantage.
00:57:11His biggest challenge in this day and age is to not get caught up
00:57:14in trying to hit home runs because so many people are.
00:57:21Check swing. He went. And the count 1-1.
00:57:30And he deals.
00:57:33And that one fouled off.
00:57:39The big lefty turns, kicks, deals.
00:57:42And a foul ball left side.
00:57:56Swing and a line drive.
00:57:59Base hit out of the center field.
00:58:02And that keeps the inning alive.
00:58:09Nevada, number 21.
00:58:16Runner at first with two away.
00:58:19Now the number two hitter, Jones.
00:58:22And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:58:25I think baseball is starting to understand that those guys are valuable
00:58:28like they once were. They need them in this game today.
00:58:38Next offering is in for a strike.
00:58:44The pitch. In there.
00:58:47And so now 1-2.
00:58:54Here's a 1-2.
00:58:57That one just misses.
00:59:00And that's awfully close. I don't know how you take that.
00:59:03He's seeing the ball out of the pitcher's hand really well right now.
00:59:06Throw to first. And he's back in safely.
00:59:20Hit on the ground to the right side.
00:59:23A flip to the pitcher covering.
00:59:26And that is the third out of the inning.
00:59:29Mets leave one and it remains a 3-2 ball game.
00:59:37And welcome back.
00:59:40Bottom of the inning.
00:59:43So digging in now for San Diego.
00:59:46Steve Finley.
00:59:49The wind of the pitch.
00:59:52And that skips in the dirt.
00:59:55Movement in the bullpen. Armando Benitez.
00:59:58Getting loose out there.
01:00:01Number 47, a left-hander. Also throwing.
01:00:04The 1-0.
01:00:07Fly ball down the right field line.
01:00:10This one's got a chance. Home run.
01:00:16He blasted that one out of here.
01:00:19Home run number 10 of the year. It's 3-3.
01:00:35Looks like this guy was looking out over the plate.
01:00:38But he was ready to turn on the inside fastball.
01:00:41So direct to the pitch. Absolutely blasted out of this ballpark.
01:00:50And here comes the Mets manager to the mound.
01:00:53Pitching change coming. Number 36 out of the game.
01:00:56And it's a tie ball game as he heads for the dugout.
01:00:59Back with a new arm after a quick break.
01:01:05They turn things over to the south ball.
01:01:08Al Leiter. He last pitched two days ago.
01:01:24Number 17. The next up for the Padres.
01:01:27Now batting.
01:01:30Number 17. First pitch.
01:01:33And he just misses.
01:01:48And another ball.
01:01:51Tried to backdoor him with that slider right there.
01:01:54But just missed off the plate. Good pitch though.
01:01:57And a foul ball makes the count 2-1.
01:02:04Kicks and fires.
01:02:07Slapped foul.
01:02:21And a ground ball to first.
01:02:24Dives but it kicks off his glove.
01:02:27And safe. Bang bang play.
01:02:30Bang bang play but speed wins on a great effort there.
01:02:33So digging in. Orlando Hudson.
01:02:41Bunting and he pops it up.
01:02:44Fernandez puts the squeeze on that one.
01:02:47And there's one down.
01:02:51The catcher number nine.
01:02:54Benito Santiago.
01:02:58Benito Santiago. The next to hit.
01:03:01He is at the top of the game
01:03:04in terms of defense at the catching spot.
01:03:11First pitch and that's in for a strike.
01:03:21And the lefty with the 0-1.
01:03:24That one missing inside.
01:03:27If you're a base runner you've got to stay dialed in here.
01:03:30Look for anything in the dirt.
01:03:33Try your best to get in the scoring position.
01:03:36Over to first and he's saved.
01:03:50The 1-1.
01:03:53And it's fouled away.
01:03:59One away. Tie game.
01:04:02Go ahead run stands at first.
01:04:08The next pitch misses and it's 2-2.
01:04:11You see how the catcher wanted that pitch up and in.
01:04:14Wanted to try to tie him up. That's the one thing we're seeing.
01:04:17You have to get it up there because of how hitters have changed their swings.
01:04:20Reaching for it makes the catch.
01:04:28The right fielder number 19.
01:04:31Tony Gwynn.
01:04:34Up now the Padre leadoff man Tony Gwynn.
01:04:37For the fourth time tonight.
01:04:47And first offering is fouled off.
01:05:00Left hand hitter waits.
01:05:03Slider clips the zone.
01:05:06Dangerous spot for that slider right there.
01:05:09Didn't seem to quite finish out front and get that sharp break.
01:05:12Tell you what he doesn't want to throw that pitch again.
01:05:17At the Belton fires. All one there.
01:05:20This hitter's been seeing good velocity in the at bat.
01:05:23He's kind of set up for that change up. He hasn't seen it yet.
01:05:26Looks just like a fastball out of the hand.
01:05:29Two gone. The possible go ahead run at first.
01:05:37Swings and misses.
01:05:40Good job at damage control right there.
01:05:43The Padres get one in the inning with a solo blast.
01:05:46We're tied now with three apiece.
01:05:57We go to the eighth. Leading off Mike Piazza.
01:06:00He's a big strong guy.
01:06:03Can untie this game with one swing.
01:06:12The pitch.
01:06:16Slapped hard the other way but foul.
01:06:25All one down.
01:06:28Hit hard. Should be extra bases.
01:06:31Now he turns and heads for second.
01:06:34Finley gets it in quickly.
01:06:37And the potential go ahead run stops at second base.
01:06:40Man, those are the types of hits where you don't feel any
01:06:43vibration in your hands whatsoever. Such a good feeling.
01:06:46Textbook bat control right there. Got a pitch on the outside.
01:06:49Saw it deep into the zone and just barreled it up.
01:06:52Went the other way for the knock. That was a good opportunity to
01:06:55potentially jump ahead in this game here in the later innings.
01:06:58Runner in scoring position. No outs.
01:07:01And next will be the Mets cleanup hitter.
01:07:04Crushed in the air. Left center field.
01:07:07Way back there. No doubt about it.
01:07:44Any time you have a pitch down the middle of the plate,
01:07:47the percentages go up for the hitter to do damage.
01:07:50Even if it's a pretty good sinker like that one.
01:07:53Nice piece of hitting there at the plate.
01:08:04And first offering is fouled off.
01:08:07Can be tough to bounce back after a big home run.
01:08:10But nobody on, nobody out. You just have to treat it as a fresh inning.
01:08:19The 0-1.
01:08:22And there's the ball.
01:08:25Bullpen activity starting up now.
01:08:28Brad Hand, the left hander, is getting that big fastball of his ready to go.
01:08:32And here it comes.
01:08:35Up the middle.
01:08:38And it finds its way through for a hit.
01:08:46That's now three hits in a row for the offense.
01:08:49Just kept it simple.
01:08:52Played pepper with the middle of the infield and took it back where it came from.
01:08:55And there's just no one there to knock it down.
01:08:59And stepping in is the speedy David Wright.
01:09:02Ground ball to the right side.
01:09:05Sneaks through, base hit.
01:09:08Lead runner holds up.
01:09:11They're at first and second with nobody out.
01:09:14Well, a swing like that can help you come out of this struggle.
01:09:17We saw the numbers coming into the ball game.
01:09:20But all he's trying to do at this point is help his team win.
01:09:23Into the game now, the southpaw Brad Hand.
01:09:27He has a great slider with tons of movement.
01:09:30He's having an excellent season so far.
01:09:33ERA is under two.
01:09:36A lot of flexibility coming out of the bullpen.
01:09:41Next is the designated hitter,
01:09:44Edgardo Alfonso.
01:09:47One for three.
01:09:50First pitch doesn't find the zone.
01:09:53First pitch doesn't find the zone.
01:10:10And that one just missed off the outside edge.
01:10:13No outs. Runners at first and second.
01:10:17Next offering upstairs.
01:10:20So definitely a little wild right out of the gate.
01:10:23Well, it can be a little tough coming from the bullpen mound to this mound.
01:10:26But you've got to find a way to get ahead in the count quickly.
01:10:29He hasn't. We'll see how this at bat turns out.
01:10:32The pitch.
01:10:35Down the middle for a strike.
01:10:38And it's three and one.
01:10:42The 3-1.
01:10:46And there's a foul ball.
01:10:52First and second here. No outs.
01:11:12And they're all loaded up.
01:11:16A real bad time for a walk.
01:11:19You're trailing in this ballgame, trying to keep things close.
01:11:22They've been in a difficult spot and things aren't getting any easier.
01:11:33Don't be surprised to ball on the ground to the corners
01:11:36if they come home with the baseball instead of going to first base.
01:11:39They need a strikeout and you need a ball
01:11:42perhaps on the ground for a double play or get yourself a pop-up.
01:11:45Something. But you've got to make some pitches.
01:11:48But if he can battle and get through this, he can earn some points.
01:11:55Bases juiced. No outs.
01:12:03Liner snagged at first.
01:12:06Liner snagged at first.
01:12:09Applies the tag and they get two. Double play.
01:12:23Daniel Murphy up now for the Mets.
01:12:37So it's second and third occupied.
01:12:40They go for the intentional walk. Bases now loaded.
01:12:43And there's a force at every base.
01:12:46It doesn't get much easier with this next batter.
01:12:49But I totally understand going with the intentional walk in that spot.
01:12:52He's just too dangerous at the plate right now.
01:12:55And there's a base open so it gives you options defensively to get an out.
01:12:59In the air.
01:13:02Out towards left center.
01:13:05And makes the grab.
01:13:08And that is the inning.
01:13:11But two come across to score in the inning courtesy of this two run homer.
01:13:14It's now a 5-3 ballgame.
01:13:29New pitcher on here. Armando Benitez.
01:13:32And he'll work on holding this lead.
01:13:35Number 49. Armando Benitez.
01:13:44Back here at the ballpark.
01:13:47Out of the bottom of the eighth. Stepping in for San Diego.
01:13:50Number 27.
01:13:54And a pitch.
01:13:57And a strike.
01:14:00Activity in the bullpen.
01:14:03John Franco, the anchor of the staff, is getting ready to close this one out.
01:14:17The 0-1.
01:14:20Next offering is outside.
01:14:33The 1-1.
01:14:36Foul ball there.
01:14:51Next offering misses. Now 2-2.
01:14:54I thought he'd bite right there.
01:15:00Got him looking.
01:15:03What a way.
01:15:06Just couldn't pull the trigger on the fastball right there.
01:15:09And I don't think he was taking it. Thinking it might be a called ball or anything.
01:15:12I just think he was flat out frozen.
01:15:15Did not expect that location in my opinion.
01:15:20And now here's the speed threat.
01:15:23Outfielder. Number 31.
01:15:29That one's in there. 0-1.
01:15:33And that's outside.
01:15:57Next offering is in for a strike.
01:16:01And the righty deals.
01:16:04That's towards center.
01:16:07Jones under it.
01:16:10Two up, two down.
01:16:13The first baseman.
01:16:16Number 23.
01:16:19Adrian.
01:16:22Adrian Gonzalez.
01:16:25The next up for the Padres.
01:16:28Year in and year out, this guy an MVP candidate.
01:16:37Pitch misses inside. 1-0.
01:16:40He never moved because he never had time to.
01:16:43With that kind of velocity, you'd prefer that pitcher work away.
01:16:50Right hander kicks, deals.
01:16:53Way high.
01:16:56You get to this part of the order.
01:16:59Yeah, there's some pop there, but more likely there's some base hits.
01:17:02So very important to be patient.
01:17:05Let the pitcher walk you if he will.
01:17:08The next offering misses.
01:17:11And now 3-0.
01:17:15That's inside.
01:17:23Bounce to the left side.
01:17:26Sends it to first.
01:17:29And that is the inning.
01:17:32Padres down in order.
01:17:35They're still down 5-3.
01:17:39Out of the bullpen for the Padres, Keith Bell.
01:17:42He pitched yesterday, and we'll see him once again.
01:17:53Welcome back.
01:17:56New inning getting started.
01:17:59Here's the center fielder, Jones.
01:18:02Number 21.
01:18:05And a pitch.
01:18:08Foul ball.
01:18:11Bell, he's known as a reliever that excels in really tough situations.
01:18:14Those high leverage spots.
01:18:17It seems like he's at his best in these situations.
01:18:20And obviously the ability to get the strikeout factors in.
01:18:27And the right hander deals.
01:18:30And a pitch is outside. Ball one.
01:18:33Yeah, there are certain guys that expect to come in and dominate.
01:18:36And they see the challenge, the battle, just a little bit differently.
01:18:39They trust their stuff.
01:18:42And they believe that their stuff is better than that guy standing in the batter's box.
01:18:45What his swing, what his ability is.
01:18:48One-two now.
01:18:51And fouled off.
01:18:54The mental approach is a big factor too, isn't it?
01:18:57Yeah, Boog, it is.
01:19:00It's a little different.
01:19:03Some people consciously work on focusing, slowing things down, breathing techniques.
01:19:06And then there's some players that are just natural.
01:19:09And they just seem to be more composed and less excitable.
01:19:12And a foul ball.
01:19:15He stays alive.
01:19:19On the ground.
01:19:22Hudson collects.
01:19:25There to beat him by an eyelash.
01:19:28A lot of times with relievers, they just like to get amped up.
01:19:31And they're not really looking to try and slow it down, right?
01:19:34They're just trying to get hyper.
01:19:37Yeah, and perhaps make that hitter a little hyper.
01:19:40And make him more aggressive.
01:19:43And that way, when they put a wrinkle, change speed.
01:19:47He's out in front just a little bit.
01:19:53And first offering is fouled off.
01:20:04Righty to the plate.
01:20:07And that one in the air, center field.
01:20:10Finley has a beat on it.
01:20:13He's got it.
01:20:16Two away now.
01:20:19And just hacking like he used to.
01:20:22Yeah, kind of the same, just like that.
01:20:25Dave Kingman.
01:20:31And next for the Mets, Dave Kingman.
01:20:34And the way he's going at this one, we've been waiting for his spot to come around again.
01:20:37Alright, listen everyone, stop what you're doing right now.
01:20:40Two home runs already. Now he's going for number three.
01:20:48First offering misses badly for ball one.
01:21:02Two outs.
01:21:05Fouled off, he was late.
01:21:11But why the kick to pitch?
01:21:29And a ball evens the count.
01:21:35And a pitch.
01:21:39And that just misses.
01:21:42Now that just misses.
01:22:08Righty delivers.
01:22:11Swing and a miss. Struck him out.
01:22:14Third out and that ends the frame.
01:22:16Five, six, and seven will leave things off in the bottom of the ninth.
01:22:20It's the Mets five and the Padres three.
01:22:29John Franco will take over here and he'll do his best to hang on to this lead.
01:22:42And welcome back.
01:22:45And now, Manny Machado.
01:22:47Well, he's always a threat.
01:22:49Even if this guy is 0-3 for the night with three strikeouts,
01:22:53he can come up that fourth time and do damage because he's that good.
01:22:59That's in for a strike.
01:23:06The pitch.
01:23:09And he takes a strike.
01:23:11That fastball, even though it's up, that's the velocity you want to go after.
01:23:14Low 90s, a lot better than trying to hit the high 90s.
01:23:18The punch out there and a quick out number one.
01:23:21Well, I definitely say that's a statement strikeout right there.
01:23:24You come out of the bullpen, go right after the hitters,
01:23:27and three pitches later, you got one out.
01:23:29Tell you what, if you're in the dugout, you're looking at each other and saying,
01:23:32he's going to be tough to get to today.
01:23:35♪♪
01:23:40Steve Finley, the next up for the Padres.
01:23:46In there for strike one.
01:24:00And the pitch.
01:24:01Ball that time.
01:24:03Way to lay off that fastball up right there.
01:24:06You're looking for something you see well that you can handle,
01:24:09but you also have to keep the discipline so that you're not popping up pitches
01:24:13that are just a little too high.
01:24:27The wind of the pitch.
01:24:31Off the outside edge, and now the count is two and two.
01:24:36Kicks and deals.
01:24:53And down on strikes.
01:24:55Now two out.
01:24:58Chance to strike out the side now.
01:25:01You talk about the benefits, the advantages of relievers who can come in
01:25:06and get the swing and miss, whether it's inherited runners,
01:25:08or maybe a little jam that they get into themselves.
01:25:11Knowing that they can miss the bat, I'll tell you what,
01:25:14that's huge and can change the ballgame.
01:25:18Number 17 stands in with two away as he takes a ball.
01:25:28In the air, out towards right center.
01:25:32He puts it away, and that'll do it.
01:25:34The Mets put an end to their four-game slide.
01:25:37Well, Booth, four games wasn't too long of a losing streak,
01:25:40but they're definitely happy to be back in the win column.
01:25:43Now you can turn things around, get on the right track,
01:25:45and probably start a winning streak from here.
01:25:47The 5-3 final score in this one.
01:25:50For Chris Singleton and our entire outstanding crew here at MLB The Show,
01:25:54I'm John Schaumby saying so long.
01:26:24Kings fabric, linen and silk, from the home of the solid gold, honey, and milk.
01:26:27The ones who built it from the mud, soil, and sand.
01:26:29A black man, the world in the skin of his hand.
01:26:31Popped out a sock when I shined beyond Stella.
01:26:33Bella, Kwame, and Crummer.
01:26:36The final line score for our ballgame tonight,
01:26:38for the victorious New York Mets.
01:26:40Five runs, twelve hits, no errors.
01:26:43They left eight men on base.