Die Hard Sports Fan

Last night, I had to go to a dinner.  I got into the car around 1 a.m. and turned on WFAN, they said that it was tied 1-1 in the Bottom of the 10th.  I said, “Oh no.  The Mets are going to lose to the Padres 2-1 again.”  On the next pitch, Scott Hairston hit a walkoff homer to win the game 2-1.  Now that was frustrating.

Mets.com:

Mets lose third in symmetrical fashion - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets hope Pedro can salvage Game 4 - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Padres game.

Church’s situation not encouraging - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “experienced a pulsating sensation on both sides of his head, his situation had reverted to where it had been several times since the concussion, to a point of uncertain prognosis and discussion of assigning him to the disabled list.”  I’m very concerned about Ryan.  He should go on the DL if he is still suffering symptons.  It is a tough blow to this Mets team because he was performing better than everybody else, but the Mets have to do what’s right for their players health.

Johan expects to make next start - Marty Noble reported that Johan Santana, “seemed relatively confident on Saturday that the bruised left shoulder he sustained on Friday wouldn’t prevent him from taking his next scheduled turn in the Mets’ starting rotation on Thursday. “  That’s great news because he’s the last person we need to lose to injury.

Newsday:

PADRES 1, METS 1: Church is using his head - Newsday summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  For some reason, the score is incorrect.

Mets’ Church done for weekend; could go on DL

New York Daily News:

Mets offense sputters again, fall to Padres 2-1 for third straight game - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Ryan Church still suffering from post-concussion symptoms

No worry on Johan Santana’s shoulders

New York Post:

IT’S SAME ‘O’ STORY - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

BELL RUNG, CHURCH OUT TWO DAYS

RED LETTER DAY - This article is part of the ‘25 Greatest Moments at Shea’ series.  It is No. 16 when Tom Seaver returned on August 21, 1977.

SAVES OF ANOTHER KIND - Brian Costello lets us know about Billy Wagner’s upbringing.

New York Times:

Mets Caught in a Loop of 2-1 Losses in San Diego - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

The Star-Ledger:

Offense sputtering as Mets lose third straight

Ailing Church is shut down

Game 61: Mets at Padres - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets Shut Down Church

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The Mets drafted eight players yesterday in the 2008 MLB Draft.  Here they are, and the ones with a link include a Scouting Report from MLB.com.  The others do not have a Scouting Report.  You can check out a description about each player by clicking, here.

1. Isaac Davis (1B) - Arizona State University
2. David Havens (SS) - University of South Carolina Columbia
3. Bradley Holt (RHP) - UNC Wilmington
4. Javier Rodriguez (OF) - Puerto Rico BB Academy HS
5. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (CF) - Azusa Pacific University
6. Sean Ratliff (CF) - Stanford University
7. Charles Doyle (C) - Coastal Carolina University
8. Joshua Satin (2B) - UC Berkeley

Mets.com:

Schoeneweis falters against Padres - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets snag college bats Davis, Havens - Anthony DiComo covered yesterday’s MLB Draft and discusses the players that the Mets drafted.

Castillo looks to feast on Wolf - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  The title is eye popping, but it didn’t make sense to me because Castillo doesn’t feast on anybody.  However, Noble wrote that, “Castillo seemingly turns into Chase Utley at the sight of Wolf.”

Wagner looks up to Hoffman - Marty Noble pointed out that Billy Wagner has nothing but praise for Trevor Hoffman.

Mets call up Nuñez to fill infield role - Marty Noble reported that, “The Mets purchased the contract of veteran infielder Abraham Nuñez from their Triple-A New Orleans affiliate on Thursday and optioned infielder-outfielder Nick Evans back to their Binghamton affiliate in the Double-A Eastern League.”  Evans did a pretty good job while he was up here, but it will be good for the Mets to keep trying to bring up some young guys who have something to prove and see who gels with the team.

Newsday:

Walkoff HBP helps Padres defeat Mets, 2-1 - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets call up Nuñez for infield depth; Evans down

Mets regulars like Wright have little time to rest

MLB DRAFT: Mets’ top picks in hurry to sign - Ken Davidoff explained why the top two Draft picks, first baseman Ike Davis from Arizona State and shortstop Reese Havens from South Carolina, want to sign with the Mets quickly.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 6 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Mets lose 2-1 to Padres, Schoeneweis gives up run with bases loaded - Adam Rubin wrote a game summary for last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Mets select Ike Davis, son of a Yankee Ron Davis, in MLB draft

Abraham Nunez new infielder; Nick Evans demoted

New York Post:

A REAL PLUNKER - Bart Hubbuch covered how Scott Schoeneweis imploded in the 9th inning of last night’s game.

WILLIE MULLS RESTING WRIGHT

New York Times:

Pelfrey Is Solid, but Mets Still Lose - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

The Mets Choose Power With Top 2 Draft Picks

The Star-Ledger:

Hit by pitch sends Mets to loss

Evans sent back to Double A

Mets get what they want in draft

Final: Padres 2, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Game 59: Mets at Padres - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Mets take Havens with second first-rounder

Mets select Davis with No. 1 pick

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The New York Mets (28-28) are playing Game 57 of the 2008 Regular Season against the San Francisco Giants (25-33) at AT&T Park.  It’s the second game of the three-game series.  The game began at 10:05 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Easley, Wright, Beltran, Church, Tatis, Delgado, Castro, Martinez.

Giants Lineup: Lewis, Durham, Winn, Molina, Rowand, Bowker, Aurilia, Vizquel, Zito.

At the Plate

Barry Zito (1-8) was the starting pitcher for the Giants.  In the Top of the 1st, Reyes grounded to third but Aurilia (Error on Rich Aurilia) misfielded the ball so Reyes ended up on first giving the Mets a leadoff runner.  Easley lined a no-out single into center, and Reyes went first to third.  David Wright hit a sacrifice fly to right which scored Jose Reyes.  Beltran grounded to short, and turned the inning ending double play.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Tatis drove a one-out double to the gap in left center.  Delgado worked the count full before lining out to left.  Zito intentionally walked Castro.  Martinez grounded to short, and Vizquel tagged second to end the inning leaving runners on first and second.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Easley lined a one-out single into center.  Wright drew a one-out walk.  Beltran popped up along the first base line, and Molina made the out.  Church flied out to left to end the inning leaving runners on first and second.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Delgado drew a one-out walk.  Castro lined out to left.  Martinez grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Delgado advance to second.  Reyes grounded to third, and Aurilia tagged third to end the inning leaving two Mets stranded.  Zito gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Easley drew a leadoff walk.  Wright grounded a on-out single through the hole on the left side, and Easley went to second.  Carlos Beltran lined a no-out RBI double down the left field line which scored Damion Easley, and Wright went from first to third.  Ryan Church hit a sacrifice fly to center which scored David Wright, and Beltran tagged up and went to third.  Tatis drew a one-out walk.  Carlos Delgado grounded to short, but Vizquel tried to tag second himself but Tatis was already there and then the throw to first was not in time so everybody is safe.  Zito gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Zito left the game after pitching 4.1 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 6 Runs, 5 ER, 5 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Bochy replaced Zito with Vinnie Chulk with one out in the Top of the 5th.  Ramon Castro lined a single into shallow right center which scored Carlos Beltran, and everyone moved up a base.  Pedro Martinez lined an RBI single over the head of Durham which scored Fernando Tatis, and everyone is safe.  Jose Reyes grounded to second, and Durham (Error on Ray Durham) could not field the ball properly so Carlos Delgado scored, and everyone is safe.  Damion Easley lined a one-out bases clearing double into the gap in left center which scored Ramon Castro, Pedro Martinez and Jose Reyes went from first to third.  Wright flied out to right.  Beltran flied out to center to end the inning stranding Easley on second base.  Chulk gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Church grounded to first but Bowker (Error on John Bowker) botched the ball so Church ended up on first giving the Mets a leadoff runner.  With Tatis in the batters box, Chulk threw a wild pitch so Church stole second without a throw.  Tatis grounded to second, and Denker held up Church at second before making the out at first.  Delgado grounded to second, and Denker made the out at first as Church moved over to third.  Castro popped up to shallow left, and Vizquel made the out stranding Church on third.  Chulk gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Chulk left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 ER, 5 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Bochy replaced Chulk with Patrick Misch to begin the Top of the 7th.  Misch pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Misch retired the side for the second inning in a row.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Misch now retired the Mets for the third straight inning.  Misch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Pedro Martinez (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Lewis grouned a leadoff single up the middle.  Durham flied out to left.  With Winn at the plate, Lewis stole second on a bad throw by Castro.  After the ball went into center field, Lewis went to third.  Randy Winn lined an RBI double down the left field line which scored Fred Lewis.  Molina grounded to short, and Reyes made the throw to third because Winn took off for third and Wright applied the tag.  Rowand flied out to center to end the inning.  Martinez gave up 1 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Pedro walked Bowker on four straight pitches to give the Giants a leadoff runner.  Aurilia flied out to right.  Vizquel flied out to left.  Zito grounded to second, and Easley tagged second himself to end the inning leaving Bowker stranded on first.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Durham drew a one-out walk.  Pedro struck out Winn swinging.  Molina grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first to end the inning stranding Durham on first.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Bowker hit a routine fly ball to left which Tatis (Error on Fernando Tatis) dropped so Bowker ended up on second.  Aurilia grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first as Bowker went to third.  Martinez intentionally walked Vizquel.  Zito grounded to short, and Reyes got the force out at second to end the inning leaving runners stranded on the corners.  Martinez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in te 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Lewis led off with a Ground Rule Double to right.  Denker is pinch hitting for Durham, and Denker lined a no-out single into right, and Lewis moved over to third.  Randy Winn lined a no-out RBI single into left which scored Fred Lewis, and Denker advanced to second.  Molina flied out to left, and both Denker and Winn tagged up and advanced a base.  Aaron Rowand grounded to second, and Easley made the out at first so Travis Denker scored and Winn went to third.  Bowker flied out to center to end the inning with Winn stranded on third.  Martinez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Aurilia drove a leadoff double to the gap in left center.  Vizquel grounded a no-out single up the middle, and Aurilia advanced to third.  Horwitz is pinch hitting for Chulk, and Pedro fanned Horwitz.  Pedro struck Lewis out looking.  Durham grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning with runners stranded on the corners.  Martinez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Martinez left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Randolph replaced Martinez with Joe Smith to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Smith pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Holm is pinch hitting for Misch, and Holm drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Lewis drew a no-out walk.  Travis Denker hit a no-out 3-run shot to left field scoring Steve Holm and Fred Lewis.  Winn lined out to second.  Molina grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side.  Schoeneweis gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Billy Wagner with one out in the Bottom of the 9th.  Rowand grounded to short, and the Mets turned the game ending double play.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 9 - San Francisco Giants 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Pedro Martinez (1-0) got the win and Barry Zito (1-9) got the loss.

Game Notes:

• Pedro Martinez was pretty effective in his first game back from the DL.
• The Mets put up an 8 spot in the 5th.
• Barry Zito sucks so I’m glad we didn’t get him.  I wanted him to come to the Mets until he expressed his contract demands, and then I didn’t want him on the Mets anymore.

Series Notes:

• The Mets evened up the series with the Giants 1-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w.
• The Mets are currently 1-1 on this road trip.
• The Mets are one game over .500 with a 29-28 record
• Jose Reyes had an 18-game hitting streak, and a 33-game on-base streak which came to an end tonight.

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The New York Mets (26-27) are playing Game 54 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-27) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the third game of the four-game series.  The game began at 3:55 p.m., and it was aired on FOX.

Dodgers Lineup: Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Loney, Martin, Ethier, DeWitt, Maza, Billingsley.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Chavez, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Easley, Schneider, Tatis, Pelfrey.

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (2-6) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Pierre grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Kemp lined a no-out single down the right field line so Pierre went first to third, but Kemp tried to make it a double but Reyes (Error on Jose Reyes) could not catch the throw so Kemp was safe at second while Juan Pierre scored.  Kent grounded to short, and Kemp moved over to third.  Loney grounded to second, and Easley made the throw home and Schneider applied the tag in time.   Martin lined a two-out single up the middle.  Ethier flied out to center to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 3 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, DeWitt grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Maza grounded to second base, and Reyes tagged second and turned the double play.  Pelfrey fanned Billingsley to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Kent lined a two-out single up the middle.  Loney flied out to left to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Martin drew a leadoff walk.  Ethier worked the count full before lining a no-out single into right, and Martin went from first to third.  Blake DeWitt lined a no-out RBI single into right which scored Russell Martin, and Ethier went to second.  Maza flied out to right, and the runners held up.  Billingsley struck out trying to bunt with two strikes.  Pierre flied out to left to end the inning with two Dodgers stranded.  Pelfrey gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Pelfrey pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Pelfrey now retired the side for the second straight inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Pelfrey retired the side for the third straight inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Pelfrey left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 BB, and he had 6 SOs.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Top of the 8th.  Sanchez pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Billy Wagner to begin the Top of the 9th.  Wagner was throwing some serious heat (97 mph on the gun) and struck out the side.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 3 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Chad Billingsley (4-6) was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Billingsley retired the side with three ground balls.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Delgado lined a one-out opposite field single into left.  Easley grounded back to the pitcher, and Billingsley made the out at first as Delgado advanced to second.  Schneider grounded to second, and Kent made the out at first to end the inning.  Billingsley gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Reyes lined a two-out single into right.  With Chavez in the batters box, Reyes took off for second base and beat out the high throw by Martin.  Chavez lined out to center to end the inning.  Billingsley gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Wright drew a leadoff walk.  Beltran worked the count full before drawing a no-out walk.  Delgado lined out to center.  Billingsley struck out Easley looking.  Schneider flied out to center to end the inning leaving two Mets stranded.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Tatis beat out a ground ball to third that DeWitt (Error on Blake DeWitt) misfielded to give the Mets a leadoff base runner.  Pelfrey dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards the pitcher, and Martin made the out at first as Tatis advanced to second.  Reyes drew a one-out walk.  Chavez grounded to second, and Loney made the out at second.  Wright grounded to short, and Maza made the out at second leaving Mets stranded on the corners.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Billingsley pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Schneider grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Tatis lined out to right.  Casanova is pinch hitting for Pelfrey, and Casanova grounded a one-out single down the third base line as Schneider went from first to third.  Reyes popped up in foul ground near the third base line, and DeWitt made the catch.  Chavez worked himself into a full count before popping up to third leaving Mets stranded on the corners.  Billingsley gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Billingsley left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Torre replaced Billingsley with Jonathan Broxton to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Wright drove the ball to the base of the wall in right center for a leadoff double.  Carlos Beltran crushed a no-out 2-run shot to right scoring David Wright which tied the game.  Delgado lined a no-out single into center (Evans came in to pinch run for Delgado).  Easley dropped a sacrifice bunt down along the first base line, and Loney made the out at first as Evans advanced to second.  Broxton intentionally walked Schneider.  Fernando Tatis grounded an RBI single up the middle which scored Nick Evans to give the Mets the lead, and Schneider went to second.  Broxton gave up 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Torre replaced Broxton with Joe Beimel with one out in the Bottom of the 8th.  Castillo grounded to second, and Maza made the out at first as both runners advanced.  Beimel intentionally walked Reyes to load the bases.  Beimel fanned Chavez to end the inning leaving the bases loaded with Mets.  Beimel gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Los Angeles Dodgers 2 - New York Mets 3.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Duaner Sanchez (2-0) got the win and Jonathan Broxton (2-2) blew the save and took the loss.

Game Notes:

• Mike Pelfrey had a solid outing tonight.  He pitched 7 strong innings allowing only 2 runs, he had 6 K’s, and he retired 13 hitters before being taken out of the game.  That’s impressive for his standards and those of the 5th starter.
• Carlos Beltran tied up the game with a 2-run jack in the 8th inning.
• Fernando Tatis drove in the go ahead run in the 8th inning.
• Billy Wagner slammed the door on the Dodgers by striking out the side in the 9th for the save.

Series Notes:

• The Mets are ahead in the series with the Dodgers 2-1.

Other Notes:

• Since May 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-l-l-l-l-w-l-l-w-w-w-l-w.
• The Mets are currently 4-2 on this homestand.
• The Mets are back to .500 with a 27-27 record.

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The New York Mets (22-23) are playing Game 46 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Colorado Rockies (18-29) at Coors Field.  It’s the first game of the three-game series.  The game began at 9:05 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Anderson, Schneider, Chavez, Perez.

Rockies Lineup: Taveras, Barmes, Holliday, Atkins, Helton, Spilborghs, Baker, Torrealba, Reynolds.

At the Plate

Greg Reynolds (0-1) was the starting pitcher for the Rockies.  In the Top of the 1st, Reynolds pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Reynolds gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Reynolds fanned Delgado.  Anderson lined out to center.  Reynolds got Schneider looking at strike three to end the inning.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Chavez beat out a ground ball to second for a leadoff single.  Perez drew a no-out walk.  Reyes grounded to second, and Baker made the out at second so Reyes arrived at first safely while Chavez advanced to third.  Luis Castillo slapped a one-out RBI single into left which scored Endy Chavez, and Reyes moved over to second.  Reynolds struck out Wright swining.  Beltran flied out to the warning track in center with Mets stranded on the corners.  Reynolds gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, (Anderson injured his hamstring running out a ground ball, and Willie and the Trainor had to carry him off the field so he will have to be replaced) Reynolds retired the side in order.  Reynolds gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Reynolds retired the side for the second straight inning.  Reynolds gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Castillo drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Wright grounded to third, and Atkins made the out at first as Castillo advanced to second.  Beltran grounded to second, and Baker made the out at first as Castillo moved over to third.  Carlos Delgado hit a two-out 2-run homer to center scoring Luis Castillo.  Tatis replaced Anderson, and Fernando Tatis hit a two-out solo shot to center.  Schneider grounded out to second to end the inning.  Reynolds gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Reynolds left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Hurdle replaced Reynolds with Jason Grilli to begin the Top of the 7th.  Chavez grounded a leadoff single down the left field line.  Easley is pinch hitting for Smith, and Easley grounded a single through the hole on the left side so Chavez went from first to third.  Jose Reyes popped up to shallow left, and Endy Chavez tagged up and scored.  Castillo grounded to short, and the Rockies turned the inning ending double play.  Grilli gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Grilli pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Grilli gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  Grilli left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Hurdle replaced Grilli with Manny Corpas to begin the Top of the 9th.  Tatis lined a leadoff single into right.  Schneider dropped down a bunt in front of home plate, and Torrealba made the out at first as Tatis went to second.  Chavez grounded to second, and Baker made the out at first as Tatis advanced to third.  Casanova is pinch hitting for Schoeneweis, and Casanova grounded out to first stranding Tatis.  Corpas gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Hurdle replaced Corpas with Brian Fuentes to begin the Top of the 10th.  Reyes drove a leadoff double into the gap in right center.  With Castillo in the batters box, Reyes was picked off at second base.  Castillo flied out to right.  Fuentes fanned Wright to end the inning.  Fuentes gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 10th Inning.

Hurdle replaced Fuentes with Taylor Buchholz to begin the Top of the 11th.  Delgado drove a one-out double into the gap in right center.  Tatis grounded to second, and Herrera held up Delgado before making the out at first.  Buchholz got Schneider on a check swing to end the inning with Delgado stranded on second.  Buchholz gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 11th Inning.  In the Top of the 12th, Buchholz retired the side in order.  Buchholz gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 12th Inning.  In the Top of the 13th, Wright lined a one-out single into right.  Beltran popped up to short, and Quintanilla made the out.  Delgado lined out to first leaving Wright stranded on second.  Buchholz gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 13th Inning.  Buchholz left the game after pitching 3.0 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (4-3) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Barmes hit a one-out Ground Rule Double to left field.  Holliday flied out to right.  Garrett Atkins hit a two-out 2-run bomb to left field scoring Clint Barmes.  Helton lined a two-out opposite field single into left.  Spilborghs drew a two-out walk.  Perez struck out Baker on three straight pitches to end the inning.  Perez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Reynolds drew a one-out walk.  Taveras lined a one-out single into right center, and Reynolds advanced to second.  Perez fanned Barmes.  Holliday grounded to third, and Wright got the force out at second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Atkins lined a leadoff single into left.  Helton grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play.  Spilborghs drew a two-out walk.  With Baker in the batters box, Schneider threw out Spilborghs as he attempted to steal second base.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Baker drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Torrealba flied out to left center, and Beltran made the catch.  Reynolds bunted in towards the pitcher, and Perez made the out at first as Baker advanced to second.  Taveras grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first stranding Baker.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Atkins drew a two-out walk.  With Helton at the plate, Perez threw a wild pitch so Atkins moved over to second.  Helton drew a two-out walk.  Spilborghs drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Baker flied out to right to end the inning with the bases full of Rockies.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Torrealba beat out a ground ball to third for a leadoff single.  Herrera is pinch hitting for Reynolds, and Herrara drew a no-out walk.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 8 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Joe Smith with no outs in the Bottom of the 6th.  Taveras worked the count full before he dropping a bunt down towards first, and Smith made the out at first as both runners advanced.  Clint Barmes pulled a one-out 2-run double down the left field line which scored Yorvit Torrealba and Jonathan Herrera.  Holliday lined out to left.  Smith struck out Atkins looking.  Smith gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Spilborghs drew a one-out walk.  Podsednik replaced Baker, and Podsednik grounded into an inning ending double play.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Schoeneweis pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Schoeneweis left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 ER, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Matt Holliday hit a one-out solo shot to center field.  Atkins lined a one-out single into center.  Helton lined a one-out single into center, and Atkins went first to third.  Spilborghs grounded to short, and Reyes got Atkins to hold up at third and then made the out at first.  Podsednik worked himself into a full count before popping up to short to end the inning.  Wagner gave up 3 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 10th, Torrealba beat out a ground ball to third the Wright (Error on David Wright) misfielded.  Herrera is pinch hitting for Fuentes, and Herrera grounded to second so Castillo made the out at first as Torrealba went to second.  Wagner struck out Cook, and Schneider threw out Torrealba as he attempted to steal third.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 10th Inning.  Wagner left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Wagner with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Bottom of the 11th.  Sanchez pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 11th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Aaron Heilman to begin the Bottom of the 12th.  Podsednik grounded to the pitcher, and the ball deflected towards second so Podsednik beat it out for a two-out single.  Torrealba popped up to second, and Castillo made the catch to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 12th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 13th, Herrera grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Francis is pinch hitting for Buchholz, and Francis dropped down a sacrifice bunt which allowed Herrera to move over to second.  Heilman fanned Quintanilla.  Matt Holliday grounded an RBI single through the hole on the right side, and Jonathan Herrera came around to score.  Heilman gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 13th Inning.  Heilman left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Final Score: New York Mets 5 - Colorado Rockies 6 (in 13).  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Aaron Heilman took the loss (0-1) and Taylor Buchholz got the win.

Game Notes:

• Delgado hit a 2-run solo shot.
• The Mets made a ton of mistakes and should’ve won the game in 9 innings.  The problem was that the Rockies made just as many mistakes so nobody wanted to win.

Other Notes:

• Since May 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-l-l-l-l.
• It is the first time this month that the Mets lost 5 straight games.
• The Mets are now two games under .500 with a 22-24 record.

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The New York Mets (22-21) are playing Game 44 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Atlanta Braves (24-21) at Turner Field.  It’s the third game of the four-game series.  The game began at 7:00 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Chavez, Wright, Beltran, Alou, Delgado, Schneider, Castillo, Pelfrey.

Braves Lineup: Infante, Kotsay, Jones, Teixeira, McCann, Francoeur, Johnson, Blanco, Jurrjens.

At the Plate

Jair Jurrjens (4-3) was the starting pitcher for the Braves.  In the Top of the 1st, Reyes grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  Chavez popped up to left, and Blance made the catch.  With Wright at the plate, Reyes beat out the throw by McCann as he stole second.  Wright lined out to second, and Reyes dove back to second safely to avoid the double play.  Beltran grounded to first, and Teixeira tagged the bag to end the inning leaving Reyes stranded on second.  Jurrjens gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Delgado drew a one-out walk on four straight pitches.  Schneider grounded to second, and Delgado blocked Johnson’s (Error on Kelly Johnson) view of the ball as he was running to second so Schneider ended up on second and Delgado ended up on third.  Jurrjens fanned Castillo (Castillo has to be able to drive in runners in scoring position when the pitcher is up next).  Pelfrey grounded to the pitcher, and the ball deflected to short so Infante made the out at first leaving Mets on second and third.  Jurrjens gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Reyes grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  With Chavez at the plate, Reyes beat out the throw by McCann as he stole second base.  Chavez grounded out to first, and Reyes moved over to third.  David Wright lined an RBI single into center which scored Jose Reyes.  Beltran grounded to second, and the Braves turned the inning ending double play.  Jurrjens gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, (SNY reported that Alou left with a cramp in the left leg) Jurrjens pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Jurrjens gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Reyes drew a two-out walk.  Chavez grounded to short, and Infante made the flip to Johnson to get the force out.  Jurrjens gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Beltran grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Anderson popped up to shallow center, and Infante made the catch.  Delgado flied out to right leaving Beltran stranded on first.  Jurrjens gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Castillo beat out a ground ball to short that took a bad hop to give the Mets a one-out base runner.  Tatis is pinch hitting for Feliciano, and Tatis grounded to third and beat it out because part of the bat ended up near Jones (Error on Chipper Jones) so Jones misplayed the ball while Castillo advanced to second.  Jose Reyes grounded to second, and Johnson made the out at second but Infante made a bad throw to first so Reyes ended up on second while Luis Castillo came around to score.  Chavez flied out to right to end the inning leaving Reyes stranded on second.  Jurrjens gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Jurrjens left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Cox replaced Jurrjens with Jeff Bennett to begin the Top of the 8th.  Wright grounded to third, and Gotay did not field it properly so Wright ended up with a leadoff single.  Carlos Beltran lined a no-out RBI double down the left field line which scored David Wright.  Anderson grounded to first, and Teixeira tagged first as Beltran advanced to third.  Carlos Delgado grounded to first, and Teixeira tagged first as Carlos Beltran came home.  Schneider grounded out to second to end the inning.  Bennett gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Cox replaced Bennett with Chris Resop to begin the Top of the 9th.  Resop quicly slammed the door on the Mets by pitching a 1-2-3 inning.  Resop gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (2-4) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Pelfrey walked Jones on four pitches.  Teixeira flied out to the warning track in right to end the inning with Jones on first.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Pelfrey hit Franceour with the pitch to give the Braves a one-out base runner.  Johnson grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side, and Franceour advanced to second.  Blanco worked the count full before Pelfrey struck him out looking.  Jurrjens grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first leaving two Braves on first and second.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, (Anderson replaced Alou) Jones drew a two-out walk.  Teixeira grounded to second and beat out the throw for a two-out single, and Jones went first to third.  Brian McCann drove a two-out 2-run double that one-hopped the wall in right center scoring Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira.  Jeff Franceour drove a two-out RBI triple off of the left field wall which scored Brian McCann.  Johnson popped up in foul ground along the third base line, and Wright made the final out of the inning leaving Franceour stranded on third.  Pelfrey gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Infante hit a two-out bloop single into center.  Kotsay grounded to second, and Castillo made the toss to Reyes for the force out.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Chipper Jones led off the inning with a solo shot to dead center.  Teixeira pulled a no-out double down the right field line, and Teixeira ended up on third because Chavez (Error on Endy Chavez) misplayed the ball.  McCann drew a no-out walk.  Jeff Francoeur lined a no-out RBI single through the hole on the left side which scored Mark Teixeira, and McCann moved over to second.  Pelfrey gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Pelfrey left the game after pitching 4.0 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Pedro Feliciano with no outs in the Bottom of the 5th.  Johnson drew a no-out walk to load the bases.  Gregor Blanco hit a sacrifice fly, and Brian McCann tagged up and scored and Franceour tagged up and advanced to third.  Jurrjens dropped down a bunt towards the pitcher, and Feliciano got the runners to hold up before making the out at first.  Feliciano intentionally walked Infante to load the bases.  Kotsay grounded to short, and Reyes made the throw to Delgado who tagged out Kotsay to end the inning full of ugly Braves.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, McCann grounded a two-out single through the hole on the left side.  Jeff Francoeur blasted a two-out 2-run shot to left center scoring Brian McCann.  Johnson grounded out to first to end the inning.  Feliciano gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Feliciano left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Joe Smith to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Norton drew a one-out walk.  Infante worked himself into a full count before he drew a one-out walk.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis with one out in the Bottom of the 7th.  Kotsay flied out to center.  Schoeneweis hit Jones with the pitch so the bases are loaded (Gotay came in to pinch run for Jones).  Mark Teixeira pulled a two-out bases clearing double down the left field line which scored Greg Norton, Omar Infante, and Ruben Gotay.  McCann grounded to the pitcher and the ball deflected towards second, and Chavez flipped the ball to Delgado but Delgado could not catch it so McCann ended up with a single and Teixeira went to third.  Franceour lined out to second to end the inning with runners on the corners.  Schoeneweis gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Johnson led off with a pop fly single to shallow center.  Blanco drew a no-out walk.  Diaz grounded a no-out single through the hole on the left side, and Johnson went to third and Blanco went to second.  Infante popped up behind the plate, and Schneider made the out.  Wagner fanned Kotsay.  Gotay grounded to short leaving the bases full of Braves.  Wagner gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 4 - Atlanta Braves 11.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Mike Pelfrey (2-5) took the loss and Jair Jurrjens (5-3) got the win.

Game Notes:

• Big Pelf only pitched 4 innings.
• Reyes, Wright, and Beltran had 2 hits each.
• Mets pitchers hit 2 batters today: Francoeur and Larry.
• During the game, SNY had a text poll with this question: So far in 2008, do you think the Mets are:
  a) underachieving. or
  b) are as good as their record says they are
  74% of Mets fans stated that the Mets are underachieving.  I believe that it is a combination of the two, but more in favor of option b.  I believe Reyes, Wright, and Beltran will get hot, but I don’t feel that way about others like Delgado or Castillo.  The starters haven’t been horrible this year, but the bullpen has which was the problem in ‘07.

Series Notes:

• The Mets already lost the series to the Braves, and the Mets will get swept if they lose tomorrow.
• The Braves have outscored the Mets 23-7 which is pathetic.

Other Notes:

• Since May 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-w-l-w-l-l-w-w-l-l-l.
• It is the first time this month that the Mets lost 3 straight games.
• The Mets are back to .500 with a 22-22 record.

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The Mets have to opportunity to go into the Bronx and sweep the Yankees tonight.  Even though it’s just interleague play, the Amazin’s do need to win some games to improve upon their less than stellar record.  We all know how great Wang has been during the regular season of the past two seasons, but maybe Oli can keep our boys from Queens in the game tonight.  Or maybe the Mets can figure out how to get Wang out of the game as fast as possible so they can get to the bullpen.  After the Mets sweep the Yankees, the Mets travel to Atlanta tomorrow and play a four-game series with the Braves.  It begins with a day/night double header on Tuesday.

Mets.com:

Mets’ winter prize pays early dividends - Mike Bauman likes what he’s seen from Johan Santana so far in 2008.

Randolph confident in Reyes’ focus - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Mets’ win not without crisp defense - Marty Noble explained how well the Mets played defense in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Close call won’t linger for Easley - Marty Noble captured Damion Easley’s thoughts on striking out with the bases loaded in the fourth inning in yesterday’s game against the Yankees.

Cathedral doesn’t disappoint Alou - Marty Noble found out what Moises Alou thought about playing in Yankee Stadium for the first time in his long career.

Newsday:

Pitching matchup: Tonight’s game

Santana hardly dominant but stops Mets’ bleeding

Pettitte glides along until fourth inning - Kat O’Brien walks us through the fourth inning of yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Reyes enjoys big day against Yankees

Church to Castillo to Schneider makes Omar proud

Mlicki still a fan favorite in Subway Series - Jim Baumbach found out what Dave Mlicki thinks about that memorable shutout he pitched in the first-ever Mets-Yankees regular-season game in 1997.

Mets win with fire and passion for Randolph

Wagner sounds off with a save

New York Daily News:

Victory takes a strong Will

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s Mets-Yankees game.

Billy Wagner pitches like he talks

Billy Wagner douses the fire

Jose Reyes’ power returns - I don’t know if I would call ‘power’ a home run over the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but his production is more than welcomed.

Ryan Church answers his critics with solid numbers for Mets

Mets’ arms wake up in Subway Series opener on Saturday

Billy Wagner, following in long line, makes his talkie gig a must-listen - Bob Raissman discusses athletes who do weekly spots on local radio shows.

Nelson Figueroa’s statements show it’s A-OK to go gender bashing

New York Post:

MET LOAF ALWAYS ON MENU - Phil Mushnick wrote another article about nothing.  It’s either that or complaining about something.

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Ryan Church.

BIG CY OF RELIEF

HAUNTED HOUSES - Mike Vaccaro explained why, “Tough-guy, no-nonsense managers from the past such as Billy Martin and Gil Hodges wouldn’t necessarily fare so well in today’s baseball.”

BILLY CLOSES OUT YANKS, COMMENT CONTROVERSY

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 19

REYES BESTS JETER

WILLIE OR WON’T HE? - Joel Sherman stated that, ”Mets’ management is still waiting for Willie Randolph to improve the energy and effort seen daily from a club that has been underachieving far too long.”

New York Times:

In His Former Home, a Spirited Randolph

Sealing Victory, Wagner Is Happy to Talk About It

The Star-Ledger:

Another Raindy Day in the Bronx

Desperate houseguests - Lisa Kennelly explains why both the Mets and the Yankees needed the victory yesterday, and then Kennelly offered her thoughts on how it played out.

Wagner lets his arm talk

Hitters heat up with big homers

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The Metropolitans and the Yankees duked it out this afternoon, and the Mets won the first battle of the ’08 Subway Series.  A mini-sweep in the Bronx will delay having to listen to annoying Yankees fans for another month when they go head-to-head in June.

Mets.com:

Efficient Johan lifts Mets over Yanks - Marty Noble summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Speed drives Castillo’s move to ninth - Anthony DiComo lets us know why Luis Castillo batted ninth in the order today.

Mets clear the air before rainout - Marty Noble wrote about the meeting that the Mets held which was about Billy Wagner’s comments and the team’s struggles.

After rainout, Santana raring to go - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Subway opener postponed by rain

Randolph plays it cool before opener - Marty Noble stated that Willie Randolph keeps calm amid questions about the Mets’ performance.

Subway Series takes different form - Mike Bauman pointed out that the New York powerhouses hope to turn around their recent struggles.

Mets, Yanks join charity wine effort - Anthony DiComo says that Brian Schneider, Bobby Abreu, and Jorge Posada are working together for a good cause.

Newsday:

Santana, Mets defeat Yankees, 7-4 - Mark Herrmann also summarized today’s Mets-Yanks game.

Randolph’s fate is on the clock … calendar

Wagner apologizes to Delgado; Mets clear the air

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what happened on May 17th at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium of another year.

Randolph ‘joking’ about his head being on block

Wagner: Don’t compare me with Lo Duca

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana wins battle of lefties as Mets beat Yankees in opener - Mark Feinsand wrote up a game summary for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Players can get Willie Randolph in clear

Billy Wagner pitch is an apology

It’s Johan Santana vs. Andy Pettitte as rains set lefty duel

Omar Minaya showing support for Willie Randolph, for now

Pedro Martinez’s next simulated game to be on Monday - Roger Rubin wrote that, “Pedro Martinez will take the next step in his rehab from a strained left hamstring on Monday when he throws a simulated game at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie. ”

Mets and Yankees postponed by rain, won’t be made up this weekend

Joe Girardi, Willie Randolph asked to serve as All-Star Game coaches

New York Post:

SANTANA PITCHES METS TO 7-4 VICTORY OVER YANKEES - George A. King III summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

OMAR GIVES WILLIE VOTE OF ‘SUPPORT’

MAKEUP LIKELY PART OF 2-PARK TWINBILL

TIME REFLECT ON A LONG SEASON

QUICK RAINOUT PLEASES JOHAN

TEMPESTS PUMMEL SINKIN’ SHIPS

BRONX BACKING - Mark Hale pointed out that the Yankees’ came to Willie’s support.

METS-YANKEES RAINED OUT

RANDOLPH FIRES BACK AT FIRING TALK

New York Times:

In the Bronx, Santana Shows What Could Have Been - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Yankees game.

A Meeting, an Apology and Support for Randolph

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 7, Yankees 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Delgado struggling

Game 40: Mets at Yankees - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Yankees game.

Mets’ team meeting clears air

Mets’ search lands Wright man for job - Dan Graziano makes his case on why David Wright should be the captain of the Mets.

Game Postponed Until June

Game Called - No Further Update

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The New York Mets (20-19) are playing Game 40 of the 2008 Regular Season against the New York Yankees (20-22) at Yankee Stadium.  It’s the first game of the two-game series.  The game began at 1:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Church, Wright, Beltran, Alou, Delgado, Easley, Schneider, Castillo.

Yankees Lineup: Damon, Abreu, Jeter, Matsui, Giambi, Cano, Cabrera, Gonzalez, Moeller.

At the Plate

Andy Pettitte (3-4) was the starting pitcher for the Yankees.  In the Top of the 1st, Pettitte struck out Reyes and Church on three pitches each.  Wright beat out a ground ball to short for a two-out single.  With Beltran at the plate, Wright stole second easily.  Pettitte fanned Beltran on four pitches.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 3 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Alou lined a leadoff single into left.  Pettitte struck out Delgado swinging.  Pettitte struck out Easley looking.  Pettitte picked off Alou by getting him in a rundown, and Giambi placed the tag on Alou to end the inning which was poor base running on Alou’s part.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Pettitte retired the side in order.  Pettitte gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Church led off by lining a single to center.  Wright lined a no-out single into left, and Church moved over to second.  Carlos Beltran grounded a no-out RBI single through the hole on the left side, and Ryan Church came around to score and Wright advanced to second.  Alou worked the count full before drawing a no-out walk which loaded the bases.  Delgado popped up in shallow left so the infield fly rule was called, and Jeter made the catch.  Pettitte struck out Easley looking.  Brian Schneider worked himself into a full count before drawing a two-out walk which forced in David Wright.  Luis Castillo hit a slow ground ball half way down the third base line which stopped so the Yankees never made a play as Carlos Beltran came home to score.  Reyes popped up to short leaving three Mets stranded.  Pettitte gave up 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Beltran lined a two-out single into left.  Pettitte hit Alou in the hand so Alou will take first.  With Delgado at the plate, Beltran stole third without a throw.  Pettitte fanned Delgado to leave two Mets stranded.  Pettitte gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Pettitte retired the side in order with three fly balls.  Pettitte gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Pettitte left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.

Girardi replaced Pettitte with Kyle Farnsworth to begin the Top of the 7th.  Jose Reyes led off the inning with a solo shot to right field.  Church drew a no-out walk.  David Wright hit a no-out 2-run opposite field jack to right which scored Ryan Church.  Beltran popped up to shallow right, and Cano made the catch for the first out.  Alou grounded to third, and Gonzalez made the out at first.  Delgado hit a two-out pop fly single into shallow center.  Farnsworth struck out Easley on a check swing to end the inning.  Farnsworth gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Girardi replaced Farnsworth with Edwar Ramirez to begin the Top of the 8th.  Castillo drew a leadoff walk on four straight pitches.  Reyes lined a one-out single up the middle, and Castillo moved over to second.  Ramirez struck out Church as Moeller threw out Castillo as Castillo attempted to steal third for a strike him out throw him out double play which ended the inning.  Ramirez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Girardi replaced Ramirez with Joba Chamberlain to begin the Top of the 9th.  Beltran drove a one-out triple to the gap in left center.  Chamberlain struck out Alou staring at strike three.  Carlos Delgado worked the count full before he pulled the ball through the hole on the right side for an RBI single which scored Carlos Beltran.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Easley, and Chamberlain fanned Anderson to end the inning.  Chamberlain gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (4-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Damon drew a leadoff walk.  Santana struck out Abreu swinging.  Derek Jeter crushed a one-out 2-run home run to left field scoring Johnny Damon.  Matsui grounded out to second.  Giambi popped up behind home plate, and Schneider made the catch to end a bad first inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Cabrera drew a one-out walk.  Gonzalez grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first as Cabrera advanced to second.  Santana fanned Moeller to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Damon led off by lining an opposite field single to left.  Abreu drove the ball to the gap to right center for a one-out double, and Damon tried to come around to score but Church made the relay to Castillo who made a perfect throw to Schneider who tagged Damon at the plate to save a run (Girardi came out to argue the call, but it wasn’t even close).  Jeter lined out to right.  Matsui grounded to first, and Delgado flipped the ball to Santana for the final out.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Santana pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana retired the side in order again for the second straight inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Jeter lined a one-out single into the gap in left center but he attempted to take second and got thrown out by Beltran.  Santana struck out Matsui to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Innings.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Jason Giambi led off by going yard to right field.  Santana caught Cano looking at strike three.  Cabrera grounded out to short.  Gonzalez flied out to center to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Bobby Abreu hit a two-out solo shot to dead center.  Jeter hit a two-out opposite field double to the right field corner.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Billy Wagner with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Matsui grounded to second to end the inning.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Giambi led off by hitting an opposite field flair into left.  Cano hit a broken bat single to third, and Wright stopped it but could not make a throw to first.  Cabrera flied out to right.  Duncan is pinch hitting for Gonzalez, and Duncan popped up behind home plate so Schneider made the catch.  Ensberg is pinch hitting for Moeller, and Wagner fanned Ensberg to end the game.  Wagner gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 7 - New York Yankees 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (5-2) got the win and Andy Pettitte (3-5) got the loss.

Since the Mets have been playing w-l-w-l-w-l baseball and they lost two before winning today, I think that the Mets will win tomorrow as well to go on a two-game winning streak.  It’s a pattern.  So the Mets should sweep this mini-series, and then I expect them to lose their first game (or more than one game) in Atlanta to continue the trend that the Mets have set.  After the losing streak, the Mets will win exactly that many games.  I just wish the Mets could put it together when playing the division.

Anyway, the Mets played a pretty good game today.  They took the first game from the Yankees in the Bronx.  Santana gave up 4 runs on 3 homers, but he pitched 8.2 innings before handing the ball off to Wagner for a four-out save.  Pettitte came out smoking hot early on, but then the Mets batted around in the 4th inning.  The Mets scored 3 runs in the 4th inning, but they should’ve scored a whole lot more.  After the bases were loaded, a hit out of the infield would’ve ended this game early.  Fortunately for the Mets, Reyes and Wright were each able to homer over the short porch in right in the 7th for some insurance runs.  In the 9th, Delgado was able cash in by driving in Beltran.  So 7 runs were enough today.  Perez will face Wang tomorrow night so it seems like the edge is in the Yankees favor, but Perez has a pretty good record against the Yankees.  Last year, the Mets hit Wang well the first time they faced him but Wang was lights out the second time around.  We’ll see how it plays out tomorrow.

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The 2008 Subway Series will begin tonight, if it stops raining.  And man is it raining.  Tonight’s game will probably get postponed.  If you’ve followed what I’ve written then you’d know that I think the Subway Series is overhyped Interleague play.  I’m not a fan of Interleague games at all.  It wouldn’t bother me if they eliminated it from the schedule.  If they did it at all, I think that it would be better if they did it like the NFL where each NL division plays a specific AL division per year and then it alternates annually.  That way, each division plays the same opponents.  For instance, if the NL East played the AL East in 2008, then if the NL East played AL Central in 2009, and so on.  It seems like the Interleague play goes on forever.  Or is it that the MLB season goes on forever?  I don’t know.  And then there is the difference in rules which is the dumbest thing in sports.  That doesn’t happen in the NFL, NBA, or the NHL.  The difference in rules is buch league.  Anyway, here’s the probable pitching matchups for the weekend:

• 04/16/2008 - Johan Santana (4-2) - Darrell Rasner (2-0)
• 04/17/2008 - Oliver Perez (3-3) - Andy Pettitte (3-4)
• 04/18/2008 - John Maine (5-2) - Chien-Ming Wang (6-1)

Mets.com:

Randolph tabbed as NL All-Star coach - Tom Singer reported that these coaches will join Colorado manager Clint Hurdle as the coaches of the 2008 NL All-Star coaching staff: In addition to Willie Randolph and Black, Hurdle will be assisted in All-Star duties by his own Rockies coaching staff — pitching coach Bob Apodaca, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, third base/infield coach Mike Gallego, first base coach Glenallen Hill, bullpen coach Rick Mathews and bench coach Jamie Quirk.

Alou eager to play at Yankee Stadium - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Yankees.

Newsday:

Starting today, Mets’ Randolph in line of fire - Jim Baumbach believes that Willie Randolph is in danger of losing his job.

Wagner rips teammates after Mets loss - Mark Herrmann found out what Billy Wagner said after yesterday’s loss to the Nationals, “Somebody tell me why the — the closer is being interviewed and I didn’t even play. Why are they over there and not being interviewed? Oh, I’ve got it. They’re gone. — shocker.”  Wagner was pissed because his teammates weren’t around after the game to deal with the press.

Yankees, Mets stumble into Subway Series

SNY’s Cohen gets to call Mets game from upper deck - Neil Best pointed out that the SNY team called yesterday’s game from the upper deck at Shea Stadium.

Nationals’ Harris has knack for robbing Mets

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday tells us what took place on May 16th of a year in the past at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.

Reyes tries to ignite on bases, but Nats nail him - Roderick Boone walks us through the 8th inning of yesterday’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

New York Daily News:

Basement Bombers vs. bickering Mets - Mike Lupica also wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s Mets-Yankees game.

This train to Bronx should be taken out of service - Bill Madden critizes the Mets.

Visitors save Johan Santana to show Yanks what they’re missing

Fox not on board for this Subway Series - Bob Raissman pointed out that Fox will not be airing any Mets-Yankees games this weekend.  I could care less because they suck at it anyway.

Mike Pelfrey gets no-no support - Kristie Ackert also summarized yesterday’s Nationals-Mets game.

Willie Randolph will be all-star assistant

New York Post:

BOOS FOR WILLIE’S AMAZIN’ MESS

THE SUBWAY SERIES MATCHUPS

UN-MET GOALS PUT RANDOLPH IN JEOPARDY

PELFREY MATURING ON MOUND

CASTILLO RETURNS - AND RUNS INTO TROUBLE - Bart Hubbuch is upset with Luis Castillo for not scoring when Austin Kearns dropped the ball in yesterday’s loss.

METS PREPARING FOR AMAZIN’ SUBWAY RIDE - Mike Puma explains where the Mets are as they come into the Subway Series.

New York Times:

Wanting Answers, Wagner Adds Questions - Ben Shpigel wrote up a game recap for yesterday’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Wagner, Talking Again, Criticizes Silent Players

The Star-Ledger:

Willie Randolph to coach in All-Star Game

Wagner rips teammates after Mets’ crushing loss