|
 Campbell hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning in support of
Wheeler, who won his fifth straight decision by tossing 6 2/3 solid
innings as the Mets edged the Chicago Cubs, 3-2, at Citi Field.
Campbell, a 27-year-old rookie, usually offers the Mets versatility
-- he made the start Friday in left field, one of six positions he's
played this year -- and a steady approach at the plate that belies
his relative inexperience as a big leaguer.
But Campbell displayed some power Friday. After third baseman David
Wright and first baseman Lucas Duda drew walks leading off the
fourth, Campbell hit his second career homer -- and first since May
21 -- on the first pitch he saw from Cubs left-hander Travis Wood.
"He's not necessarily known as a home-run hitter, but he's a pretty
good hitter," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "And when he starts
hitting home runs, he's going to be coming in my office asking for
days off, I can tell you that."
 A home-run burst may not be coming any time soon from Campbell, who
has one 10-homer season on his minor league resume. But his ability
to translate his gap power and ability to hit for average to the
majors, along with his knack for coming through as a pinch-hitter,
could allow Campbell to stick with the Mets.
Campbell is hitting .299 with eight doubles in 134 at-bats (one
double per 16.8 at-bats) -- production comparable to what he did as
a minor leaguer, when he hit .284 in 2,217 at-bats and averaged a
double every 15 at-bats.
In addition, Campbell is hitting .389 (7-for-18) with two RBIs and
three walks as a pinch-hitter.
"I'm just trying to win games right now and do the best I can,"
Campbell said. "I'm not worried about next year. If I play like I've
always played, I'm confident that I can be here for a long time."
Wheeler has spent the summer cementing his spot near the top of the
Mets' long-term rotation. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed two
runs on four hits and four walks while striking out 10 Friday. It
was the eighth time in nine starts he has surrendered two runs or
less, a stretch in which he is 5-0 with a 2.09 ERA.
"He's pitching awfully well," Collins said. "Not the best of his
command (Friday), but his stuff gets people out."
Wheeler ran into trouble in the second, when he allowed singles to
the first two batters he faced before striking the next three
batters, and in the third when his leadoff walk of opposing pitcher
Travis Wood jumpstarted the Cubs' two-run inning.
But Wheeler, who threw 59 pitches while allowing all four Cubs hits
in the first three innings, allowed just three walks the rest of the
way. Collins pulled Wheeler after he walked left fielder Chris
Coghlan on his career-high 120th pitch.
[to top of second column] |
"I've been able to keep my walks down -- tonight was a little hiccup,"
Wheeler said. "Go right after guys. My command's a little bit better."
Right-hander Jeurys Familia struck out two in the eighth before
right-hander Jenrry Mejia threw a perfect ninth for his 18th save as the
Mets (58-65) won for just the second time in their last eight home
games.
Wright went 0-for-3 as his hitting streak ended at 13 games.
For the Cubs (52-69), shortstop Starlin Castro extended his hitting
streak to 14 games by going 2-for-4 with an RBI single. First baseman
Anthony Rizzo had an RBI groundout.
"I thought both sides kept everybody in check," Cubs manager Rick
Renteria said. "We just fell a little short today."
Wood (7-10) gave up three runs on four hits and four walks while
striking out five over 5 1/3 innings.
NOTES: The Cubs, who are in the midst of 21 games in as many days, will
promote RHP Dan Straily from Triple-A Iowa to start Saturday. Straily is
expected to be sent back to Iowa immediately afterward. The remainder of
the Cubs rotation will all be pushed back a day. ... Struggling Cubs INF
Luis Valbuena didn't start Friday and won't start Saturday, either.
Valbuena has just five hits in his last 45 at-bats. ... Mets RHP Jacob
deGrom (rotator cuff tendinitis) is scheduled to throw Saturday for the
first time since going on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. ... Recently
benched Mets SS Ruben Tejada is expected to draw a start this weekend in
place of new starter Wilmer Flores.
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
