Remembering Mets History (2010) Jonathon Niese Tosses the 34th One Hitter In Mets History

Thursday June 10th, 2010: The Mets had come into the day winning four straight games, five of their last six. Following a rain out in the second game of the Citi Field series with the Padres, today would be a doubleheader. The Mets dropped the first game 4-2.

In the nightcap, Jerry Manuel's second place Mets (32-28) hosted Bud Black's second place San Diego Padres (35-25).

28, 072 fans were on hand as Jonathon Niese (2-2) went up against San Diego veteran Jon Garland (6-3). 

In the top of the 1st inning, Jon Niese got three easy ground ball outs. In the top of the 2nd, he retired Scott Hairston on a foul pop up behind the plate then got two ground ball outs retiring the first six batters.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Chris Carter doubled & catcher Rod Barajas dropped a single into right center field. "Frenchy" Jeff Francoeur singled to right field bringing in Chris Carter with the Mets first run. 

Triple Play: Next Ruben Tejada grounded to third baseman Chase Headly who stepped on third threw to second baseman Lance Zawadzki then threw out Tejada at first by a step. It was San Diego's first triple play since 1997 & the eighth in Padre team history. It was the tenth time in Mets team history they hit into a triple play.

In the top of the 3rd inning, Chris Denorfia led off with a hit into short right field that he turned into a double. That would be the only hit Niese would allow the rest of the game as he set down the next 21 batters to the end of the game. 

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Niese led off with a walk, then Jose Reyes singled. With one out & two on, David Wright grounded out but Niese was able to score with the Mets second run of the game supporting his own effort.

Ike Davis followed with an RBI single scoring Reyes making it 3-0 Mets. It was all New York needed as Jonathan Niese took care of the rest just one hit shy of a perfect game. 

The 23 year old lefty Niese, would pitch a complete game shut out, strike out six & walk no one on the night. 

One Hit Trivia: This was the 34th one hitter in Mets franchise history. It was the first of two Mets pitchers would throw that season. On August 13th, R.A. Dickey tossed one of his three career Mets' one hitters. 

During his post game interview, Mets outfielder Angel Pagan celebrated with a cream pie to Jonathon's face.

Niese in his first full season, would go 9-10 with a 4.20 ERA in 2010, 148 strike outs 62 walks in 173.2 innings of work in 30 starts.