New York Mets Appealing R.A. Dickey’s One Hit

The Mets hadn’t had a no-hitter in their franchise’s history until Johan Santana threw a controversial no-no back on

June 1st. Should the team win their appeal with the commissioner’s office, they will have two no-hitters in their history; both controversial.

Johan Santana’s no-hitter should have been a one-hitter after replays showed a foul ball was clearly in play. The third base umpire, Adrian Johnson, ruled what should have been a double by Carlos Beltran foul even though the ball hit the chalk line. Santana went on to finish the no-hitter. Now, the Mets are appealing a one-hit, dominating performance by R.A. Dickey last night. They aren’t appealing the performance but the official scorer’s ruling.

In the first inning, B.J. Upton hit a ball to David Wright. Wright had to field the ball with his bare hand, but he wasn’t able to field it cleanly. Upton reached first safely and it was ruled an infield single. Dickey didn’t allow another hit the rest of the game.

The Mets won the game 9-1, and Dickey improved his league-leading record to 10-1. He also reduced his ERA to 2.20 on the season. But he could have been enshrined as just the second Mets pitcher in history to have thrown a no-hitter. So, despite the fact that there would be no celebration on the field, the Mets are appealing the scoring decision. They believe Upton’s single should have been ruled an error.  After the game, Terry Collins talked about the appeal.

"“We’re probably not going to win it,” manager Terry Collins said. “David tried to make it. It’s B.J. running. But what the heck? What have you got to lose except to have somebody say no? You’ve got an All-Star third baseman who comes in and tries to make a play.”"

It is unlikely the Mets will win their appeal, and even if they do, the no-hitter will not feel like a no-hitter. However, Dickey’s performance should still be admired. He has dominated this season. Even his advanced stats prove that. He has a 2.91 FIP and a 2.86 xFIP. He’s striking out nine batter per nine innings – the highest ratio of his career. While his HR/FB percentage is higher than normal, he is allowing 3% less fly balls this season than his career average.

Dickey has a career 4.13 ERA.  However, since coming to the Mets, he’s posted a 2.91 ERA in two plus seasons.  He’s also averaged over 3 WAR per season with the Mets.  Last night’s performance is just further proof – even without it being a no-hitter – that Dickey has rebuilt himself in New York as a dominant pitcher.

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