Mets outlast cub “B” team 7-6

Our Mets were able to muster a win last night against the Chicago “scrubs”. Did you recognize any of those guys? Ok, Edmonds…what’s he? A thousand years old now. I remember him with the angels when I was a kid and I’m old now. One name the Mets know for sure is Micah Hoffpauir. WHO? He only went 5 for 5 with 5 RBI. Wanna guess what his lucky number is?

Pedro Martinez started and as is his habit gave up a couple in the first. Some met fans here in NY want Pedro to close. How clueless can you be? Pedro has trouble getting loose and routinely gives up runs in his first inning. JUST what you need from your closer. Good call, losers.

Mets fell behind 6-3 and give them credit they scratched out runs in the 7th, 8th and 9th to win it. They got RBI singles from Robinson Cancel and Ramon Martinez (I still don’t know who this guy is) in the eighth and a very creative slide from Ryan Church. The ball beat him to the plate but he was able to avoid the tag by slipping around the catcher, running past the plate and diving back. He showed better moves than a contortionist.

The Mets began the ninth with a Jose Reyes single.  Daniel Murphy struck out trying to bunt him over. How come nobody in the major leagues can bunt? Also, the bunt sign was taken off after two strikes and Murphy tried again anyway. Listen, kid, don’t think too much, you may hurt yourself. Wright struck out in a big spot for the second straight night and for the umpteenth time in September. Reyes stole second so the Cubs walked Carlos Delgado to pitch to Carlos Beltran. Carlos came through with an RBI single to win it.

The Phillies were off so the Mets pick up a half game and are 1 game back with three to play. As for the Brewers, did you think the Pirates would really win? C’mon, be serious. The Brewers used 37 pitchers (not really only seemed like it) to hold Pitt to a single run. Milwaukee won it on a grand slam in the 10th. They remain tied with the Mets as the cubs go Milwaukee for the final three games.

The Mets welcome the fish to Shea tonight. Stay tuned.

Mets Blog

Post info: By Bernalda on September 26th, 2008
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Met Bats Let Them Down, Lose 9-6 in 10

I know what you’re thinkin’. The Mets lose 9-6 and this clown says it’s the bats that lost the game. What a moron! Well, did you watch the game smart guy? While, yes the pitching was putrid, the Mets could NOT get a runner in from third, with NO outs, on multiple occasions. 7th inning, 8th inning, 9th inning. It went on and on.  

Mets got off to a 5-1 lead thanks to a Carlos Delgado grand slam in the 3rd. Big Game Ollie could not get out of the 5th (good luck on that big contract, Ollie) and the Cubs tied it up. Brian Stokes gave up a run in the 7th to give the Cubs a 6-5 lead and then the fun began. First and third with no out for the Mets in the 7th. No runs. They loaded the bases in the 8th and were able to manage one measly run when Ramon Martinez (who the hell is THIS guy) was too scared to swing and luckily, Samardzjia walked him.  Daniel Murphy triples to lead off the 9th in a tie game.  David Wright STRIKES OUT!! Can’t even make contact. They walked the Carloses to pitch to Ryan Church ( who left a bazillion guys on base lately). He grounds meekly to second for a force at the plate. Lastly, Castro STRIKES OUT! No runs. You knew they were losing this game at that point.  Luis Ayala gave up 3 runs in the 10th and it was a done deal.  

The Phillies got blown out by the Braves. They were due so no biggie. The Brewers beat the pirates again. 11 in a row and counting. Way to go, Pitt!! Sabathia pitched again. I think he pitches every game for Milwaukee now. They think he’s “Old Hoss” Radbourn. Who’s that you may ask? “Hoss’ pitched for providence in the 1880’s. He was 60-12 one year, pitching 23 out of 24 games down the stretch. And today, we’re worried about pitch counts. 

Mets Blog

 

Post info: By Bernalda on September 25th, 2008
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Mets Clinging to Wild Card After 7-6 Loss to Atlanta

Carlos Delgado was 4-5 on Sunday with three RBI and recorded the 2000th hit of his career, but that was not enough to keep the Atlanta at bay as the Braves downed the Mets 7-6. 
 
Here is the recap of yesterdays game in Atlanta.  The Mets starter left the game after six innings only allowing three runs, the bullpen gave up four more runs (Aaron Heilman stinks, but then again so does Scott Schoeneweis, Pedro Feliciano, and Joe Smith) , the Mets left nine guys on base, after scoring four runs in the first two innings, failed to do anything until Carlos Delgado hit a two run homer in the ninth, but the final two batters struck out to end the inning.  Pretty much par for the course, pretty much what we read about the Mets every night after they lose a game. 
 
The Mets bullpen blew its 29th game of the season.  As it turns out though, the Mets bullpen is not the worst bullpen in history; they will be spared that honor, but only because the bullpen is running of time to stink.  The worst bullpen in history goes to the  Rockies, that bullpen blew 39 saves in 1999.  Wow, now I’m starting to see our bullpen as a bunch of underachievers!  
 
The Mets completed their seven game road trip with a record 3-4 and after losing in Atlanta yesterday finished the season 1-8 at Turner Field, by contrast the Phillies were 9-0 in Atlanta.  Even though it is a different team, and a different year, it is so strange how the Braves still are a thorne in the Mets side.  The Braves seem to rise to the occasion when it comes to playing the Mets.  Now, while the Mets didn’t beat the Braves like they should, they did win the season series against the Phillies, but that might just be a moot point, because the Phillies are sitting in first and they have six games left to play, three with the Nationals and three with the Braves.  It would be hard to believe that the Phillies will struggle there at all. 
 
The Mets have the advantage (if you can call it that) of meeting a Cubs team that has already clinched the NL Central.  But, they can’t count on Pinella to rest his starters every game of that series, and even if the starters sit, the Mets can’t take for granted that the reserves won’t be playing hard.  And forgetaboutit-the Marlins are here over next weekend; they are a tough team to beat-you know they’d love to knock the Mets out of the playoff for a second straight year.
 
I am so torn about all of this, I really want the Mets to make the playoffs, but it is hard to believe that with the state of things right now, namely the bullpen, that New York would get past the first round.  In all actuality, I don’t think anyone believed that the Mets would figure into the playoff conversation given the way they played at the beginning of the year.  And here we are now, cheering for them every day, waiting for them to quiet the critics who want so much to label this a collapse like 2007.  This whole thing is different, this is not the team that fell apart last September.  This team is a team that has been fighting all year, when we thought they were out of it in June, they fought their way back in.  When we thought that Carlos Delgado was done, he fought to prove us wrong.  If the season ended today, the Mets would be in the playoffs, they wouldn’t be division winners, but they’d be in the post season.  Look, nobody thought the Giants would beat New England right?  The Mets holds all the cards, they have the talent, they can make this happen.  Question is, will they? 
 
Post info: By Bernalda on September 22nd, 2008
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Mets Finally Win, Down Nats 9-7

I guess one thing you can say about the Mets bullpen is that they are historical-like as in they are the worst bullpen in the history of baseball.  Seriously, seven relievers to close out a game?  While the bull pen  was awful last night, the Mets got enough offense to finally win a game a stop their losing streak.  It was a good thing they won as both the Phillies and the Brewers won last night. 

Jose Reyes hit a lead off homer.  Reyes admitted that he was glad that the Mets would be facing some right handed pitching as he has really struggled against the lefties here in September.  Obviously something clicked for him as he was 2-4 with 2 RBI; he also walked once and scored twice.  Carlos Delgado hit his 36th homer of the season; he also scored twice and drove in a pair as well.  Carlos Beltran was the real story last night.  He hit two homers and was 2-3 with 3 RBI and two runs scored.  Is there another outfielder in the National league who has both scored and driven in over 100 runs? 

Unfortunately David Wright is choking.  He was 0-5 last night, he struck out two times and stranded four guys on base.  It also looked as if his ninth inning error might just blown the game for the Mets.  I like David a lot.  I think he plays hard and I think he is just an all around good guy.  He is being groomed as ”the guy” of this team for the long haul.  But, if you look at what Ryan Howard is doing for his team right now and you compare that to where David is right now, it looks like he is choking big time.  Listen, I hope tonight that Wright comes out of this funk and totally just makes a fool out of me for writing this.  If the Mets are going to go anywhere and not fall out of this, they need the big four Wright, Reyes and the Carloses to carry them there. 

It appears that we will be oh so lucky to continue to see Luis Castillo.  Damion Easley is probably not going to be able to contribute much after tearing his quad over the weekend.  Also, while Fernando Tatis is holding off on having surgery for  his grade 3 shoulder separation, he will not be back for the Mets this season, even if they do make the play offs. 

The Mets will have Johan Santana on the mound tonight.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 

Mets Blog 

Post info: By Bernalda on September 18th, 2008
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Mets Lead Just 1/2 Game As Nat’s Win 7-2

Just curious, did the Mets know there was a game last night and did they realize that it was important?  Because if they did, shame on them for not showing up.  Nothing was happening for the Mets last night as they were downed 7-2 by the Nationals. 
 
The Mets are now just 7 and 5 in the month of September and have seen their three game lead shrink to just half a game.  The Phillies are tied for the wild card and the Brewers, trying to avoid the collapse of last season, just fired their manager, so the race has heated up and everyone is fighting for a position.  But instead of urgency, it almost seems like a sense of dread had overcome the Mets.  Especially when they the bullpen comes into the game. 
 
Pedro Martinez started, but in his six innings of work he allowed four runs on eight hits, he walked four and struck out three.  Listen I want to be all warm and fuzzy about Pedro but I think we all know that he is not going to be a Met next year and he isn’t exactly helping us down the stretch.  But if you ask him, he went out there and battled.  And, I guess that is all that matters, at least he tried.  Give me a break!  I realize we don’t really have another starter, but really what are they going to do with this guy?  Anyway, after Pedro coughed up four runs, the Pig Pen was at it again.  Duaner Sanchez gave up three runs in a third of an inning.  Wow-face three batters and don’t even get one of them out.  Great job, Duaner! 
 
And clearly the Nationals (who are coming off a five game losing streak) had all star pitching last night as the Mets were only able to generate five hits.  Not one player had more than one hit and David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado were hitless in the game.  Wright had a tough night, he struck out with a runner in scoring position in the first inning and then grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the eighth.  I know they’ll give us the whole thing about having to go back out there and get it done tomorrow, but guys-you’re running out of tomorrows.  Not only that but you are playing teams under .500 and out of the race, these are the teams you are supposed to beat!  Is anyone going to show up and play “tomorrow”?  This whole falling apart thing is all starting to feel a little to familiar.  If this team does this a second year in a row, they may never bounce back. 
 
On a side note, John Maine is hoping to rejoin the team at Shea Stadium when they return home on Monday.  Apparently he has even volunteered to be the closer if the Mets want him too.  Might as well give him a shot, he can’t be any worse than anyone else who is out there.  I wonder, how do you look your teammates in the face after you go out there night after night and play like this?  I guess it is ok because they all stink too.  Also, I guess we should realize that they clearly don’t feel any heat, they were all able to have fun after that terrible weekend of play as it was all fun and games when they went about their hazing rituals for the rookies.  So, I guess as fans these losses just hit us a little harder and if that is the case, maybe I need to rethink this fan thing…
 
The Mets and the Nationals meet again tonight, Mike Pelfrey will pitch for the Mets.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 
 
Post info: By Bernalda on September 16th, 2008
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Mets 13-Nationals 10

The Mets had a huge inning against Odalis Perez scoring six runs in the bottom of the third.  It looked as if they would cruise to the finish, but the Nationals would not go down with out a fight.  New York blew a six run lead but, they seem to have found some offense at the right time and are playing like winners.  After the game was tied at seven, the Mets scored six more runs to win 13-10.  This is a hard time right now, the Mets have a three and half game (four in the loss column) lead with just 17 games left to play.  This is right where the Mets were last year when they blew the seven game lead.  But, this year is different, these Mets are different.  

Mike Pelfrey pitched just five innings, allowed five runs on eight hits walked two did not record a strike out.  Pelfrey had some trouble early on, his pitches were up in the zone and they were hitting him hard.  It again raises the question if Pelfrey is going to (or has he already) hit a wall given that he has never pitched this many innings in one season before.  But as Jerry Manual said, and I agree-the Mets are I in a pennant race and they need everyone to get them there. 
 
The bullpen was not great last night, but I guess when you see that the other team has scored 10 runs it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the pitching stunk.  Ah–where is Matt Wise when you need him?  Aaron Heilman is a nightmare.  I really don’t want to see this guy again unless the Mets are winning by 14 or losing by the same number.  The Mets need to chuck him and just be done with that head case.  Also, if you aren’t on the DL I really don’t care where you have tendonitis.  If you are playing, then you are not injured.  I hate when someone stinks and they all the sudden it is like, Oh…we’ll he has been hurt-who cares?  Is he playing?  If the answer is yes, then shut up.  Anyway, the Mets had a two run lead and Heilman gave up a two run homer to Christian Guzman.  Brian Stokes, who had been really good as of late wasn’t so great last night.  He gave up a three run homer to who–uh, Christian Guzman.  But, Joe Smith had another great outing and Luis Ayala closed out the game for his seventh save of the season for the Mets. 
 
The offense, after not getting it done in the first two games against the Philles over the weekend has done an all out turn around.  The Mets scored 29 runs in their past three games.  Interestingly, it wasn’t Carlos Delgado who carried the team last night, although he did have an RBI in the game.  Carlos Beltran had three big hit; he scored two and drove in two.  The Mets also got RBI from Fernando Tatis (2) and Brian Schneider (2) and Damion Easley (1).  David Wright had a great night; he was 4-4, scored four runs and drove in three.  Wright said after the game that this is the best he has felt at the plate in a long time, and boy is that good to hear because the Mets need all their big hitters to get them through these next few weeks. 
 
Wow-two ESPN “Top Ten” plays for the Mets last night.  Fernando Tatis took the wrong route to a ball in left field and made an outstanding leaping catch to record the out it was great.  Then David Wright, who at times has not been good with the glove, made a beautiful barehanded play on a slow hopper to third to throw the runner out at first.  It was great!  The Mets have played great fundamental baseball after having kind of a tough weekend in the field.  Right now, this team is in a groove and they are playing some good baseball. 
 
Elijah Dukes is a head case, this is a guy who needs a round the clock “minder” (is that another word for babysitter?) because he can’t keep himself out of trouble.  Is it really worth it to have that guy on your team?  I mean, his reaction to the “inside pitch” was a little extreme.  Yes, Dukes hit a homer off Pelfrey in his first at bat-but the pitch wasn’t even close.  They guy reacted as if Pelfrey threw at his head.  Meanwhile, like two innings later Pelfrey trying to go inside hit Dukes and this time he just took his base.  Whatever.   
 
Jose Reyes stole his 282nd and 283rd bases in the bottom of the third inning and now is the Mets all time leader in stolen bases.  It took Jose just six season to break the record that it took Mookie Wilson ten seasons to set.  Just glad that Reyes is getting on base and that his slump against the Phillies didn’t carry over. 
 
The Mets have an off day and then the Braves will be in town over the weekend.  The Phillies will start a four game set with the Brewers tonight.  Go Brew Crew!  The Mets need to take care of business against the Braves.  I must say though, it is kind of sad that in Shea Stadium’s last season the Braves come to town and not be anywhere near the race.  I think they should as Chipper Jones to take down #10. 
 
Friday’s starters: Johan Santana v. Mike Hampton, game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. 
 
Post info: By Bernalda on September 11th, 2008
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Mets Avoid Sweep, Win Nightcap 6-3, Remain in 1st With a Two Game Lead

The Mets escaped a sweep by the Phillies winning the second game of the day night double header 6-3 on Sunday night.  After getting blanked by Meyers in the first game of the series, Mets fans were hoping to see some fight out of the Amazin’s but Pedro Martinez got off to a bad start and the Mets offense was unable to get anything going against Jamie Moyer in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader.  The Mets would lose the first game 6-2, and given how nonexistant their offense was in the first two games of the series, looked in danger of being swept by the Phillies. 
Prior to the final game of the series, the Mets saw their division lead dwindle to just one game, and were in danger of being swept.  The Mets bats had been silenced for something like 16 innings before they were able to score two runs in the bottom of the eighthin the first game on Sunday. 
 
I think there is some legitimate concern regarding the Mets offense as they play out the last three weeks of the season.  Like, will David Wright ever get a big hit?  In the nightcap, he struck out in the bottom of the second with the bases loaded-I know he is second in the NL in RBI, but has been atrocious when the bases are loaded.  Jose Reyes too is mired in a slump and I don’t think he even had a hit in the series, Reyes has said that his goal is to finish the season hitting over .300 and to not let his offense go missing at the end of the season like it did last year.  Well he was MIA in this series, and it nearly cost the Mets.  Hopefully this won’t be a prolonged slump and after a day off he can get back to business and get back to helping the Mets win some games. 
 
If Pedro wasn’t bad enough, the Mets also had some defensive miscues that certainly didn’t help the situation much.  We knew that having guys play out of position was something that might eventually come back to bit us in the rear-and that was the case yesterday when Fernando Tatis misplayed two balls and then again when there was some confusion between Nick Evans and Jose Reyes when a ball dropped between them for a base hit.  Of course though, there is no rule that says that Pedro Martinez can’t get anyone out either (although he can’t really and that is a problem).  
 
Martinez yesterday through just 74 pitches but he allowed six runs on seven hits, he walked one and struck out win.  He gave up two runs in the second and then just fell apart in the fourth.  Yeah, Pedro finally had more velocity on his pitches yesterday, but something that Tom Seaver says all the time, it isn’t about velocity it is about location-and that was the truth yesterday.  You could see that just by watching Moyer-the hardest he throws is like 79 but yet the Mets couldn’t touch him.  It is always sad to see legends fall like this. 
 
So, Johan Santana started the nightcap for the Mets, and if ever they needed a pitcher to step up and throw like an ace, it was last night.  Santana was spectacular.  He had a shaky first inning, but was able to pitch out of trouble allowing just one run.  Santana started the eighth inning facing two batters but only retiring one of them.  In his 7.1 innings of work, Santana allowed just two runs on five hits; he walked three and struck out six.  He really stepped up and pitched the game the Mets needed him to pitch.  Jerry Manual said it best when asked about Santana pitching this game, he said-that is why you have an ace. 
 
Carlos Delgado is a man reborn.  He hit two more homeruns last night, one of which I don’t think has landed yet.  They were monster shots and really gave the Mets what they needed.  Delgado had four RBI on the night, and has had 65 RBI in his last 65 games.  Last night’s RBI put him over 100 for the season.  It was his RBI single in the bottom of the first that put the Mets on top for good.  It isn’t just that Delgado has had a resurgence with his bat, but he has warmed up to the crowd, accepting the curtain call after the second homerun; he also has taken on a leadership role that we have not seen out of him before.  Last night, ESPN cameras caught a very animated conversation between Delgado and Reyes and it looked as if Delgado was really telling him something important (I hope Jose listened).  I was one of many who thought Delgado was finished-Wow am I glad that he proved me wrong! 
 
Any hopes of seeing Billy Wagner are now over, yesterday after throwing just 10 pitches in simulated game, Wagner had to stop because he was still experiencing tightness in his arm.  I don’t know what this means.  The Mets have been able to win with out Wager but can it go on.  Ayala has “filled” the closer role, but had a shaky outing last night-although the run that scored was actually unearned.  The problem is you just don’t know what you’ll get from the bullpen.  There is a lot of ball left to play, and along the way the Mets have gotten help from the most unlikely of candidates, so I guess all we can hope is that someone in the bullpen steps up. 
 
The Mets have an off day today before starting a three game series with the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium.  Oliver Perez will be on the mound for the Mets and the Nats will counter with John Lannan.  Game time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.  If you are like me you will all be scoreboard watching, the Phillies start a three game series with the Marlins before playing four with the Brewers.  Go Marlins! 

Post info: By Bernalda on September 8th, 2008
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Mets Pound Astros 9-1

 
 
 
Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Delgado combined to have a great night for the Mets last night.  Pelfrey pitched his second consecutive complete game.  He allowed only one run (which came in the ninth inning) off six hits, he walked none and stuck out six.  He got the Astros to hit into three double plays.  Not only did Pelfrey pitch well but he scored from first on a triple by Jose Reyes in the bottom of the eighth.  Reyes had a good night at the plate going 3-2 with a walk, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.   
 
Delgado, was 2-4 with six RBI, he belted two three run homers for the Mets and made an outstanding play on a grounder by Ty Wiggington in the ninth inning.  Carlos even came out for a curtain call after he hit the second homer.  Ryan Church who drew big applause from the crowd was 2-4.  I think when Chruch comes up to bat-you know how all players have their “song”-well I think they should play “Living On a Prayer” just because it would be funny! 
 
John Maine will return to the DL because of discomfort in his shoulder caused by bone spurs.  The Mets will not have to fill the rotation spot until next week Tuesday when they are in Milwaukee.  No news yet as to who will be starting but some of the names thrown around are Jon Neise, Nelson Figueroa, and Brian Stokes.  When something like this happens you can’t help by worry-the Mets are really in the thick of it, and while Perez, Pelfrey and Santana have been great, there is concern about the fourth and fifth starters-Pedro pitched better in his last outing, but has really struggled, and you can only guess what you will get from the guy who will take Maine’s spot in the rotation-especially considering that we’re still not sure if the bullpen can be trusted-clearly Pedro Feliciano didn’t have his good stuff on Sunday. 
 
So, the Mets open a two game short series with the Phillies down in Philly.  Tonight, the Mets will face Jamie Moyer-and we know how well that always goes.  Pedro is on the mound for the Mets, but after seeing the homeruns he’s given up recently, one can only imagine what can happen in that bandbox the Phillies play in.  At worst the Mets can split the series and not lose any ground, but they really can’t drop both games.  The Mets have played well against the Phillies this season, but we’ve all seen how tough the Phillies can play.  Hopefully the positive win against the Astros last night can give the Mets some momentum. 
 
Also, on a side note-last night was my birthday and I’m lucky enough to share it with my nephew Danny who just happens to be an Astors fan-so you guessed it, we spent the evening at Shea Stadium.  The win was bittersweet for me, because I really wanted Danny to have a great birthday.  But, after the second Delgado three run homer-Dan kind of new that it wasn’t the Astros night and did his best to handle his disappointment.  I have to give that kid credit because he proudly wore his Bagwell jersey to the game and cheered loudly for his Astros.  Dan turned 10 yesterday, and I have to tell you, conducted himself much better than a few Mets fan did.  Between the subway ride and the walk out of Shea Stadium more than one grown male had some snide remark for the kid-seriously guys?  Where do these jerks get off razzing a 10 year old kid?  I was really disappointed that there are so many JERKS that call themselves Mets fans.
 
Game time tonight is set for 7:10 p.m.  The crowd is going to be tough down there in Phillie.  Lets Go Mets! 
Post info: By Bernalda on August 26th, 2008
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Mets End Road Trip on Low Note, Lose 5-2 to Bucs

The Mets fell just one game shy of a perfect road trip losing 5-2 to the Pirates on Monday afternoon.  New York’s lead was shaved to just one and a half over the Phillies in the National League East.  Clearly, if you start watching the standings this early you can really drive yourself crazy.   

At first glance, one would like to blame the Mets bullpen for the loss yesterday and if you read any of the sports pages in the New York area, most of the writers did.  Too often have we seen the bullpen go out and just throw one away.  There is no question that they are partly responsible for blowing it yesterday.  Brian Stokes pitched an inning and a third allowing two runs on three hits, one of those hits was a homer by Adam LaRoche.  Pedro Feliciano worked a third of an inning, he retired the first hitter he faced then gave up a single to Adam LaRoche.  Duaner Sanchez entered the game, faced four hitters and couldn’t get any of them out.

Also, if John Maine did his job, the bullpen wouldn’t have had to pick up the slack after the fifth inning.  Yeah, he allowed no runs and only two hits, but he still walked four.  He had to leave the game in the fifth because of a high pitch count.  Really, this guy needs to get it figured out. 

The real story of the day is that the Mets are not hitting with guys in scoring position.  The Mets were 0-9 with runners in scoring position.  Damon Easley who has subbed for both David Wright and Jose Reyes in the series was 0-8 and hit into four double plays.  On Monday alone, Carlos Delgado left six runners in scoring position, including bases loaded in the eighth inning.  In the past 13 games, Delgado is 7-48 with runners in scoring position.                                                      

Look, the fact of the matter is that the Mets have to do two things to win-they have to pitch and they have to hit.  We know that early in games they can score, the Mets lead the league in runs scored in the first three innings of games.  However, they are also a league worst in giving up runs in the last three innings of games.  If the Mets can’t score enough runs to overcome their bullpen trouble, then they aren’t going to hold on down the stretch. 

Mets Blog 

Post info: By Bernalda on August 20th, 2008
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Mets Sweep Nationals 9-3, Take Over First Place in NL East

The Mets wrapped up a sweep of the Washington Nationals with a 9-3 win to take over first place in the NL East.  The Mets bounced back well after imploding in a make up game agains the Pirates on Monday. 
Oliver Perez pitched 6 2/3 allowed three runs on six hits, walked three and stuck out eight.  All three runs came in the bottom of the seventh with two out.  Since July 29th he is 4-2 with a 1.97 era.  He has cut down on walks and as a result pitches deeper into games.  Perez has really shown what he is capable of doing.  The conversations are starting about where Perez will end up-if he keeps pitching like this-I hope he is there to open Citifield. 
 
The Mets scored two in the fourth inning off a ground out by Carlos Delgado and a sac fly from Carlos Beltran.  In the top of the fifth, they added two more when Brian Schneider hit a two run shot to center.  Delgado added to the Mets lead when he hit an opposite field home run in the top of the sixth.  The Mets tacked on four in the top of the ninth, thanks in large part to a poor defensive performance by the Nationals.; Ronnie Belliard and Emilio Bonifacio committed back to back errors with two out. 
 
Joe Smith came in to relieve Perez, there were two on and two out, and Smith got Belliard to fly out to end the inning.  Smith then started the eighth inning quickly retiring Ryan Zimmerman, but he walked Lastings Milledge and Austin Kearns.  Smith was then replaced by Duaner Sanchez who struck out Aaron Boone, David Wright made a great play on a ground ball at third to retire Wil Nieves.  The ninth inning belonged to Aaron Heilman.  He walked one and stuck out one.  You could see though that Heilman was none too happy to be out on the mound with the Mets that far ahead-but after Monday’s performance against the Pirates, Heilman did actually believe that he would see action with the game on the line, did he? 
 
This was a huge sweep by the Mets, helped along by the Dodgers who swept the Phillies four straight.  The Mets now sit in first place all by their lonesome with a one game lead.  The Mets will now play four with the Pirates while the Phillies play three in San Diego. The Marlins lost three out of four against the Cardinals, and will have the Cubs in town for three. 
 
On a side note-Mike and the Mad Dog-a popular sports talk radio show heard on WFAN 660 NY is now over.  Mad Dog is no long with the fan and is said to have signed a deal with satellite radio.  For me, Mike and the Mad Dog is a habit, I listen to it for the ten or twenty minutes it takes me to get home from work.  I guess there is a little sadness there, but most of the time Chris “Mad Dog” Russo had no idea what he was talking about and butchered every name he said.  Unfortunately for listeners we are stuck listening to Mike, while you actually get knowledge-the pompous way in which he delivers it gets old. 
 
Mike Pelfrey, 10-8 with a 4.11 era will look to redeem himself after struggling against the Marlins on Sunday.  The Pirates will have 1-1 Jason Davis with a 1.38 era on the hill.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 
Post info: By Bernalda on August 15th, 2008
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