Die Hard Sports Fan

 Yesterday, I asked for Johan to save us.  The game was 2-2 for a while so I wasn’t sure if he was going to stop the bleeding, and then the Metropolitans put together a rally in the Top of the 6th to give the Mets a 5-2 lead.  At that point, I felt much better.  The Mets tacked on two more runs in the Top of the 9th.  So we all need to thank Santana for stopping the 3-game skid.  Now we need Oli to pitch a gem so we can sweep the Nats.

Mets.com:

Do-it-all ace ends Mets’ slide - Anthony DiComo tips his cap to Johan Santana for last night’s outing.

Church, Schneider glad to be with Mets - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Mets to pay tribute to Lang - MLB.com wrote, “The Mets are to pay tribute to Jack Lang and raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island Saturday afternoon before and during their game at Shea Stadium against the Braves. The club the late baseball writer began covering in 1962 is to present a program prior to the 1:10 p.m. game and present video clips about Lang between innings.”

Delgado drops to sixth in Mets’ lineup - Anthony DiComo informed us that Willie Randolph moved Carlos Delgado to the sixth spot in the rotation last night.

Schneider dares Nats baserunners - Anthony DiComo pointed out the Brian Schneider was back in the lineup to face his former team last night.

Newsday:

Santana does it all as Mets end three-game slide

Breaking news: Harold Reynolds joins SNY - Neil Best reported that SNY hired Harold Reynolds as a part-time studio analyst.  I am very disappointed with SNY for hiring a guy who was fired by ESPN for allegations of sexual harrassment.  He must’ve done something wrong if he got fired for allegations.

Reyes, do you want to be a Jeter or a Rey Ordonez? - Wallace Matthews brainstorms the question in the title about Jose Reyes.

Mets’ Delgado dropped to sixth in batting order

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana, Mets beat Nationals - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s Mets-Nationals game as well.

Harold Reynolds joins SNY as Mets analyst - At the bottom of this article written by Bob Raissman, SNY’s executive producer, Curt Gowdy Jr., stated, “We are always looking to make the product stronger. Harold’s studio experience, keen insight, and strong relationships with current and former players will enhance our baseball coverage.”  Apparently, making the product stronger comes before the safety of the women in the workplace.  Obviously, SNY is a NY media outlet.  What if your sister worked there and Reynolds sexually harrased her, what would you think about it or do about it?

Willie Randolph shakes up order

Brian Schneider’s catching up - Adam Rubin also noted that Schneider played last night.

New York Post:

CHURCH HOPES TO SCHOOL NATS

AMAZIN’ STOPPER

DEEP SIXED - Bart Hubbuch also wrote an article about Delgado being moved down in the lineup.

SCHNEIDER SHAKES OFF BAD FOREARM BRUISE

SANTANA, METS BEAT NATIONALS

SCHNEIDER RETURNS TO SLUMPING METS

New York Times:

Santana Helps Mets End Skid at 3

To Raise Their Offense, the Mets Lower Delgado

The Star-Ledger:

Mets’ Schneider sent home with thumb infection - Apparantely returning to the lineup wasn’t such a good idea for Schneider.  Brian was sent to New York to have his thumb checked out at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Mets need a sweep

Santana puts brakes on Mets’ skid

Randolph defends Delgado

Nice rally… - Dan Graziano takes us through the Top of the 6th of last night’s Mets-Nats game.

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The New York Mets (10-9) are playing Game 20 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals (6-15) at Nationals Park.  It’s the first game of the two-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

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

Nationals Lineup: Lopez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Johnson, Kearns, Milledge, Pena, Nieves, Redding.

At the Plate

Tim Redding (3-1) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Top of the 1st, Redding sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 BBs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran pulled a leadoff double into the right field corner.  Church grounded to first, and Johnson tagged first base as Beltran moved over to third.  Carlos Delgado hit an RBI ground out to second, and Carlos Beltran came home to score.  Pagan grounded out to first to end the inning.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Santana lined a one-out standup double over the head of Milledge.  Reyes flied out to left.  Redding caught Castillo looking at strike three to leave Santana standing on second.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Beltran drew a one-out walk on four pitches.  Church grounded to first, and Johnson tagged first as Beltran advanced to second.  Delgado grounded out to second to leave Beltran on second.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Schneider drew a one-out walk.  Santana also drew a one-out walk.  Reyes grounded to short, and Guzman only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  With Castillo in the batters box, Reyes stole second safely.  Luis Castillo hit a chopper towards second base, and Castillo beat out the throw to first as Brian Schneider came home to score and Reyes advanced to third.  Wright grounded out to short to leave runners on the corners.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Beltran lined a leadoff single into left.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Redding left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Acta replaced Redding with Ray King after facing one batter in the Top of the 6th.  Church grounded a slow spinning ball to third, and Zimmerman (2 Base Error on Ryan Zimmerman) made a bad throw to first so Church ended up on third and Carlos Beltran came around to score.  Delgado popped up in foul territory along the third base line, and Zimmerman made the out.  Angel Pagan grounded towards first base, and King hit Pagan with the throw to first so he was safe and Ryan Church scored.  With Schneider at the plate, Pagan stole second.  Then Pagan stole third.  Brian Schneider grounded to the pitcher, and the ball deflected off of King’s glove and landed in Guzman’s glove.  Guzman made the out at first as Angel Pagan came home to score.  Santana pulled the ball into the right field corner for his second standup double of the night.  King gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.

Acta replaced King with Saul Rivera with two outs in the Top of the 6th.  Reyes grounded out to third to end the inning.  Rivera gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Rivera gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Rivera left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Acta replaced Rivera with Joel Hanrahan to begin the Top of the 8th.  Delgado grounded a one-out single to deep short.  Pagan flied out to left.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Santana, and Anderson flied out to left to end the inning.  Schneider lined a single into center, and Delgado went first to third.  Hanrahan gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Acta replaced Harahan with Jesus Colome to begin the Top of the 9th.  Colome fanned Reyes on three pitches.  Castillo lined a one-out single into right.  With Wright at the plate, Castillo stole second.  Wright drew a one-out walk.  Beltran grounded out to first, and Castillo advanced to third and Wright to second.  Ryan Church lined a two-out 2-run single over the head of Kearns in right which scored Luis Castillo and David Wright.  Delgado lined out to left to end the inning.  Colome gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (2-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Guzman lined a one-out single through the hole on the right side.  Zimmerman flied out to the warning track in left.  Johnson grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Pena grounded hard to third, but he beat out the throw by Wright for a two-out single.  Nieves grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Pena advanced to second.  Santana fanned Redding to leave two Nationals stranded.  Santana gave 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Guzman lined a one-out single over the head of Reyes and into left field.  Zimmerman grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first as Guzman moved over to second.  Santana caught Johnson staring at strike three to leave Guzman on second.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pena lined a two-out single into left field.  Nieves lined a two-out single into right, and Pena moved over to third.  Tim Redding drove a two-out 2-run double that one-hopped the wall in left center scoring Wily Mo Pena and Wil Nieves.  Lopez grounded out to second to leave Redding standing on second.  Santana gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana pitched his first 1-2-3 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, Santana retired the side again.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Boone is pinch hitting for Rivera, and Boone drew a one-out walk.  Lopez grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 BB, and 4 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Sanchez sent the Nationals down in order.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Kearns drew a leadoff walk.  Wagner struck out Milledge on three straight pitches.  Pena flied out to center.  With Nieves in the batters box, Kearns stole second.  Wagner fanned Nieves.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 7 - Washington Nationals 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (3-2) got the win and Ted Lilly (3-2) got the loss.

The stopper, Santana, did his job tonight by holding the Nats to 2 runs.  The 3-game losing streak is over, and the Mets have a chance to sweep this mini-series before coming home to battle the Braves over the weekend.  Santana pitched 7 innings so Willie didn’t have to make 4 pitching changes in an inning.  Sanchez and Wagner put up O’s in the eigth and ninth.  Beltran was smoking hot tonight.  Castillo had two hits tonight.  One of them didn’t really count as a hit, but the other was a line drive to right.  I tought when Castillo lined out to center was his best hit of the night, but it was caught by Milledge because Milledge was playing shallow.  Church had two hits as well.  So did Santana…2 standup doubles baby.  Pay your respects to him.

The Mets are 11-9 now.  I’m just waiting for them to get on a roll.

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Losing a two-game series 15-2 is very deflating.  Maybe the flights had a little bit to do with it, but the Mets played some ugly baseball the last two days.  Maybe a change of scenery will make a difference.  The next stop is at our nation’s capital for a two-game series with the Nationals.  Here’s a look at the pitching matchups:

• 04/23/2008 - Johan Santana (2-2) - Tim Redding (3-1)
• 04/24/2008 - Oliver Perez (2-0) - Shawn Hill (0-0)

Mets.com:

Offensive well runs dry in Chicago - Jon Greenberg summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Mets making do with bumps, bruises - Jon Greenberg discusses the injury status of the Mets.

Put simply, Mets outplayed by Cubs - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Majors dream continues for Figueroa - Anthony DiComo wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Confident Pagan accepting of role - According to Anthony DiComo, Angel Pagan has no problem returning to a backup once Alou returns.

Schneider sits for second straight game - Anthony DiComo reported that Brian Schnieder will sit out in today’s game as well.

Newsday:

Another strong outing for Maine but no W - David Lennon also summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Pagan will soon find it tough to get playing time

New York Daily News:

Mets get slammed as Ronny Cedeno powers Cubs to victory - The AP summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Met bullpen implodes against Cubs - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Cubs also.

Billy Wagner dogs Hank’s take on Joba, thinks rookie should stay in bullpen

Shea, Meadowlands among facilities helping spread green message

HoJo: Carlos Delgado not in slump - Adam Rubin captured the thoughts of Howard Johnson on Carlos Delgado’s lack of offense.  Here’s what HoJo said about Delgado:

It’s possible to have good at-bats without hits. Carlos has been a guy who has been very competitive in that he has not gotten himself out as much. During that Phillies series, one day, he was like 12 inches total from having three or four hits. Those things change the numbers. Those are good, quality at-bats. … He wasn’t getting himself out like the Carlos of last year. Last year I saw him get himself out a lot - when you’re ahead in the count chasing balls you shouldn’t be chasing.

New York Post:

METS SLAMMED BY CUBS - The AP put wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

DAZED AND ABUSED - Bart Hubbuch put together a game summary for last night’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

DELGADO’S NO BIG HIT - Bart Hubbuch talks about Delgado’s lack of success.

RYAN’S BEEN ALL RIGHT - Brett Cyrgalis compliments Ryan Church for his early season success.

New York Times:

Offense Again Fails Mets in Chicago - Ben Shpigel provided a game summary for today’s Mets-Cubs game.

Mets Say Delgado Is Not Playing as Badly as He Looks

The Star-Ledger:

Mets fall to Cubs, 8-1

Checkin in from the North Side - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineups for today’s Mets-Cubs game.

Cubs flatten Mets

Schneider sits for another night

Final: Cubs 7, Mets 1

Game 18: Mets-Cubs - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineups for last night’s Mets-Cubs game.

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The Mets are in Chicago for a quick two-game set with the Cubies.  By quick, I mean that the Mets will play a night game followed by a day game and then they leave the Windy City.  Tonight’s game begins at 7:05 p.m. ET, and tomorrow’s game begins at 2:20 p.m. ET.  Here’s the pitching matchups for this series:

• 04/21/2008 - John Maine (1-1) - Carlos Zambrano (2-1)
• 04/22/2008 - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (1-0) - Ted Lilly (0-3)

Hopefully, the Metropolitans can rebound from last night’s loss and sweep this two-game series against the Cubs.  It’s time for the Mets to stomp on the NL, seriously.  It will make up for losing the series to the Brewers.  After this Chicago trip, the Mets head down for a quick series in D.C.  It’s the first time the Mets will play the Nats in their new stadium.  On the weekend, the Mets host the Braves at Shea, and it’s on.

Mets.com:

Chicago busy with Mets, Yanks - In case you didn’t know this already, Anthony DiComo reminds us that both New York teams will be playing in the Windy City on Tuesday.

Mets rally, but can’t sweep Phillies - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Mets no strangers to ‘grind’ of season - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Schneider out with bruised right forearm - Marty Noble pointed out that Brian Schneider didn’t play in last night’s game due to a bruised right forearm.  Schneider is expected to return to the lineup tonight in Chicago.

Alou progressing in rehab stint - Joseph Santoliquito tells us how Moises Alou is doing with his rehab assignment down in Port St. Lucie.  If all goes well then Alou may be back at Shea this weekend when the Mets host the Braves.

Church was ready to toe slab - Marty Noble pointed out that Ryan Church would’ve pitched in the 14-inning game last week against the Nationals.  It turns out that Church was a pitcher during his freshman year at the University of Nevada which was eight years ago.

Newsday:

Three Phillies HRs negate Mets’ comeback - Anthony Rieber also summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Everything adding up for Mets’ rising star Wright - Johnette Howard wrote an article about how David Wright is a rising star.

Mets’ Schneider sits with bruised forearm

New York Daily News:

Pedro Feliz slugs pinch-hit homer to lift Phillies past Mets, 5-4 - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies as well.

Mets’ Home Run Apple loved to core - Anthony McCarron tells us why the Home Run Apple is loved.

Moises Alou may return Friday

A Shea honor for Jack Lang - Adam Rubin reported that, “The Mets will honor the late Daily News sports writer Jack Lang with a ceremony and video tribute before Saturday’s 1:10 p.m. game against the Braves at Shea. Lang, who died in January 2007, covered the Mets for 25 years, from the team’s inception in 1962.”

Brian Schneider: One day at a time

New York Post:

HOMER COOKIN’ BEATS METS - Bart Hubbuch also wrote up a game summary about last night’s Mets-Phillies game.

WILLIE: NO SYMPATHY FOR PHIL ILLS - Bart Hubbuch captured Willie Randolph’s thoughts on the injuries that the Phillies are suffering.  Willie said, “Welcome to the club, just like everybody else. No one feels sorry for us when we have injuries, so we’re definitely not going to feel sorry for them, that’s for sure. Injuries are part of the game. We’ve got guys out, too.”

AMAZIN’ OPPORTUNITY MISSED - Mike Vaccaro lets us know that the Mets missed out on a golden opportunity by not being able to sweep the Phillies.

PELFREY ON RIGHT TRACK - Dan Tomasino liked what he saw out of Mike Pelfrey last night.

New York Times:

Two Homers From Utley as Phillies Top the Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Greetings from Chicago

Mets fall in series finale

Forearm bruise sits Schneider

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Who doesn’t love it when they know the Mets have a chance to sweep a divisional rival?  We know it’s a 50/50 chance tonight, and it is less stressful to watch the final game of a series that has already been won.  It makes it even better when the Metsies do it to the NL East Champs.  Today’s game begins at 8:05 p.m., and it will be aired on ESPN.  Mike Pelfrey will be facing Adam Eaton, and you don’t want to miss it. 

Mets.com:

Heilman gets right back on horse - Marty Noble walks us through the eighth inning of yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies where Aaron Heilman came in and struck out two batters with the bases loaded.

Pelfrey, Mets go for sweep of rival Phils - Joseph Santoliquito put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Schneider sore, OK after injury scare - Marty Noble reported that the Mets thought that Brian Schneider might of suffered a broken bone in his right arm from a foul tip by Chase Utley on a 97-mph fastball from Billy Wagner that struck Schneider on the top of the forearm and eliminated some of the function of the arm.  Noble wrote that, “X-rays were negative, and Schneider intended to ice it all night. But the Mets were already making plans to summon an understudy from their Triple-A team.”

Mets putting last year in rearview mirror - Mike Bauman feels like the Mets are turning the page of 2007 by beating the Phillies four straight games.

Reyes feeling no ill effects after collision - Joseph Santoliquito wrote that, “Jose Reyes woke up Saturday morning without any swelling or wooziness and without feeling any after effects of being jarred in the head by the knee of Phillies second baseman Chase Utley while attempting to steal second in the third inning of Friday night’s game.”

Randolph not happy about missed sign - Joseph Santoliquito found out that Willie Randolph wasn’t happy that Luis Castillo didn’t pick up the signal for a suicide squeeze during Friday night’s game against the Phillies.  If Castillo can’t even walk then how is he supposed to pick up a sign, or more importantly execute anything.  I have no idea how Luis got a four-year deal worth more than the league minimum when they guy can’t walk, hit, or field.

Newsday:

Start spreading news: Starters ace it! - Johnette Howard pointed out how great the starting pitchers have been for the Mets so far this season.

Mets beat Phillies, 4-2, for fifth straight win - David Lennon summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Determination, patience land Figueroa with Mets - Barbara Barker wrote up a Bio about Nelson Figueroa Jr., and how he ended up back on the Mets.

METS NOTEBOOK: Battered battery member - David Lennon also talks about the injury status of Schneider.

New York Daily News:

Jose Reyes, Oliver Perez lead Mets past Phillies for fourth straight time - Adam Rubin also summarized yesterday’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Cheering over Jose Reyes injury pains Billy Wagner - Adam Rubin gathered the thoughts of Billy Wagner on the Phillies fans after they booed when Reyes getting the wind knocked out of him.  Wagner said,

It’s really sad when humanity comes to the point where somebody getting hurt, it’s fun to watch. It’s sad when that happens. Nobody wants anybody to get hurt. I don’t want Jimmy Rollins getting hurt. I don’t want Pat Burrell to get hurt. I don’t want none of these guys. I want to compete against these guys because they’re the best, and you want to beat the best. You don’t want excuses. When you see Reyes laying there - it’s a tough shot, a clean play - and the fans cheering that he’s hurt, that just goes and shows you volumes about where our society is headed.

Brian Schneider’s arm hit on foul tip, swells up

New York Post:

IN THE ‘BANK’ - Bart Hubbuch discusses the Mets-Phillies rivalry

METS TAKE SHOTS AT PHIL FANS

METS PLAN ON EDDIE TO BE THERE IN END - Tim Bontemps tells us how Eddie Kunz is doing down in the Minors.

HEILMAN KING FOR A DAY

New York Times:

With Mets on Edge, Heilman Prevents a Fall

Hit by Hit, Wright Puts Last Season Behind Him

The Star-Ledger:

Three Sunday Thoughts (Mets Edition)

Mets take it to Phillies again

Schneider hit, X-rays negative

Final: Mets 4, Phillies 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies yesterday.

News, notes & lineups: Game 17 - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup and more for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

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Well, the Mets were fortunate enough to take the first game from the Phillies in this series as opposed to losing the first game of the series last time them faced each other at Shea.  New York now won the last three games against Philadelphia which is much better than the 9-game losing streak.  Also, the Amazins’ have won their last four games against NL East rivals which puts them back on top of the division.  Now, the Metropolitans only need to win one out of two to win the series.  If they get really lucky then they will sweep the Phils.  Boy, that would be wonderful.  Two straight division sweeps.  After all of the Phillies fans booed Reyes when he got the wind knocked out of him, I hope the Mets sweep the Phils.

Mets.com:

Jackson recollects first win at Shea - Marty Noble pointed out that today is the 44th Anniversary of the Mets first win at Shea, and Al Jackson was the starting pitcher.  Noble captured Jackson’s thoughts of that game.

Johan, Mets get better of Hamels, Phils - Marty Noble talked about what a great game Johan Santana pitched last night against the Phillies.

Perez gets another shot vs. Moyer, Phils - Andy Jasner put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Santana delivers clutch performance - Mike Bauman describes Santana’s outstanding performance last night against the Phillies.

Wright solves Hamels with four-hit night - Andy Jasner talks about David Wright’s 4-Hit night against Cole Hamels.

Reyes OK after colliding with Utley - Andy Jasner stated that Jose Reyes was shaken up on the slide into second, but he was tough enough to remain in the game.  Jasner didn’t write anything about the Phillies fans booing Reyes, but they sould be ashamed of themselves for that.  Classless, but that’s why they booed Santa at the Eagles game and put a jail in Veterans Stadium.  Did the jail get moved to Pro Player Stadium and Citizens Bank Park?  If not then we’ll see how long it takes Philadelphia to put one in each stadium.

Feeling better, Beltran returns to lineup - Andy Jasner pointed out that Carlos Beltran felt better and returned to the lineup last night.

Wagner downplays Mets-Phils rivalry - Ken Mandel found that Billy Wagner says players on the Mets and Phillies get along.

Newsday:

Santana back on track, outduels Hamels - David Lennon summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Alou’s progress thrills Mets; Reyes takes hard hit - David Lennon reported on the progress of Moises Alou.  Alou was the DH in an extended spring training game last night and took 5 at bats.  This means that he’s getting close to returning to the team.

New York Daily News:

Mets beat Phillies in rivalry game, Johan Santana strikes out 10 in 6-4 win - Adam Rubin summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ SANTANA - Bart Hubbuch also covered Johan’s performance last night.

1ST PLACE IS SWEET SPOT - Mike Vaccaro noted that the Mets are in first place.

REYES OK AFTER SECOND-BASE COLLISION

RIVALRY SHORT ONE PLAYER - Tim Bontemps pointed out that Jimmie Rollins was not in the lineup for the Phillies last night due to a sprained his left ankle.

New York Times:

Two Lefties Square Off, and Santana Gets It Right

A Catcher and an Ace Build Trust in Each Other - Jack Curry describes the building relationship betweent Santana and Brian Schneider.

The Star-Ledger:

Mets-Phillies redux

Mets’ ace outduels Phillies’

Reyes collides but keeps ticking

Wrapping up from Citizens Bank

Bottom 9 from Ridgewood - Dan Graziano discusses the Bottom of the 9th of last night’s game with Billy Wagner on the mound.

Final: Mets 6, Phillies 4 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Phillies also.

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The New York Mets (8-6) are playing Game 15 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Philadelphia Phillies (8-8) at Citizens Bank Park.  It’s the first game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on CW11.

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

Phillies Lineup: Taguchi, Werth, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Feliz, Ruiz, Bruntlett, Hamels.

At the Plate

Cole Hamels (2-1) was the starting pitcher for the Phillies.  In the Top of the 1st, Church drew a one-out walk.  With Wright in the batters box, Hamels threw a passed ball so Church advanced to second.  David Wright drove an RBI double off the left field wall which scored Ryan Church.  Beltran lined out to short, and Wright was in between second and third so the Phillies turned the double play to end the inning.  Hamels gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Schneider grounded a two-out single through the middle.  Castillo flied out to left to end the inning leaving one stranded.  Hamels gave up 1 Hit, 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 on four pitches.  Church flied out to the warning track in center.  With Wright in the batters box, Reyes stole second safely (However, Reyes slid into Utley’s knee which knocked the wind out of him for a minute.  Randolph and the trainors checked him out on field, and they let him play on.).  David Wright lined an RBI triple that a diving Werth couldn’t catch so the ball kept rolling toward the fence, and Jose Reyes came around to score.  Beltran flied out to left to end the inning.  Hamels gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Schneider lined a two-out double into right.  Castillo grounded out to third, and Feliz made the out at first to end the inning.  Hamels gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Hamels pitched his first 1-2-3 inning.  Hamels gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Wright lined a leadoff single into left (Wright needs a home run for the cycle).  Beltran grounded out to short, and Bruntlett made the force out at second.  Delgado popped up to second.  Pagan lined a two-out single into right, and Beltran moved over to second.  Schneider flied out to left to leave two Mets stranded.  Hamels gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Hamels sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Hamels gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Church led off pulling the ball off the wall in the right field corner for a single.  Wright lined a no-out double into the left field corner, and Church went first to third.  Hamels intentionally walked Beltran to load the bases.  Hamels gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Hamels left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 5 Runs, 4 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Manuel replaced Hamels with J.C. Romero with no outs in the Top of the 8th.  Carlos Delgado grounded an RBI single to first, but Howard bobbled the ball and made the tag at first as Ryan Church came home to score.  Angel Pagan lined a one-out RBI double into the gap in right center, and David Wright came around to score and Beltran moved over to third.  Brian Schneider grounded a one-out RBI single through the hole on the left side scoring Carlos Beltran and Pagan advanced to third.  Castillo grounded to third, and Feliz made the out at first as Schneider moved over to second.  Romero fanned Santana to end the inning.  Romero gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Manuel replaced Romero with Brad Lidge to begin the Top of the 9th.  Church lined a one-out single into right.  Wright drew a one-out walk.  Beltran grounded to first, and Howard (Error on Ryan Howard) deflected the ball so everyone was safe.  Carlos Delgado sacrifice flied to left, and Ryan Church came home to score.  With Pagan in the batters box, Lidge threw a wild pitch so both runners advanced.  Pagan flied out to left to end the inning.  Lidge gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Johan Santana (1-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Santana sent the top of the lineup down in order.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Burrell lined a one-out single into left.  Feliz lined out to center.  Ruiz checked his swing, but the Umpire said he went around to leave one runner aboard.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Santana pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Utley grounded a one-out single through the legs of Delgado (Error on Carlos Delgado).  Santana caught Howard to chase strike three.  Burrell lined out to center to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Santana retired the side.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Santana sent the Phillies down in order for the second straight inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of thr 7th, Chase Utley led off the inning with a solo shot to deep center field.  Howard grounded out to first.  Santana struck Burrell out swinging.  Feliz grounded out to short 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, Ruiz lined a leadoff single into left field.  Bruntlett lined a no-out single into shallow center, and Ruiz moved over to second.  Coste has been announced as a pinch hitter.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning. Santana left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 10 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Aaron Heilman with no outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Dobbs is pinch hitting for Coste, and Greg Dobbs jacked a 3-Run shot to right field scoring Carlos Ruiz, Eric Bruntlett, and himself.  Jenkins is pinch hitting for Taguchi, and Jenkins flied out to right center.  Werth grounded out to second.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Pedro Feliciano with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano struck out Utley swinging to end the inning.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Wagner retired the side in order to get the save.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 6 - Philadelphia Phillies 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (2-2) got the win and Cole Hamels (2-2) got the loss.

The Mets are on a roll now.  They just won four straight division games.  Santana pitched a gem tonight against Hamels who also pitched well.  Wright continues to lead this team by going 4-4 at the plate, he drove in two runs, and he had a walk.  Delgado had two RBIs without even getting a hit, but he made positive outs.  Most of the lineup contributed to tonight’s offensive attack which is a good thing.  The only issue I had tonight was the 3-run homer by the pinch hitter Dobbs.  Heilman continues to give those up.  Fortunately, the Mets added an insurance run in the Top of the 9th, and held onto the lead.  Hopefully the Mets will be able to win at least two out of three this weekend down in Philly.

The Mets are 9-6 now which moved them into 1st Place.  Atlanta is the only team in the division that is still in progress, but they only have 6 wins and can’t skip my boys in orange and blue.  See what a 4-game winning streak can do?  Let’s see if the Mets can run away with the division now.

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The Mets are still hosting their 9-game home stand.  I wanted to see where they were after this 9-game home stand after playing two NL East rivals and one NL team.  The first two series are over, and the Mets won the series over the Phillies and they lost the series to the Brewers.  So the Mets are 3-3 on this home stand so far.  The Nationals are the last team coming to Queens during this home stand.  The Nats are not supposed to be a good team, but as we saw last September they are a pesky group.  On top of that, the trades and free agent signings between the two teams during the offseason may make this series all the more interesting.  We’ll see how Mets fans welcome Lo Duca and Milledge.  I expect all boos, and would be shocked otherwise.  We’ll see how they perform against their former team.  The Mets need to win this series.  They need to make Shea home, and have a really good record at home because they haven’t the past few seasons.  Let’s go Mets!

Mets.com:

Mailbag: Should Nos. 17, 18 be retired? - Marty Noble answers questions submitted by Mets fans.

Holmes, former outfielder, dies at 91 - The AP reported that “Tommy Holmes, an outfielder for the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s and 1950s, died on Monday. He was 91.”  Holmes died of natural causes.  Tommy also worked for the Mets as the director of ameteur baseball relations from 1973-2003.  May he Rest in Peace.

Church, Schneider take on ex-mates - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.  DiComo pointed out that Ryan Church and Brian Schneider will be facing their former team.  On the Nationals, the immature Lastings Milledge and the steroid Paul Lo Duca will be facing their former team.  All four of these guys will play like they have something to prove in this series.

Newsday:

Self-defeating Mets waste lead, lose to Brewers

These Mets won’t rant and rave over losing a game

Mets’ Schneider gets 3 hits, needs bigger glove - Roderick Boone pointed out that Schneider had 3 hits, 3 RBIs, and he watched his pitchers throw 3 wild pitches during yesterday’s game against the Brewers.  Boone is confused because this is supposed to be a defensive catcher without a good batting average.

Duaner Sanchez nearly ready to return to Mets - Anthony Rieber also covered the status of Duaner Sanchez which Mets.com covered yesterday.

New York Daily News:

It seems to be getting late early around Shea for Mets

Oliver Perez’s early troubles a bad sign

Moises Alou to play rehab game - Adam Rubin reported that, “Moises Alou’s recovery from March 6 hernia surgery has progressed so well that he’s expected to play in a rehab game in Port St. Lucie by this weekend.”  That’s great news.  The faster Alou gets back, the better.  Pagan has done a great job, and he will probably become the 4th outfielder.

Paul Lo Duca: Boo, Mets! - The steroid using Lo Duca said this about the Mets, “I want them to lose every game.”  Keep crying Paul.  Wish that the Mets lose every game, and I wish that the Shea Faithful boo you right out of Flushing.  This guy went from being my favorite Met player to the biggest bum.  His issues are his issues.  He doesn’t need to bash his former team for what he did wrong.  Have some class.

New York Post:

DOUBLED UP & ‘WAUK-ED ON

SLOPPY PLAY, ATTITUDES

MOTA HEARS BOOS, THEN CLOSES DOOR - The other steroid user that the Mets got rid of, Guillermo Mota, got into trouble yesterday, but got out of the jam.

CLARK ADMITS COSTLY MISTAKE - Players should be accountable for what they do so I give Brady Clark credit for stating he made a mistake in yesterday’s game against the Brewers.  However, there were so many mistakes yesterday.  Add’em all up and the Mets win the game.  I’m still waiting for the Mets to tell me what happened to Reyes last season, and what’s wrong with him now.  Last season, it was a “slump” and that was about all they said.

New York Times:

Pérez Falters, and Mets Go Along for the Slide

The Star-Ledger:

Fan Blogger: You can’t boo Santana

Mets lose to Brewers, 9-7

Reyes hoping off-day helps heal hamstring

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The New York Mets are playing Game 11 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Milwaukee Brewers at Shea Stadium.  It’s the rubber game of the three-game series.  The game began at 1:10 p.m., and it was aired on CW11.

Prior to the game, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Johan Santana were given their Gold Gloves from 2007.

Brewers Lineup: Weeks, Kapler, Braun, Fielder, Hall, Hart, Hardy, Suppan, Kendall.

Mets Lineup: Pagan, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Easley, Schneider, Perez.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Perez hit Weeks with the pitch to give the Brewers a leadoff runner.  Kapler lined a no-out, two-run shot near the foul pole in left field which scored Weeks and himself.  Braun grounded out to third.  Fielder flied out to center.  Perez fanned Hall to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Hart lined a leadoff single into center.  Hardy grounded a no-out single through the hole on the left side.  With Suppan in the batters box, Perez threw a passed ball which allowed both runners to advance safely.  Perez caught Suppan swinging at strike three.  Kendall popped up in foul territory along the first base line, and Delgado made the out.  Weeks drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Perez struck out Kapler to get out of a jam.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Perez got the heart of the lineup to fly out.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Hart lined a leadoff single into center.  Hardy drew a no-out walk.  Suppan dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards third, and Wright made the out at first while both runners moved over.  Kendall grounded a one-out 2-Run single up the middle scoring Hart and Hardy.  Perez caught Weeks looking at strike three.  Kapler pulled a two-out double down the third base line.  Braun lined a 2-Run single into left which scored Weeks and Kapler, and Braun advanced to second when the throw came home.  Fielder grounded out to second to end the inning.  Perez gave up 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Hall flied out to center.  Hart lined a one-out single into left.  Hardy drew a one-out walk.  Dillon came in to pinch hit for Suppan, and Randolph came out to make a pitching change.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Perez left the game after 4.1 Innings allowing 8 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Jorge Sosa with one out in the Top of the 5th.  Dillon popped up in foul ground near first base, and Delgado made the out.  Kendall flied out to center to end the inning.  Sosa allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Weeks led off with a homer to left.  Kapler drew a no-out walk.  With Braun in the batters box, Sosa threw a wild pitch and Kapler advanced to second.  For the second time, Sosa threw a wild pitch and Kapler moved over to third.  Sosa fanned Braun.  Sosa intentionally walked Fielder.  Hall popped up to short.  Hart lined an RBI single into left field which scored Kapler, and Fielder advanced to second.  Hardy flied out to left to end the inning.  Sosa gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Sosa left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Sosa with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Top of the 7th.  Iribarren lined out to short.  Schoeneweis left the game after pitching 0.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Joe Smith with one out in the Top of the 7th.  Weeks grounded to third, but Delgado (Error on Delgado) dropped the throw from Wright which gave the Brewers a one-out base runner.  With Kapler in the batters box, Weeks stole second.  Kapler grounded an RBI double over the first base bag, and Weeks came around to score.  Smith caught Braun looking at strike three to end the inning.  Smith gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Smith left the game after pitching 0.2 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 1 Run (Unearned), 0 BBs, and 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Smith with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 8th.  Feliciano got Fielder to chase strike three.  Randolph went out to the mound and made a double switch.  Feliciano left the game after pitching 0.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Aaron Heilman and Clark replaced Church with one out in the Top of the 8th.  Heilman threw strike three right by Hall.  Hart popped up to shallow right field, and Castillo made the out to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Heilman hit Kendall with the pitch to give the Brewers a two-out base runner.  Weeks grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Jeff Suppan (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Brewers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Wright jacked a two-out solo shot to center field, the 100th Home Run of his career, scoring himself.  Beltran grounded out to second to end the inning.  Suppan gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Delgado drew a leadoff walk.  Church lined a no-out double to the right field corner as Delgado went first to third.  Easley grounded to second, and Weeks made the out at first while Delgado came home and Church advanced to third.  Schneider grounded an RBI single under Weeks and into right center as Church came home to score.  Perez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to towards the pitcher, and Suppan made the out at first as Schneider advanced to second.  Pagan grounded out to short to end the inning.  Suppan allowed 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Castillo had a broken bat flair over the head of Hall to lead off the inning with a double.  Wright grounded to short, and Weeks made the out at first as Castillo moved over to third.  Beltran lined a one-out RBI single into right center as Castillo came in to score.  Delgado grounded to first, but Fielder couldn’t field it properly so Beltran advanced to second and the Brewers ended up getting Delgado out at first.  Suppan intentionally walked Church with two outs.  Easley grounded a single up the middle and Weeks ended up fielding the ball, but Easley beat out the throw to load the bases.  Schneider lined a 2-Run single into center field which scored Beltran and Delgado, and Easley went first to third.  Suppan got Perez looking at strike three.  Suppan gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pagan led off with a double to the gap in right center.  Castillo grounded up the middle for a no-out single, and Pagan moved over to third.  Wright popped up to shallow center, and the runners held up.  Beltran lined out to first, and Fielder made the force out at first because Castillo was off the bag.  Suppan gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  Suppan left the game after pitching 4.0 Innings allowing 9 Hits, 6 Runs, 6 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Yost replaced Suppan with Salomon Torres to begin the Bottom of the 5th.  Delgado drew a no-out walk.  Church grounded to second, and the Brewers turned the double play.  Easley lined out to left to end the inning.  Torres gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Schneider grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Sosa, and Chavez grounded into a double play.  Pagan drew a two-out walk.  Castillo also drew a two-out walk.  Wright grounded to third, and Hall made the out at first to end the inning.  Torres gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Torres left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 3 BBs, and he had 0 SOs.

Yost replaced Torres with Brian Shouse to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Beltran drew a leadoff walk.  Delgado grounded slowly to second, and Weeks only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Church grounded a one-out single by Hall and into left field as Delgado advanced to second.  Easley grounded a one-out RBI single by Hardy and into center field as Delgado came around to score.  Schneider grounded to second, and the Brewers turned the inning ending double play.  Shouse gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Yost replaced Shouse with Guillermo Mota to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Clark lined a leadoff single into center.  With Pagan in the batters box, Clark stole second base.  Pagan dinked a no-out single over the head of Hardy in left field which moved Clark over to third.  Castillo grounded to first, and Fielder made the tag at first and then made the out at the plate as Clark was coming home.  With Pagan at second and Wright in the batters box, Mota threw a wild pitch and Pagan moved over to third.  Sosa threw back-to-back two-out walks to Wright and Beltran to load the bases.  Delgado flied out to right to end the inning leaving three Mets on base.  Mota gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Yost replaced Mota with Eric Gagne to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Gagne fanned Anderson.  Easley grounded out to second.  Schneider lined out to short to end the game.  Gagne gave up 0 Hits, Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: Milwaukee Brewers 9 - New York Mets.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Both starting pitcher got a no decision.

Today’s game was poorly played by both sides.  You can tell by the score alone.  Perez got rocked and gave up 6 runs in 4 1/3 which is horrible.  Sosa also got into some trouble in the 6th.  After that, Willie used a bunch of relievers to get through the game.  They did so without giving up any more runs, but it was too much to overcome.  The Mets put 7 on the scoreboard, but there were some lost opportunities.  Especially in the 8th inning with Mota on the mound.

The Amazins’ lost a series that they should’ve won.  When another pitcher wins the first game, and Santana is pitching in the same series then the Metsies should win the series.  But, it didn’t happen.  The Mets are now 5-6 on the season.  They have an off day tomorrow, and then the Nationals show up for a three-game series on Tuesday.

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The Mets announced the Pedro is on the DL and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.  Due to this, the Mets activated Nelson Figueroa Jr. to fill in for Pedro.  The Marlins are hosting the Mets in the rubber game of the opening series of 2008.

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

Marlins Lineup: Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham, Cantu, Ross, Carroll, Hoover, Miller.

At the Plate

Andrew Miller was the starting pitcher for the Marlins.  Miller gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Top of the 1st.  In the Top of the 2nd, Beltran hit a leadoff double to the gap in left center.  Delgado followed by hitting an opposite field RBI single to bring Beltran home.  With one out, Church pulled a 2-run homer to the right field corner which scored Delgado and himself.  Miller was able to get out of the 2nd Inning leaving two Mets stranded.  Miller gave up 3 Hits and 3 Runs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Wright hit a leadoff opposite field single into right field.  Beltran rocketed a double off the wall in left field, but the Marlins threw Wright out at home plate while Beltran advanced to third.  With two outs, Pagan lined an RBI double into the left field corner scoring Beltran.  Miller gave up 3 Hits and 1 Run in the 3rd Inning.  Miller retired the side in order in the Bottom of the 4th.  In the Top of the 5th, Wright crushed a 1-out double off the wall in left center.

Gonzalez made a pitching change during the Top of the 5th by replacing Miller with Matt Lindstrom.  With Beltran in the batters box, Lindstrom threw a wild pitch and Wright advanced to third.  Beltran hit an RBI Ground Rule Double to right field which scored Wright.  (The Umpires cannot call the plays accurately because that’s the third time the Mets hit the top of the wall).  Lindstrom gave up 1 Hit and 1 Run (But the 1 Run is charged to Miller) in the 5th.

Gonzalez replaced Lindstrom with Lee Gardner to begin the Top of the 6th.  Church blooped a leadoff single into shallow left.  Gardner walked Schneider.  Perez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners.  Reyes lined an RBI double into the right field corner scoring Church and Schneider.  Castillo lined a single up the middle to advance Reyes to third.  Wright belted a 3-Run shot to left field scoring Reyes, Castillo, and himself.  Gardner was able to get out of the 6th Inning after giving up 4 Hits and 5 Runs.

Gonzalez replaced Gardner with Taylor Tankersly to begin the Top of the 7th.  Pagan popped up along the right field line, but Carroll dropped the ball so Pagan had a leadoff single.  Church grounded the ball to the pitcher, and Tankersly made the out at first as Pagan advanced to second.  Schneider lined an RBI single into right field to score Pagan.  Clark is pinch hitting for Perez, and Clark grounded into a double play.  Tankersly gave up 2 Hits and 1 Run in the Top of the 7th. 

Gonzalez replaced Tankersly with Justin Miller in the Top of the 8th.  Miller sent the Mets down in order.

Gonzalez replaced Miller with Kevin Gregg in the Top of the 9th.  Delgado lined a 1-out hit to right field.  Gregg walked Pagan.  With Church in the batters box, Gregg threw a wild pitch and both runners advanced.  Church grounded to second, and Uggla couldn’t make the play so Church arrived safely at first while Delgado scored and Pagan advanced to third.  Scheider line a sacrifice fly to left field which scored Pagan.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Feliciano, and Anderson flied out to left to end the inning.  Gregg gave up 2 Hits and 2 Runs in the inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  Perez gave up 2 Hits and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 1st.  Perez retired the side in order in the Bottom of the 2nd.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 3rd, and he racked up 5 K’s so far.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the Bottom of the 4th, and he got 1 more K to put him at 6.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Ross hit a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  Carroll lined out to Castillo, and the hitter was out, but the ball came out of Castillo’s glove so Castillo thought it wasn’t a catch and flipped it to second, but it went over Reyes’ head, and Ross advanced to second.  The Error was charged to Castillo.  Hoover grounded out to short, and Reyes made the out at first while Ross advanced to third.  Wood is pinch hitting for Lindstrom, and Perez walked Wood to put runners at the corners.  Perez gave up 1 Hit and got out of the inning without any damage by Striking Out Ramirez for his 7th K.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Perez gave up 0 Hit and 0 Runs and Struck Out 1 to get his total up to 8.

Randolph replaced Perez with Nelson Figueroa Jr. to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Figueroa retired the side in order.

Randolph replaced Figueroa with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Feliciano gave up 1 Hit and 0 Runs in the inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Billy Wagner to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Wagner sent down the Marlins in order.

Final Score: New York Mets 13 - Florida Marlins 0.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.

Mets.com:

Mets awaiting word on Pedro’s status - Marty Noble figures the Mets are looking into alternative options to fill the void in the rotation.

Pedro on teammates’ minds after game - Charlie Nobles captured the thoughts of Pedro Martinez’s teammates after Pedro had to leave the game due to a hamstring injury.

Mets hope Church has solved lefties - Marty Noble explains how the Mets will monitor Ryan Church’s at-bats against lefties.

Injury KOs Pedro in first Mets start - Marty Noble says that Martinez went to New York to get an MRI to determine the extent of the left hamstring strain.

Newsday:

Pedro hurts hamstring as Mets lose to Marlins

Pedro hurt immediately, and who’s surprised?

Even if Pedro is out indefinitely, Mets can cope - Wallace Matthews reminds us what the Mets have done without Pedro the past few seasons to help us understand that it isn’t as big of a deal as it seems.  Matthews is correct because Pedro is well past his prime, and I thought he should be the 4th starter anyway because he’s old and injury prone.  Since Martinez hasn’t pitched in so long, I had no expectations.  Pedro said how healthy he felt, but like I said, “Will he walk the talk?”.  I said the same thing about El Duque who is on the DL.  I’m more upset that the Mets bought into what Pedro told them and didn’t bring in more inning eaters.

Mets’ El Duque feeling good, but not ready to return

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez’s status in doubt after hamstring injury, Mets fall in extras

Pedro Martinez’s injured leg puts season on shaky ground

El Duque to start for St. Lucie

New York Post:

‘DRO, NO!

OLLIE KEYING ON SEASON, NOT PAYDAY - Bart Hubbuch pointed out that Oliver Perez may be pitching in his first game in his final season as a Met tonight.

GOOD FEELINGS GO POP! - Mike Vaccaro takes us through Martinez’s injury.

New York Times:

Martínez and the Mets Are Left Limping in Miami

Martínez Makes Early Exit on an Injured Leg

The Star-Ledger:

When words lose their meaning…

Breaking (if not surprising) news: Pedro to DL

Update, Big Willie Style

Look, Watson — a clue! - Dan Graziana tells us why Nelson Figueroa could be a good replacement for Martinez.

Last day at The Beach - Dan Graziano expresses his thoughts about Pedro from South Beach.

Fly, fly away - Dan Graziano also has suggestions for the Mets to get by without Martinez.

A new day, hopefully, for the Mets - This morning, Jeremy Cothran jotted down some suggestions for the Mets to get by until Pedro returns.

Pedro Martinez injured in Mets loss

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