Seven of the eight teams the Mets played were over .500. They went 14-11 against these teams, including being swept at home by the Reds and on the road by the Yankees, as well as sweeping the Rays on the road and the Orioles at home.
In the 28 games during June, the Mets scored 142 runs (third best in baseball), drove in 139 runs (second best in baseball), recorded a 2.79 ERA (best in baseball), four complete games (tied for most in baseball), and allowed only 77 earned runs (fewest in baseball).
Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey pitched in 12 of their 28 games in June, and went 9-2 with a 1.75 ERA in 87 1/3 innings.
However, the Mets allowed 14 unearned runs (fourth most in baseball) thanks in part to 19 errors. And, while the starters pitched to a 2.79 ERA, their relievers pitched to a 4.31 ERA.
Despite their defensive struggles and their problems in the bullpen, the Mets open July just 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals in the National League East and tied for Wild Card with Dodgers and Pirates.
Looking ahead to July, the Mets play just six games against teams currently under .500 (Phillies and the Cubs):
Michael Baron: The Mets have been a fascinating team to watch all season. Every time they struggle and enter a losing streak, it seems the media and the fans are just waiting for the knockout punch but then they get right back to playing inspiring baseball again. They have yet to spend one day under .500 this season despite the injuries, bullpen problems, defensive miscues, and outside discussion of a theoretical demise. Some credit can be given to the players in their ability to brush the negativity off, but the bulk of the credit has to be given to Terry Collins and his staff for their ability to filter the outside discussion away from his team, and keeping the focus on baseball.
The biggest question mark going forward is undoubtedly the bullpen, and whether or not it can improve and/or be fortified before the trade deadline. It's going to be tough to get through another difficult month with a bullpen like this and, no matter who the Mets are able to acquire before the deadline, there will have to be improvements made by those relievers who survive that roster crunch. I am also curious to see how guys like Dillon Gee and Jon Niese manage their stamina and whether or not they can maintain their strong pitching as it gets hotter and the season wears on.
The season has been exciting so far, but the starting pitching has been the core of this team's success, and, if they are going anywhere this season, it's crucial the Mets not only maintain their outstanding starting pitching, but fortify it with improvements in their bullpen. But, if this can be accomplished, their season is going to come down to the wire, making for a fun and exciting trip through the summer'
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