The Mets completed the sweep of the Braves on Thursday night 5-4, it was the first time the Braves have been swept at Shea since 2003.  This game also marked the 27^th time that the Braves lost a road game in which they had a one run lead.  That stretch of 27 dates back to last season, and is now a major league record.   

The Braves jumped out to an early lead when Yunel Escobar took the first pitch he saw from Pedro Martinez over the fence in left field.  From there it seemed as it if would be a long night.  But, Pedro settled in and really didn’t have a problem again until the sixth inning when the Braves scored three in the inning to take a 4-3 lead.  Pedro pitched to one batter in the eighth and was visibly irritated when Jerry Manual came out to make the pitching change.  On the night, Pedro worked seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, he walked one and struck out six.  

Pedro Feliciano pitched two thirds of an inning allowing a hit and a walk.  Again, Luis Ayala entered the game in a tough spot, with two on a two out in the eighth inning, Ayala got Omar Infante to fly out to center to end the threat.  Ayala also worked the top of the ninth, he allowed a two out hit to Martin Parado but then retired Gregor Blanco on a ground out to second to end the inning.  Ayala has pitched well for the Mets so far, and yes I realize it has only been a couple of innings, but both in Wednesday night’s game on last night he came in in a tough spot and got the outs the Mets needed.  Maybe the bullpen is on the way.   

Carlos Delgado had a monster night, he was 5 for 5 with three RBI and was the reason the Mets won, as he got the hit in the eighth inning that tied the game at four, and he delivered the game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth.  Delgado who has had a lot of issues this season- with the crowd, at the plate, and probably with Willie Randolph seems to have figured some things out.  I can’t even believe that this is the same guy.   

David Wright was great last night too.  He hit two doubles, his 25^th homer of the season, and he was the guy who scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.  If only we could get Carlos Beltran to start hitting, the Mets could really scores some runs.  Although, I do have to say that Beltran did do a good job drawing that walk in the eighth inning to keep the Mets alive, but it would have been nice if he got a hit there.   

In this series, the Mets got some gifts as the Braves did not play good defense or get good relief pitching.  At one point, I almost felt bad for them-only because we’ve seen the Mets play like that this season and as a fan you know what it feels like to watch your team stink it up!  Do you suppose though that Bobby Cox will continue to bring in the lefty to pitch to Carlos Delgado?  Also, good job by Nick Evans in the eighth inning to score on that play.   

 I think the Braves visit one more time this season and I have to say, I would love it if they asked Chipper Jones to tear down one of the numbers-he’ll probably miss the stadium more than anyone!  Also, I  know that I didn’t mention the return of Mike Hampton, but who really cares the guy has basically been out of baseball for two years and is a nonentity at this juncture.    

Ryan Church is expected to be in the line up tonight and on Saturday.  He will probaby sit on Sunday to get him readjusted to the game.  I am looking forward to having Church back, I just hope for him that he doesn’t press too hard trying to be exactly where he was when he got hurt.  What a long road back for this guy-I hope things go well in his return. 

The Mets open a three game set with Astros tonight at Shea Stadium.  The Mets might be looking for pay back for that three game sweep the suffered in Houston earlier this month.  The Mets will have Johan Santana on the mound and he will be opposed by Roy Oswalt.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.  

Mets Blog