PHILADELPHIA — It took Ronny Paulino longer than he would have liked to make his first start with the Mets, but it went better than he could have hoped for.
The catcher had a career-high five hits in the Mets’ 2-1 win over the Phillies last night at Citizens Bank Park, including a game-winning double that scored David Wright in the 14th inning.
And while he was pleased with his 5-for-7 showing at the plate, it was his performance behind it that he took more pride in.
“To get through [14] innings and only give up one run, that’s a credit to the whole pitching staff,” Paulino said. “I’m just glad I could help.”
Paulino was signed as a free agent to split time with Josh Thole, but visa problems from the Dominican Republic, a suspension for testing positive for PEDs last season and then health issues with anemia and an oblique injury delayed his arrival to the Mets.
His first start came against lefty Cliff Lee, and he figures to get the bulk of the playing time against southpaws.
“It took so long for this to happen, but now it seems like it was for a reason,” said Paulino, who pinch-hit on Friday night.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to have gone through so much to get to this point and then have a game like this.”
Paulino singled in his first at-bat, in the second inning, and then added singles in the sixth, eighth and 10th before delivering his game-winner.
“That was huge,” Paulino said. “I felt a lot of positive energy, and we hope to build on this. It seems like all this was planned.”
Paulino also coaxed seven shutout innings from Chris Young — the longest scoreless outing for Young in over two years. And just as important was the seven innings of work from the bullpen, which only allowed one run from Jason Isringhausen.
“I felt very comfortable with the pitchers,” Paulino said. “It was a great way to start for all of us.”
And it likely will be hard to top.