MILWAUKEE — Luis Castillo needed the confidence builder.
The Mets second baseman arrived at Miller Park yesterday in a 1-for-19 rut and was hitting only .207 with runners in scoring position, but delivered maybe the biggest hit of the Mets’ 10-4 victory over the Brewers.
With the game 2-2 in the sixth, Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan intentionally walked Jose Reyes to load the bases with two outs. Castillo worked the count full, and with the runners moving slapped a single through the middle for two runs. Castillo celebrated by pointing to the Mets’ dugout.
“That was a big hit for us,” Castillo said.
If he was offended by the Brewers’ decision to walk Reyes to face him, Castillo wasn’t saying.
“I look at it as I’m trying to get a hit,” Castillo said. “The game was tied. I’m not thinking about what Reyes did. I’m thinking about getting a hit at that moment.”
*
According to a person familiar with the Mets’ thinking, the team probably won’t pursue veteran lefty Dontrelle Willis, who was designated for assignment by the Tigers. The Mets have been intrigued by Willis in the past, but are not impressed with recent scouting reports they have received on him.
*
Look for Elmer Dessens to perhaps receive other important opportunities after pitching a scoreless eighth for the Mets yesterday. Dessens entered with the Mets leading 6-4, after Pedro Feliciano had walked Prince Fielder. Dessens got Casey McGehee to hit into a double play before retiring Corey Hart.
“[Dessens] is a veteran guy and he’s fearless, so he could be a guy that you’ll see in that spot,” Manuel said. “I was impressed with that.”
*
Reyes extended his hitting streak to eight games with a 2-for-5 performance. Reyes doubled leading off the game and scored. He also delivered an RBI single as part of the Mets’ four-run ninth inning. Henry Blanco matched a season high with three hits.