I feel like I am always talking about who ever has the bullpen will win the division, but its the truth and there is new evidence for it every day. Lets look at the Phillies today and then the Mets today. The Phillies, behind Myers, got the lead against the Cubs. When their pen got the game, the Phillies were winning 5-1. For the first time in three days, the pen got the lead, and was able to keep it (final score was 5-2). So the pen did its job, the Phillies won the game. Could the Mets keep pace?
Well we all know the answer to that, no they could not. The pen was part of the reason why not. Now before I blame a lot on the pen, partial blame has to go to the offense for not bringing in runners who were in scoring position. They didn't give the pen a good buffer, a good lead to protect. That being said, they did give the pen a lead, it was a one run lead, but it was still a lead. They needed to allow no runs for 2.1 innings. They could not do it. First it was Sanchez who let the game tie, and then Heilman, who really has been doing better since last Sunday, became the losing pitcher allowing a run in the ninth inning.
Despite the loss, I am proud of Pelfrey. He wasn't spectacular, but at the same time, he wasn't horrible. He has been horrible this year against the Marlins, so he went against a big Nemisis and was able to pitch effectively. He really could have used more offensive support behind him.
