MLB

Mets CF Nieuwenhuis makes return to Colorado

DENVER — Kirk Nieuwenhuis was back to his field of dreams last night.

Returning to his roots — Nieuwenhuis was a star baseball and football player at nearby Denver Christian High School — the Mets center fielder was excited about playing his first major league game at Coors Field.

“I remember seventh-grade Opening Day here, it was a blast,” Nieuwenhuis said before the Mets’ 18-9 loss to the Rockies last night, referring to the Rockies’ 2000 opener. “I remember seeing Todd Helton out there, he was one of my favorite players growing up — him and Larry Walker. I came to a lot of games here.”

Nieuwenhuis, who went 1-for-5 but is still hitting .323, said he played a game at Coors Field as a senior in high school, but last night certainly resonated louder. He expected to have dozens of friends and acquaintances in attendance.

METS BOX SCORE

As a running back in high school, Nieuwenhuis led Denver Christian to a state title.

* Collins credits Josh Thole’s ability to battle pitchers for the fact he has reached base in all 18 games he has played this season.

“If you’ve watched really close, he’s fought off some good pitches,” Collins said. “He’s able to work into a count where he’s battled through it and ultimately gotten a good ball to hit.

“The other thing he does is take a base on balls, so his getting on base streak is part of the fact he’s willing to walk.”

Thole extened his hitting streak to 10 games, during which he is was 11-for-29 (.379).

* Zach Lutz got his first major league start — he went 1-for-5 as he played first base and batted seventh as he gave the Mets an extra right-handed bat in the lineup against lefty Drew Pomeranz. But manager Terry Collins said struggling Ike Davis likely will play against lefty Jamie Moyer tomorrow.

* Mets radio voice Howie Rose will be inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum tomorrow in Commack. Rose did not make the trip to Colorado. Josh Lewin and Jim Duquette are handling the broadcasts this weekend.