In a game with several recent call-ups and missing starters on both teams, the Mets defeated the Astros, 2-1 (box score). Victor Zambrano got his first win with the Mets in his first start at Shea Stadium, going 7 innings, giving up only 2 hits, w walks, and 1 unearned run.
The Mets played without Mike Piazza, Kaz Matsui, Cliff Floyd, and Jose Reyes. The list of injured Mets is getting longer and longer.The Astros played without Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. It was recent call-up Danny Garcia who scored the go ahead run in the 7th inning. He scored on a single by utility-man, Joe McEwing, who was starting at shortstop.
If Zambrano continues to pitch like he did last night, there will be hope for the Mets. Hope in 2005. The knock on Zambrano has been his lack of control. When traded, Zambrano led the league in number of pitches per inning, averaging 18.8 per IP, and walked a lead leading 96 batters in 128 innings. That can't make for a good WHIP - 1.59 while with Tampa, if you must know.
