On the Night Beltran Returns, Pitching Is the Story as Mets Fall 2-0

Last night in San Francisco pitching was front and center in the Giants 2-0 win over the Mets (box score/wrap).

Last night R.A. Dickey went 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 5 hits, but that just wasn't good enough to win as Tim Lincecum threw a complete game shut out.  The only run Dickey gave up was on a rocket of a double by Pablo Sandoval, which would probably have been a homer anywhere else.  But outside of that Dickey was fantastic, unfortunately, so was Lincecum.

The only thing about last night's game I truly found infuriating was when, with 1 out and runners on first and third in the fifth, Manuel had Dickey sacrifice bunt to get two runners into scoring position.  This left runners on second and third with two outs, and Pagan at the plate.  Now, I know Pagan has been arguably the best Mets hitters with runners in scoring position, but COME ON...A GREAT major league hitter hits .300, that's 3 hits every 10 at bats.  Wouldn't you rather have two shots at driving in at least one run (mind you it was 1-0 at the time) rather than putting all your eggs in one basket and leaving it up to Pagan with two outs?  Yes, I understand that Dickey was up, and the double play would have killed the inning...but Dickey's been a pretty decent hitter so far this year, and more importantly, WHAT IF HE DIDN'T?  It would have tied the game. 

Jerry was frustrating last night, but on a lighter note, it was good to see Beltran back.  Tonight, the Mets look to even the series with Niese going up against Zito.  It will be interesting to see who starts in right for the team tonight, since Zito is a lefty.  Just something to think  about.