Article:No Run Support

The New York Mets suffered another defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1.

Johan Santana received his three loss of the season. Santana gave up three runs and seven hits in the sixth inning, which led the Mets to lose three out of their last four games.

“He got a couple pitches up, but we should have enough to overcome that,” Mets manager, Jerry Manuel said. “We weren’t able to do that.”

Santana had three earned runs (including one home run) with three strike outs in six innings pitched.

Ramon Martinez, Mets short stop, gave the Mets their only run of the game. Martinez has been playing short stop, since Jose Reyes was placed on the 15 day DL.

Zach Duke received the victory for the Pirates. He pitched seven innings and had one earned run with zero strike outs. Duke happens to be 6-4 on the season.

Duke understands the talent Santana has, but he believes his team took advantage of Johan's mistakes. “You always want to see how you match up against the best,” Duke said. “Johan’s numbers don’t lie; he’s a great pitcher. We just capitalized when we had the opportunities tonight.”

According to Duke, he stayed focus and tried to stay within striking distance. “‘I have to keep it within striking distance,’ that was my main focus,” Duke said. “When I got into those tight spots early on, maybe I’ll give up one, but make sure it’s only one.”

Pirates second baseman, Freddy Sanchez and center fielder Nate McLouth, had one run, two hits, and four at bats each. Catcher, Jason Jaramillo, had one run, one hit and three at bats.