Francouer Goes Deep, Ollie Shows Something, As Mets Down Braves 7-6

Today the Mets defeated the Braves 7-6 (box score) at Tradition Field.

Ollie Perez got himself into some trouble in the first and then seemed to recover, finishing 4 and 1/3 innings with 3 runs allowed on 5 hits and 4 walks.  Although the walks and hits were high today, Perez didn't implode like we've seen him do in the past.  This was by no means a good performance from Perez, but, if this is him at his worst this season, that would be a great improvement over last season.  It'd be nice to know that everytime something bad goes wrong for him Ollie won't go directly into the toilet.  That is an improvement...

As for the rest of the staff today, Mejia and Igarashi were solid, while Green and Parnell struggled again.  It's becoming more and more clear to me that this bullpen should include Takahashi and Figueroa, and the Mets should deal Green, and put Parnell in the minors to start the season.  Neither Green nor Parnell are throwing well, and combined with Figgy and Takahashi throwing lights out this spring...I think the answer is obvious.  Also, that would allow Mejia to go to Binghamton and learn to be the top-of-the-rotation guy the Mets needs more than an eighth inning guy...

At the plate, Francouer went 1-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Wright and Castillo stole bases (one for Wright, two for Castillo - even though he got a favorable call on one).  Murphy threw up another goose egg, while Jacobs had a two-RBI hit...Interesting...

Overall it was more a bad day in the field for the Braves than a good day at the plate for the Mets who scored two runs on an errand pick off at third, which scored Castillo and Wright (on an excellent hustle play).  And an RBI hit by Bay, which should have been fielded by Yunel Escobar.

Regardless, wins build confidence, and by all accounts this was a win...