Die Hard Sports Fan

The New York Mets (17-15) are playing Game 33 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Cincinnati Reds (14-21) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the first game of a three-game series.  The game began at 1:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Reds Lineup: Patterson, Freel, Griffey Jr., Phillips, Votto, Encarnacion, Keppinger, Ross, Belisle.

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

On the Mound

Johan Santana (3-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Patterson dropped down a bunt towards first and Delgado made a bad flip to Santana so Patterson beat it out for a leadoff single.  With Freel at the plate, Santana threw to first and the Mets tagged Patterson in a rundown.  Freel grounded out to first.  Griffey lined a two-out single through the hole on the right side.  Phillips lined a two-out double into the corner in left, and Griffey went from first to third.  Votto lined out to right leaving two Reds stranded.  Santana gave up 3 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Keppinger drew a one-out walk.  Ross popped up to second.  Santana struck out Belisle to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Freel lined a one-out double near the left field line.  Griffey popped up to short.  Phillips grounded out to short to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Edwin Encarnacion drove a one-out solo jack over the left field wall.  Keppinger flied out to center.  Santana fanned Ross.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Belisle grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Santana struck out Patterson on a foul tip.  Freel dropped a bunt towards third, and Wright made the out at first as Belisle advanced to second.  Griffey grounded out to second to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Phillips lined a leadoff triple into the right field corner.  Votto popped up to short.  Edwin Encarnacion grounded a one-out RBI single under the diving Wright, and Brandon Phillips came home to score.  Keppinger grounded a one-out single under Reyes’ glove, and Encarnacion moved over to second.  Santana got Ross looking.  Hatteberg is pinch hitting for Belisle, and Scott Hatteberg lined a two-out RBI single into right while Edwin Encarnacion scored and Keppinger went to third.  Santana fanned Patterson to end the inning.  Santana gave up 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 10 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 1 BB, and he had 5 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 7th.  Freel lined a leadoff single into left.  Griffey lined out to center.  With Phillips in the batters box, Freel stole second without a throw.  Phillips drew a one-out walk.  Joey Votto lined a one-out RBI double into left, and Ryan Freel scored and Phillips advanced to third.  Heilman got Encarnacion swinging.  Keppinger grounded out to short to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 8th.  Ross lined a leadoff single up the middle.  Hairston is pinch hitting for Lincoln, and Hairston popped up to center and Beltran made the catch.  Patterson popped up to third, and Wright made the catch.  Freel lined a two-out single into center, and Ross moved over to second.  Ken Griffey Jr. drove a two-out 2-run double halfway up the wall in right field which scored David Ross and Ryan Freel.  Patterson grounded out to second to end the inning.  Feliciano gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Jorge Sosa to begin the Top of the 9th.  Votto drew a leadoff walk.  Encarnacion grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play.  Keppinger grounded in front of home plate, and Schneider made the out at first to end the game.  Sosa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Matt Belisle (1-2) was the starting pitcher for the Reds.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Wright drew a two-out walk.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Belisle fanned Church to leave two Mets stranded.  Belisle gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Alou lined a leadoff single into center.  Delgado drove a single into the gap in right center, and Alou moved over to second.  Schneider grounded to first, and Votto only got the out at second.  Santana struck out, but Ross could not handle the ball and it went to the backstop so Santana beat out the play at first while Moises Alou came home and Schneider went to second (Since first base was occupied, Santana could not take first base so Schneider is the only baserunner).  Reyes flied out to left to end the inning.  Belisle gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Castillo drew a leadoff walk.  Wright lined a no-out single into right, and Castillo went from first to third.  Carlos Beltran lined a no-out RBI single into center which scored Luis Castillo, and Wright advanced to second.  Church grounded out to first, and both runners advanced.  Moises Alou dropped a one-out bloop single over the head of Phillips, and David Wright and Carlos Beltran scored.  Delgado grounded to first, and the Reds turned the inning ending double play.  Belisle gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Belisle pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Belisle gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Castillo grounded to the pitcher but Belisle (Error on Matt Belisle) made a bad throw to first so Castillo went to second.  Wright lined a no-out single, and Castillo advanced to third.  Carlos Beltran hit a sacrifice fly to center, and Luis Castillo tagged up and scored and Wright tagged up and went to second.  Ryan Church lined a one-out RBI single into right center, and David Wright came around to score.  Alou grounded to third, and the Reds turned the double play.  Belisle gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Belisle left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 6 Runs, 5 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Baker replaced Belisle with Bill Bray to begin the Bottom of the 6th.  Delgado lined a leadoff double down the left field line.  Schneider lined a no-out single into right, and Delgado advanced to third.  Bray gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.

Baker replaced Bray with Mike Lincoln with no outs in the Bottom of the 6th.  Easley is pinch hitting for Santana, and Easley grounded to third and was thrown out at first by Encarnacion.  Reyes drew a one-out walk to load the bases.  Lincoln caught Castillo looking at strike three.  David Wright drew an RBI two-out walk which brought Carlos Delgado home.  Carlos Beltran lined a two-out 3-run triple down the right field line which scored Brian Schneider, Jose Reyes, and David Wright.  Church grounded out to second to end the inning.  Lincoln gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Carlos Delgado hit a one-out jack to right field.  Brian Schneider followed that up with a solo shot of his own to the right field corner.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Lincoln fanned Chavez.  Reyes grounded out to first to end the inning.  Lincoln gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Lincoln left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOS.

Baker replaced Lincoln with Jeremy Affeldt to begin the 8th Inning.  Affeldt pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Affeldt gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Cincinnati Reds 6 - New York Mets 12.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (4-2) got the win and Matt Belisle (1-3) got the loss.

The Mets put up double digits for the second game in a row.  The entire lineup was hitting except for Reyes and Castillo.  Delgado had 3 hits, and Beltran had 5 RBIs.  Santana got the ‘w’, but he didn’t look so good on the mound.  He gave up 10 hits, and had men on base all game.  Somehow, he got out of it only giving up 3 runs.  Heilman and Feliciano were responsible for the rest of the runs.

The Reds and the Mets will begin the second game of the day at 7:30 p.m.

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The New York Mets (16-14) are playing Game 31 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (18-14) at Dodger Stadium.  It’s the second game of a three-game series.  The game began at 10:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.Mets Lineup: Reyes, Church, Wright, Alou, Delgado, Pagan, Schneider, Castillo, Figueroa.

Dodgers Lineup: Pierre, Jones, Kemp, Kent, Loney, Martin, DeWitt, Hu, Kuroda.

At the Plate

Hiroki Kuroda (1-2) was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Top of the 1st, Ryan Church hit a one-out solo shot to center.  Wright drove the ball just foul of the right sideline, and Kemp made the out.  Alou lined a two-out single into center.  Delgado grounded to short, and Hu made the force out at second to end the inning.  Kuroda gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Pagan dropped down a bunt towards the pitcher and Kuroda made a bad throw to first so Pagan is safe.  Schneider pulled a single down the right field line, and Pagan went first to third.  Luis Castillo lined a no-out RBI single into center which brought Angel Pagan home, and Schneider advanced to second.  Figueroa dropped down a bunt towards the pitcher, and Kuroda (Error on Hiroki Kuroda) made a bad throw to third so the bases are loaded.  Jose Reyes lined a no-out RBI single into center, and Brian Schneider scored.  Church grounded to the pitcher, and Kuroda got the out at home before Martin got Church out at first.  Kuroda fanned Wright with Mets on second and third.  Kuroda gave up 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Alou grounded to third and DeWitt (Error on Blake DeWitt) couldn’t field it properly so Alou is on base.  Delgado grounded a no-out single up the middle, and Alou went first to third.  Pagan grounded to third, and DeWitt got the force out at second.  With Schneider at the plate, Pagan stole second so Martin attempted to throw him out but didn’t and then Moises Alou stole home.  Schneider drew a one-out walk.  Castillo grounded to second, and the Dodgers only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  With Figueroa in the batters box, Castillo stole second.  Figueroa drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Reyes grounded to short, and Hu tagged second to leave the bases loaded.  Kuroda gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Wright drew a one-out walk.  Alou lined a one-out single into left, and Wright advanced to second.  Kuroda gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  Kuroda left the game after pitching 3.1 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 4 Runs, 2 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Torre replaced Kuroda with Hong-Chih Kuo with one out in the Top of the 4th.  Kuo fanned Delgado.  Then Kuo fanned Pagan leaving two Mets stranded.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Kuo hit Castillo with the pitch to give the Mets a one-out base runner.  Figueroa drew a one-out walk.  Reyes worked the count full before looking at strike three.  Church also worked the count full prior to staring at strike three with two Mets on base.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 3 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Kuo quickly retired the side.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Kuo sent the Mets down in order again.  Kuo gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Kuo left the game after pitching 3.2 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 8 SOs.

Torre replaced Kuo with Jonathan Broxton to begin the Top of the 8th.  Church lined a two-out double into the right field corner.  Broxton struck out Wright looking.  Broxton gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Torre replaced Broxton with Takashi Saito to begin the Top of the 9th.  Pagan lined a two-out bloop single into center.  Schneider lined a two-out single into right, and Pagan advanced to second.  Saito caught Castillo looking at strike three to end the game.  Saito gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 S in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Nelson Figueroa Jr. (2-1) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Jones drew a one-out walk.  Kemp grounded to third, and the Mets only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  With Kent at the plate, Kemp stole second.  Kent drew a two-out walk.  Loney grounded the ball hard down the third base line, and Wright dove to make the stop but couldn’t get the out so the bases are loaded.  Martin flied out to center to leave the bases juiced.  Figueroa gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, DeWitt grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Figueroa fanned Hu.  Kuroda dropped down a bunt towards first, and Figueroa made the out at first as DeWitt moved over to second.  Juan Pierre lined a two-out RBI single into right, and Blake DeWitt came around to score.  With Jones in the batters box, Pierre attempted to steal second and Schneider threw him out.  Figueroa gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Kemp drew a one-out walk.  Kent grounded to third, and the Mets only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Loney grounded a single up the middle, and Kent went first to third because Pagan bobbled the ball.  Martin drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Blake DeWitt pulled a two-out 2-run single past Delgado and into right which scored Jeff Kent and James Loney, and Martin advanced to second.  Hu flied out to right to leave two Dodgers stranded.  Figueroa gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Jones lined a two-out single up the middle.  Kemp lined out to third to end the inning.  Figueroa gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Martin lined a two-out single into center.  Blake DeWitt hit a two-out in the park home run off of the top of the wall which scored Russell Martin and himself (Church attempted to make the catch and just laid on the ground thinking it was a Homer, and didn’t make a play).  Hu grounded to third, and Wright (2 Base Error on David Wright) made a poor throw to first so Hu advanced to second.  Kuo grounded to third, and Wright tagged Hu as he was running to third.  Figueroa gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  Figueroa left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Randolph replaced Figueroa with Aaron Heilman to begin the Bottom of the 6th.  Kemp lined a one-out single into right field.  With Kent in the batters box, Kemp stole second.  Kent grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Heilman pitched the Mets first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Heilman left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Hu grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Young is pinch hitting for Broxton, and Young dropped down a sacrifice bunt which moved Hu to second while Feliciano made the out at first.  Pierre grounded to first, and Delgado tossed it to Feliciano who tagged first while Hu advanced to third.  Feliciano gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Joe Smith with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Smith got Jones looking.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 4 - Los Angeles Dodgers 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Nelson Figueroa Jr. (2-2) took the loss and Hong-Chih Kuo (2-1) got the win.

The Mets already lost this series against the Dodgers.  The Mets were smacking the ball around the park against Koruda, but Torre had enough of that and replaced him with Kuo.  Kuo was lights out against the Mets giving up no hits, one walk, and 8 K’s.  Then the Dodgers’ Bullpen continued to keep the Mets from scoring.  The inside the park homer by DeWitt was pathetic because Church just laid there on the ground.  In the Bottom of the 9th, I had no confidence in Castillo to do anything at the plate.  He had an RBI in the 2nd Inning so it was very unlikely that he would do it again.  This slump he’s in is serious.  The Mets left a ton of men on base all night though so it’s not just his fault.

Maybe the Mets can get out of there without getting swept.  Maine is facing their ace Penny tomorrow.

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The New York Mets (16-13) are playing Game 30 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Los Angeles Dodgers (17-14) at Dodger Stadium.  It’s the first game of a three-game series.  The game began at 10:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

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

Dodgers Lineup: Furcal, Pierre, Kemp, Kent, Martin, Loney, Jones, DeWitt, Billingsley.

At the Plate

Chad Billingsley (1-4) is the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.  In the Top of the 1st, Billingsley got Reyes to pop up to third before fanning Church and Wright.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran led off by grounding a single up the middle.  Alou flied out to right.  Delgado pulled a one-out double down the right field line as Beltran went first to third.  Billingsly got Schneider to chase strike three.  Castillo grounded out to third leaving two Mets stranded.  Billingsley gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Reyes drew a one-out walk.  With Church in the batters box, Reyes stole second.  Church grounded to second, and Kent made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  Billingsley fanned Wright leaving Reyes on third.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Delgado drew a two-out walk.  Schneider dropped a two-out single into center, and Delgado advanced to second.  Castillo grounded out to third to leave two Mets stranded.  Billingsley gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Church drew a two-out walk.  Wright grounded out to deep short, and Furcal threw a rocket to first to get the out.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Beltran led off by pulling a triple down the right field line.  Moises Alou grounded a no-out RBI single up the middle which brought Carlos Beltran home.  Delgado grounded to short, and the Dodgers turned the double play.  Schneider grounded out to third.  Billingsley gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Castillo drew a leadoff walk.  Pagan is pinch hitting for Perez, and this move brought Torre out for a pitching change.  Billingsley gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Billingsley left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Torre replaced Billingsley with Joe Beimel with no outs in the 7th Inning.  Pagan flied out to right.  Reyes flied out in foul ground along the right side line, and Kemp made the catch.  Beimel fanned Church.  Beimel gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Torre replaced Beimel with Jonathan Broxton to begin the Top of the 8th.  Broxton retired the side in order.  Broxton gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Torre replaced Broxton with Takashi Saito to begin the Top of the 9th.  Saito wiggled a lot as he pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Saito gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (2-2) is the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Rafael Furcal led off with a solo shot to left center.  Pierre lined a single into center.  Kemp flied out to right near the line.  With Kent at the plate, Pierre stole second safely as Schneider’s throw went into center field.  Kent grounded to the pitcher, and Perez made the out at first as Pierre moved over to third.  Russell Martin lined a two-out RBI single into center field which brought Juan Pierre home.  Loney grounded out to second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Perez got Jones and DeWitt to ground out before getting Billingsley to look at strike three.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Perez pitched another 1-2-3 inning.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Martin grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side.  Loney swung at strike three while Martin was stealing second, and Schneider (Error on Brian Schneider) threw the ball into center so Martin advanced to third.  Jones popped up to shallow left, and Reyes made the out to leave one Dodger stranded.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Blake DeWitt led off with a solo jack to center.  Perez fanned Billingsley.  Furcal popped up to third.  Pierre drew a two-out walk.  Matt Kemp crushed a two-out 2-run shot to center scoring Juan Pierre.  Kent grounded hard to third, and Wright made a beautiful dive and throw to end the inning.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Loney drew a one-out walk on four pitches.  Jones grounded to third, and the Mets completed the double play.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

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

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Jorge Sosa to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Kemp lined a one-out single into right.  Kent flied out to center.  With Martin at the plate, Schneider threw out Kemp as he attempted to steal second base.  Sosa gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 1 - Los Angeles Dodgers 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Oliver Perez (2-3) got the loss and Chad Billingsley (1-4) got the win.

Oli took another beaten today, but not as bad as it was against the Pirates on Wednesday.  Oli pitched 6 innings, but he gave up 3 homers and 5 runs.  Going into the game, I was confident that Perez would beat the pitcher with the 1-4 record that he faced.  The Mets must’ve left their bats in the desert because they only put up 1 run.  Or maybe it was a long flight.  It’s tougher to win a series when you drop the first game.  Now, the Mets need to win the next two to win the series.

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As usual, the Mets were able to win the series against the D-Backs.  Even when the D-Backs (20-8) had the best record in the NL heading into the series.  That’s over and done with now.  Tonight, the Mets begin a three-game series with the Dodgers.  Here’s a look at the probable pitching matchups:

• 05/05/2008 - Oliver Perez (2-2) - Chad Billingsley (1-4)
• 05/06/2008 - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (2-1) - Hiroki Kuroda (1-2)
• 05/07/2008 - John Maine (3-2) - Brad Penny (5-2)

Mets.com:

Mets feeling more than ‘all right’ - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Mets hoping Perez steps up - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Next step for Pedro is facing hitters - Anthony DiComo found out that Pedro Martinez may begin facing hitters within a week.  Once Martinez faces hitters, the Mets will create a rehab schedule.

Newsday:

Church’s throw helps Mets top Diamondbacks - David Lennon also summarized yesterday’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Mets finally play projected opening day lineup - David Lennon noted that it took 29 games for the Mets to put their opening day lineup out on the field.

New York Daily News:

Mets rally in ninth, beat D-backs 5-2 on costly error and win series - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks as well.

Brian Schneider back as backstop for Mets, but shows rust

Matt Wise, Ramon Castro back soon - Adam Rubin reported that Matt Wise and Ramon Castro may be activated for this weekend’s series against the Reds.

New York Post:

PETERSON’S SILENT ON PITCHING WOES

RIGHT BACK ‘ATCHA - Bart Hubbuch provided a game recap for yesterday’s game.

New York Times:

In Matchup of Top Arms, Throw From Right Is Pivotal

The Star-Ledger:

Schneider back behind plate

Mets throw D’backs for loss

Final: Mets 5, D-Backs 2

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The Mets currently have a 2-1 lead over the D-Backs.  Santana is doing what he does right now, and he just worked himself out of a bases loaded jam as well.  He’s finished after 6 Innings so we’ll see how this plays out.  I definitely want the Metropolitans to win the series before leaving the Valley of the Sun.  The Mets will head out to the City of Angels after the game.

Mets.com:

Schneider to play through the pain - Anthony DiComo noted that Brian Schneider was going to start today, and he has to play through the pain of his injury.

One step forward, two steps back - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Mets display their offseason prize - Anthony DiComo put together a  pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Franco officially ends 23-year career - The AP reported that former Met, Julio Franco, officially retired on Wednesday at the age of 49.

Reyes was caught in the moment - Anthony DiComo says Jose Reyes played it smart when he attempted the cycle on Friday.

Church’s lineup spot benefits everyone - Anthony DiComo stated that the Mets are wig when Reyes is succeeding and Ryan Church is batting second in the lineup.

Newsday:

Mets catcher Schneider ready for duty

Pitching meltdown sinks Mets in Phoenix - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Ex-Met Gary Carter never shy about curtain calls

New York Daily News:

Mets finally fall to D-backs in Arizona

Brian Schneider to return in L.A.

Boo-birds in full flock this spring - Jesse Spector explains why the Mets are getting booed so much in ‘08.

New York Post:

DUD IN DESERT

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… - Billy Wagner.

DELGADO FINDING GROOVE

25 BEST SHEA STADIUM MOMENTS: NO. 21

VERSATILE MURPHY TURNING HEADS - Tim Bontempts tells us how a prospect named Dan Murphy, third baseman of Double-A Binghamton, had a great April, hitting .363 with one home run and 18 RBI in 26 games.

New York Times:

Webb Is the Model, and Pelfrey Learns a Lesson About His Craft

The Star-Ledger:

Game 29: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game.

A tough day for Pelfrey as D’Backs roll

Delgado shows signs he’s still got it

Final: Diamondbacks 10, Mets 4

Mets lose to Diamondbacks, 10-4 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game.

Game 28: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provded the lineup for yesterday’s game.

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I’m feeling confident right now that the Mets can take this series from the D-Backs.  Rather than building Citi Field, they should’ve just swapped ballparks with the Diamondbacks because the Mets have won 14 of the last 15 games at Chase Field by a combined score of 114 to 36.  That’s some serious whoop @$$.  Just imagine how the Mets would steamroll the NL by playing 81 games in the Valley of the Sun.  Citi/Chase…a bank is a bank, right?

Mets.com:

What a difference one man makes - Anthony DiComo wrote up a game recap about last night’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Pelfrey to face one of game’s best - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the D-Backs.

Mets rejoice in Alou’s return - Anthony DiComo tells us what he thought of Moises Alou’s ‘08 debut last night.

Mets stick with Schneider - Anthony DiComo reported that Gustavo Molina was sent back down to Triple-A before last night’s contest.  The Mets decided to keep Brian Schneider on the roster even though he hasn’t healed enough to play yet.

Wagner, Perez clear the air - Anthony DiComo found out that Billy Wagner’s comments about Oliver Perez are no longer an issue.

Newsday:

Reyes, Mets defeat D’backs - David Lennon also summarized last night’s Mets-Diamondbacks game.

Randolph wishes Wagner kept comments in-house

Alou returns to Mets’ lineup

New York Daily News:

Mets still on fire against the Diamondbacks - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks as well.

Willie & Billy have a ‘private’ chat

New York Post:

‘BACK IN BUSINESS - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Jose Reyes led the Mets to victory.

WILLIE TO BILLY: KEEP IT IN-HOUSE

New York Times:

Alou Sparks the Mets to a Welcome Victory

Wagner’s Public Scolding Earns Him a Private One

The Star-Ledger:

Back at Chase

Wagner taken to task

Online-only edition: Alou’s return sparks Mets victory in desert

Alou returns and Mets roll

Game 27: Mets at Diamondbacks - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for last night’s game.

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So April is over now.  The Amazins’ finished the month of April with a 14-12 record after playing 26 games.  If you prorate it through 162 games then the Mets will be 87-75.  At month end, the Mets are in a three-way tie with the Marlins and the Phillies.  The Braves are 2.5 games back, and the Nats are 4 games behind.

It’s May now, and hopefully a new calendar month along with a trip out west will get the Metropolitans heading in the right direction.  The Mets will go to Phoenix for three games and then to Los Angeles for three games.

After one month, all of you Mets fans keep on booing our team.  What’s up with that?  I understand some of it, but not all of it.  I understand booing Delgado, Castillo, and Heilman for poor performances.  I understand booing Schoeneweis for steroids, and I would never cheer for somebody that shouldn’t be allowed to play baseball anymore.  I hear callers complain on WFAN because they want Willie fired.  I think Willie is an average Manager.  He lacks to NL knowledge that Bobby V. had, but he still has had a winning record with the Mets.  Historically, that’s better than the majority of Mets managers.  I don’t think this is Willie’s fault at all.  He’s by no means perfect, but I’ve seen much worse.

I put more of this on Omar than Willie because all of the starting players that were part of the collapse are still on the field, with the exception of LoDuca and Green.  If these players don’t feel like they have something to prove this year then Omar should get rid of them.  Omar knows what type of heart these guys have.  Only Wright and Alou played through the end of 2007.  I’m was upset with the Mets as an organization for covering up whatever happened last year.  Like I said in the offseason, I wanted to know what happened to Reyes down the stretch so I can justify it if he was sent to the Twins in exchange for Santana.  If he was hurt and would be back healthy this year then I wanted him back.  If he just quit then I wanted him out.  Reyes said he slumped, and he’s still in a funk.  Maybe he shouldn’t be here anymore.  I hated the Castillo contract from the beginning.  He’s not worth more than $10/year.  He told the Mets he was 100% healthy in December when he got his contract, but he asks Willie for days off.  He still can’t bunt or hit the ball.  Pedro and El Duque lied to the Mets about how great they felt on Spring Training.  They’ve been doing that for years already, and that’s why I wrote the post back then called “Talking the Talk or Walking the Walk”.  Omar believes the lies that Pedro and El Duque told them about being healthy so we don’t have a backup plan in place.

On the positive side, I love what I’ve seen out of Church and Pagan.  I never even liked Milledge because he’s a disgusting person so I loved that trade regardless of how any of the three players actually perform in the future.  Figueroa has been pretty solid as well.  And last but not least, Johan Santana is the man.  He finished April with 3 wins.  At three wins a month, he’ll end up with 18 wins at the end of the year.  Santana could’ve had more wins of the offense could put up more runs or if the bullpen could hold a lead.

That’s enough venting for me.  My point was that if the players weren’t good enough to win last year then why would they be good enough to win this year?  And heart is something that shows up on stats sheets.  I’m a Giants fan, and I just watched them win the Super Bowl with a bunch of rookies.  The Giants were picked to finish last in their division even though they made the Playoffs two years in a row prior to that.  The Mets are the favorites to win the World Series, but besides Santana what have they done?

Mets.com:

Citi Field recalls, renews sport’s legacy - Barry M. Bloom pointed out how Citi Field is a testament to NYC’s rich baseball tradition.

Wagner returns to site of scary incident- Marty Noble tells us a story where Billy Wagner got beaned by a comebacker by Stinnett about ten years ago in Phoenix.

Forgettable day for Perez against Bucs - Marty Noble summarized yesterday’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets know D-backs present challenge - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks.

Schneider at Shea, but stays sidelined - Marty Noble reported that Brian Schneider’s thumb is improving, but the staph infection is not fully healed.

Strawberry writing ‘Straw’ memoir - The AP informed us that Darryl Strawberry is currently writing a book titled “Straw” that will be released in 2009.

Newsday:

Mets lose, 13-1, to Pirates; Wagner calls out team - Jim Baumbach also summarized how the Mets stunk it up yesterday.  Billy had this to say about the team’s perfomance, or lack there of, “Today, we just didn’t show up. I’m not saying Pittsburgh can’t beat the New York Mets. But I’m just saying there’s no way we should have this lopsided of a score. Yes, you’re going to have games like this. It’s something that can’t continue to linger.”

Wagner rips Perez over poor outing - Katie Strang got this quote from Wagner about Oliver Perez’s start yesterday, “Perez honestly has to step up and know we used every guy in the bullpen the night before. He can’t come out there and decide he doesn’t have it today, so be it.”  I hope Billy has something to say about every player every time they mess up which is pretty often.

Wright can do no wrong in fans’ eyes

Schneider back with Mets, but not ready to play

Water main break at Citi Field delays Mets game

New York Daily News:

Pirates crush sloppy Mets, 13-1

September stench still reeks at Shea - Mike Lupica discusses how poorly the Mets have been playing.

Oliver Perez takes walk on wild side - Roger Rubin explains what things Oli was doing wrong yesterday.

Can’t put a finger on Brian Schneider’s return to Mets

New York Post:

METS SEND IN THE OOPS

SCHNEIDER LEAVES HOSPITAL STAPH BEHIND

THIS (BLEEP) IS MORE THAN A BLIP - Mike Vaccaro found out how other Championship teams took loses like the Mets did yesterday and moved on.

INEPT OLLIE FUELS AMAZIN’ FOLLY

New York Times:

It Was a Dark Afternoon for the Daydreaming Mets - Ben Shpigel also summarized yesterday’s Pirates-Mets game.

The Star-Ledger:

Wagner has harsh words for Perez

Pirates rip sloppy Mets

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Well, the Mets couldn’t sweep the Pirates.  Not only could they not sweep the Pirates, but it took them 11 innings to beat them the first night and they got torched today.  The Mets (14-12) have an off day tomorrow before they head out west for a 6-game road trip.  The Mets will be in Arizona (20-8) over the weekend and in L.A. (13-13) early next week.  The Diamondbacks are smokin’ hot right now.  If we struggle with the Nats and the Bucs then it’s safe to assume that we’ll struggle out west.  I hope not though.

The Mets are 14-12 now.

Mets.com:

Game delayed by water main break - Marty Noble explained why today’s Pirates-Mets game got off to a late start.

Wright gives Mets walk-off win - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets up to the task against southpaws - Marty Noble assembled a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Alou cleared to return to Mets - Marty Noble stated that Moises Alou could play this wekeend vs. Arizona.

Valentin pays visit to Mets teammates - Marty Noble pointed out that Jose Valentin visited the team prior to last night’s game, and Valentin expects to return to the team by the end of May.

Church looking for first All-Star bid

Newsday:

Mets win on Wright’s long single in 11th - Jim Baumbach summarized last night’s Pirates-Mets game.

Alou could be back in Mets’ lineup on Friday

Mientkiewicz: You haven’t seen the real Johan yet

Mets’ Schneider close to leaving hospital

New York Daily News:

David Wright’s 11th-inning hit gives Mets 5-4 win over Pirates - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

Mets catcher Brian Schneider released from hospital - The AP reported that Brian Schneider was released by the hospital yesterday.

In cold, Johan Santana’s drama is gripping - Roger Rubin found out that Johan Santana thought it was difficult to pitch in the chilly conditions last night.

Moises Alou’s bat set for road swing

To Ryan Church, strong start to year is all relative

Matt Wise might replace Jorge Sosa - Adam Rubin reported that Matt Wise is expected to rejoin the Mets in Arizona this weekend after a rehab appearance Thursday.  Rubin believes that the Mets might send Jorge Sosa down to the minors when Wise returns.

New York Post:

WRIGHT ON TIME - Bart Hubbuch summarized last night’s Pirates-Mets games as well.

URGENT MATTER - Even though the Mets have been winning, Kevin Kernan believes that the Mets need to play with more urgency because they don’t understand how to put away a much lesser opponent.

ALOU MAY BE BACK FRIDAY

SANCHEZ SIDESTEPS BIG TROUBLE - Duaner Sanchez took the blame for allowing last night’s game to get into extra innings.

New York Times:

Mets Will Take a Victory They Nearly Gave Away

Alou Is Finally Ready to Play, but Schneider Is Not

Smoltz Put on Disabled List With Sore Right Shoulder - YEAH!!!

The Star-Ledger:

Wright’s hit boosts Mets in 11th

Alou says he’ll play vs. D’backs

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Due to last night’s rainout, the Pirates and the Mets will only play a two-game series.  Last night’s game will be made up on August 11, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ET.  Johan Santana and John Maine will be the starting pitches in the two-game set.  These are the Pirates so I’m looking forward to a mini-sweep.

Mets.com:

Series opener vs. Bucs postponed - Marty Noble lets us know that last night’s Pirates-Mets game is to be made up on Aug. 11 at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Delgado looks to stay hot vs. Bucs - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Pirates and the Mets.

MUSEUM TO UNVEIL NEW ROBINSON PLAQUE SATURDAY - The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will unveil a new plaque of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, featuring updated language to further honor his legacy, this Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Gallery. The ceremony will feature Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s widow, as she shares her thoughts on her late husband’s legacy.

Alou’s MRI postponed - Marty Noble stated that Moises Alou was unable to fly to New York early enough to make it to the Doctor yesterday because of the weather.  Alou had to postpone his visit to the foot Doctor until today.

Newsday:

Mets’ Delgado: I wasn’t sending message to fans - Katie Strang found out what Carlos Delgado had to say about not coming out of the dugout when the fans called for a curtain call.  Delgado said,

I hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh. We were winning by two. All I did was add another run. I didn’t think that was the right moment. It wasn’t a walk-off home run, it wasn’t a tiebreaking home run. It was a home run in April.

Rain puts Santana’s return to Shea on hold

New York Daily News:

Carlos Delgado says staying in dugout was his choice and not slight to fans

All wrong bringing David Wright into Carlos Delgado’s mess of nonsense

Media to Met fans: Boooo!

Curtain call Q&A with Carlos Delgado

Jane Jarvis recalls the happy times and tunes at Shea

Johan Santana goes after rainout - Roger Rubin informed us that Johan Santana will make the start tonight even after he was supposed to pitch last night, but the game got rained out.

Brian Schneider gets swell news - Roger Rubin reported that Brian Schneider could return shortly from an infection in his left thumb.

New York Post:

DELGADO NOT BUYING BOOS

THUMBS DOWN FOR SCHNEIDER

CURTAIN SNUB DESERVES CHEER

METS-PIRATES RAINED OUT

New York Times:

Nady Could Fill the Void He Left

Delgado Will Wait to Take His Bow

The Star-Ledger:

Delgado has no regrets about curtain-call snub

Revised pitching rotation - Colin Stephenson tells us how the rotation was affected by the rainout.

Mets rained out

Some days, it rains

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The good news is that I’m flying down to Charleston, SC for a wedding this weekend.  The bad news is that I won’t be able to cover the Mets-Braves series.  I’m a Rangers fan too so I’m going to miss a Braves-Mets series and Games 1 & 2 of the Rangers-Penguins series.  I set my DVR to record all of that except for Game 1 of the Rangers-Penguins series because it’s on Versus, and I don’t have it.  I’m also going to miss the NFL Draft.  Our output is going to be limited this weekend.  When I get home, I’m going to watch all the Mets-Braves series because I’d never miss it.

Here’s the probable pitching matchups:

• 04/25/2008 - Jair Jurrjens (2-2) - Mike Pelfrey (2-0)
• 04/26/2008 - Tim Hudson (3-1) - John Maine (1-2)
• 04/27/2008 - John Smoltz (3-1) - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (1-1)

I’m not sure about tonight, but the pitching matchups looks like it’s in the Braves favor on Saturday and Sunday.

Mets.com:

Mets’ early lead disappears in D.C. - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Mets hope to find groove vs. Braves - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Braves and the Mets.

Thumb infection hospitalizes Schneider - Anthony DiComo reported that Brian Schneider, “was hospitalized on Thursday with a left thumb infection and will remain in New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery overnight.”  DiComo also thinks that it is possible that Schneider may end up on the DL.  In the meantime, the Mets brought up Gustavo Molina as a backup catcher.

Mets treading lightly with Sanchez - Anthony DiComo pointed out that Duaner Sanchez has looked superb, but the Mets are mindful of his past injuries.

Wright’s Foundation continues to grow - Anthony DiComo tells us about the David Wright Foundation which serves children in NYC and Virginia.

Newsday:

Heilman allows slam as Mets fall to Nationals - David Lennon also summarized last night’s Mets-Nationals game.

Pelfrey’s mouthpiece a distraction for opponents - David Lennon lets us know why Mike Pelfrey wears a mouthpiece, and how it affects his opponents.

Ex-Met Milledge sits after arriving late for game - According to the AP, Lastings Milledge wouldn’t state why he was late for last night’s game.  Maybe MC Millidge was recording a new gansta rap song.  What a dusch bag.

Infected thumb lands Mets’ Schneider in hospital

Lack of save opportunities not fazing Wagner

New York Daily News:

Mets drop early lead, lose to Nationals - Adam Rubin put together a game recap for last night’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Harold Reynolds, Omar Minaya reunite

Brian Schneider’s thumb worsens

Joe Smith offers his own curses to Cubs fans - According to Adam Rubin, Joe Smith was swearing at Cubs fans this week, and it ended up on YouTube.

New York Times:

Against Nationals, Not Much Goes Right for the Mets

His Forearm Is Better, but Schneider Is Out With Infected Thumb

The Star-Ledger:

Heilman slammed as Mets end road trip with dud

Schneider spends night in hospital

Final: Nationals 10, Mets 5

Schneider hospitalized

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