Kaz Errors But Wiggy Blows The Game

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June 9, 2004

The Mets lost a 2-1 interleague game to the Minnesota Twins last night with a heartbreaking 9th inning. With Jacque Jones on first and 1 out Mike Stanton induced a double play ball from Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Kaz Matsui made the grab but lost the handle when trying to exchange the ball to his throwing hand and get the ball to Ty Wigginton at second base. Jones was safe at second and Mauer safe at first. Next up was pinch hitter Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer hit a 3-2 pitch up the middle. Wigginton paused and then threw the ball to Jason Phillips at first base. Unbeknownst to Wigginton, Jones was heading home. Upon receiving the ball Phillips fired home but it would have taken a perfect throw to get Jones. Jones was safe and the ballgame was over.

In reading newspapers and blogs today I have seen many people putting blame on Matsui for this game. But if you’re blaming Matsui then you’re taking the easy way out. Sure he made the error but it was Wigginton’s mental error that really cost the game. Wigginton would say after the game that he threw to first because he thought Jones was going to go back to third base. Jones had, after all, run through a stop sign at third. That explains why Wigginton didn’t throw home but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the throw to first.

Cuddyer was safe at first and even a perfect throw may not have gotten him. But even so, Cuddyer was irrelevant. What was relevant was the winning run rounding third base (Jones). Even if Jones hadn’t run through a stop sign Wigginton’s throw to first would have given him time to break for home. Unless Wigginton was throwing to first to complete an inning ending double play (which is what Jones may have thought was going on) there was no reason to throw to first and every reason to hold on to the ball and watch Jones in case he went home.

Instead, Wigginton’s throw to first cost the Mets another excellent outing by Tom Glavine. Glavine allowed 5 hits and 1 run in an 8 inning no-decision. Another good start wasted.

  • After the game the Mets optioned Danny Garcia to Norfolk and recalled Gerald Williams. Garcia’s playing time has been limited lately due to Art Howe’s writing Wigginton into the lineup at second base lately. The move was made to give Garcia some at bats. Some people will criticize the Mets having brought in the 37 year old journeyman outfielder instead of a young prospect but I wouldn’t read too much into that. Williams will probably not see very much action and may not be around too long (unless he pulls a Todd Zeile on us) so it’s better to keep the prospects on the farm where they will get more at bats.
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