The Mets had me on the edge of my seat this afternoon.  I was at my desk and listened to it on the radio (more on that later).  My coworkers think I’m crazy, because I mutter things at the commentary from the radio.   

What a great performance by the pitchers today.  Jamie Moyer was his usual self against the Mets, he lasted seven innings, struck out six and allowed one run on two hits.  Oliver Perez hung right with him and did an amazing job.  In seven and two-thirds innings, Perez gave up just one run on six hits, striking out twelve; his only walk of the game was an intentional pass to Pat Burrell in the top of the eighth.  Perez was great, he threw just one bad pitch to Jayson Werth who hit a homer to tie the game in the top of the seventh,   Perez OWNS Ryan Howard.  Perez stuck out Howard three times on Thursday, and now has now stuck out something like 13 times in 18 at bats against Perez. 

The Mets got just enough offense today, they scored their first run of the game when Jose Reyes got aboard with a walk, with two out in the bottom of the third, he stole a base and scored on a single by David Wright.  The Mets added two runs on a double by Carlos Delgado in the bottom of the eighth inning, winning the game 3-1.   

Aaron Heilman got an important out for the Mets, after Perez hit Ryan Howard to load the bases in the top of the eighth, Heilman came into the game and got Jayson Werth to flyout to end the inning.  Billy Wagner entered the game in the top of the ninth; he allowed on hit, but no runs and earned his 26th save of the season.

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s recap, that Delgado has been moved into the four slot with Carlos Beltran hitting behind him.  Manual said he felt that he just wanted to protect Delgado a little more just because he had been swinging a good bat. 

I don’t know if anyone caught it, but Jerry Manual does a weekly radio spot on the local radio station, WFAN 660 NY, and it comes on as I am driving home from work.  I happened to catch most of it yesterday, and all I can say is he seems so laid back.  I always thought that Willie came across uptight, and he really did not take criticism well, and if you know Mike and the Mad Dog, they piss all over everybody and Willie couldn’t really take it.  Anyway, Manual is a good interview.  He was funny, and laughed and just seemed totally laid back, and I also thought honest.  He talked about Chavez being out at the plate twice and how he felt about Aguayo’s decision there-but not harsh.  He clearly has a very different style than Randolph had.  I’m not totally on the Manual Express just yet, but he is growing on me.   

It was great for the Mets to take two of three here.  They are now 9-4 against the Phillies this season, and they are sitting all alone in first place for the first time since April 19^th.  I’m sure that lead is going to change hands a few times over the next few weeks, but for today, I am going to enjoy seeing the Mets in first place.  I really didn’t know if they would be able to bounce back after the way the lost the game on Tuesday, but they did, and to their credit they hung in there. 

I don’t know who made the decision to hire Wayne Hagen, but he is just awful.  I could listen to Howie Rose all day, and why they would pair Howie up with such a drip, I don’t know.  He’s is so bad, I thought that my ears were going to bleed.  Maybe I am spolied because the Gary, Keith and Ron are so good on TV, but I have to say, I hate the fact that can hardly stomach listening to the Mets on the radio.  I cringe when I know that they are playing a day game, this guys is awful. 

The Mets now take on the Cardinals, they will be in town for the weekend.  Mike Pelfrey will pitch the opening game on Friday and the Cardinals will have Mitchell Boggs on the mound.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.   

Just wanted to pass along my condolences to Pedro Martinez and his family on the passing of his father. 

Mets Blog