Die Hard Sports Fan

It’s tough to watch this ‘08 Mets team.  After Pelfrey pitches the game of his life, they give it away and need Beltran to save the day.  Shame on Willie for not allowing Big Pelf to try to get his first complete game shutout.  How is young pitcher supposed to build up his resume, and confidence, when the manager pulls him after the best outing in his career?  When else is he supposed to get a complete game shutout?  Stuff like that may make an inconsistent, young pitcher more confident.  That confidence may pay off in the long run.  As for today, Santana pitched seven scoreless innings before handing it over to the Bullpen who blew it…again.  What is wrong with Wagner?  Three straight blown saves?  The Bullpen was the biggest problem the team had in ‘07.  The Bullpen was dominant until July, and then it was downhill from there.  It just kept getting worse and worse until they were eliminated, and I saw it coming.  I knew that even if they made the Playoffs that they weren’t going to do so well because the Bullpen was giving up way too many games.  It is the same thing in ‘08 because it’s the same cast of characters.  Sanchez returned, but I thought he would’ve been better than he has been so far.  Omar brought in Wise who hasn’t been anything special.  Otherwise, it’s the same people who couldn’t get it done in ‘07 so why would they be able to do it in ‘08?

Mets.com:

Mets suffer tough loss to D-backs - Anthony DiComo summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Santana watches bullpen falter - Ain’t that the truth?

Return trip to DL possible for Alou - Anthony DiComo reported that Moises Alou had an MRI on Wednesday, and it revealed aggravation of a strained left calf.  Alou said, ”I think that the DL is a possibility. Again.”

Day at Shea remains affordable

Beltran’s blast ends Mets’ long night - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

Santana set to shake off ailing shoulder - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Return shortlived for ailing Alou - Alou explained that the soreness in his left calf would once again take him out of the Mets’ lineup less than 24 hours after his return from the disabled list.  It really is a shame that he cannot stay healthy.

Mets add Aguila to outfield mix - Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets called up a hot-hitting prospect, Chris Aguila, to offset the losses of Church and Alou.

Newsday:

Wagner blows another save as Mets fall to D-Backs - Mark Herrmann summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

SNY talks fairly, quietly about Mets

Beltran’s blast in 13th saves Mets’ Wagner - Mark Herrmann wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Alou ‘very embarrassed’ by latest calf injury

Turmoil doesn’t mean that Willie isn’t a winner - Shaun Powell wrote this about Willie Randolph, “It’s not that he forgot how to manage or suddenly became dumb. His team simply quit meeting the expectations of the fans, ownership, themselves and Randolph’s, and fair or not, that usually comes back to the manager.”

Marlon came up with ‘62′ as morale booster - Mark Herrmann informed us about how Marlon Anderson “came up with the magic number of 62 wins in the final 100 games, wrote it down and passed it out to teammates at the end of a club Players Association meeting Tuesday.”  I’m loving the creativity Marlon.  I just hope the Mets achieve the goal he set.  Somebody really has to do something.

New York Daily News:

Billy Wagner blows 3rd straight save in Mets’ loss to Diamondbacks - The AP summarized today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Shaky relief pitching might be start of Mets’ problems - That is the problem, and it began in July of ‘07.

Carlos Beltran’s homer wins it in 13th for Mets, bails out Billy Wagner - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets have sympathy for Ron Santo and 1969 Cubs - Anthony McCarron sees similarities between the ‘70 Cubs and the ‘08 Mets.

Ailing Moises Alou’s leg and pride hurting because of injury

Billy Wagner blows game in ninth, win for Mike Pelfrey

Marlon Anderson gets into the flow with inspiration at players-only meeting

New York Post:

BELTRAN BLAST BAILS OUT BILLY - Mark Hale summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

MOISES BACK ON SIDELINE

MINAYA IS MAKING SAME OLD MISTAKES - Great article here by Joel Sherman.  It’s the first article in a long time that I’ve seen putting some blame on Omar Minaya.  Willie takes all of the heat which isn’t right.  They are a tandem.  I would love to see the press go at each of them equally.

IMPRESSIVE PELFREY ROBBED OF WIN

ALOU BACK ON BENCH, AGAIN

STRAW: METS CAN’T HANDLE PRESSURE OF NEW YORK - Darryl Strawberry believes that, “The talent is there with this group, no question. The curiosity is, how much do they want it? Everyone is puzzled, including former players. There’s a lot of questions about if it’s going to happen for them.”

New York Times:

Stuck in His Team’s Undertow, Santana Sees Another Win Slip Away - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltrán Saves the Mets, as Wagner Fails Again - Joe LaPointe wrote up a game summary for last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Mets’ Alou Is Left Discouraged After Hurting His Calf Again

The Star-Ledger:

Final: D-Backs 5, Mets 4 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Game 65: Diamondbacks at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Beltran’s HR bails out Wagner

Pelfrey gets dose of confidence - And he would’ve built up more confidence if Willie let him get 3 more outs.

Blame players for state of Mets

Beltran delivers Mets victory in 13 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

Anything to help out - Colin Stephenson asked Scott Schoeneweis why he helped out the grounds crew putting the tarp on the infield.

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The New York Mets (30-33) are playing Game 64 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-30) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the second game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Happy 25th Birthday Jose Reyes!

Diamondbacks Lineup: Young, Drew, Hudson, Jackson, Tracy, Reynolds, Snyder, Salazar, Brandon Webb (11-2).

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Anderson, Schneider, Chavez, Mike Pelfrey (2-6).

In the Top of the 1st, Young grounded a leadoff single past Reyes.  Pelfrey picked off Young at first.  Drew grounded out to short.  Hudson grounded out to second to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Webb pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Jackson lined a leadoff single into center.  Tracy grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play.  Pelfrey fanned Reynolds to end the inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Webb retired the side in the second straight inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Snyder drew a leadoff walk.  Pelfrey caught Salazar looking at strike three.  Webb grounded to first, and Delgado made the out at first as Snyder advanced to second.  Young lined out to left to end the inning stranding Snyder on second.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Webb retired the lineup in order the first time around.

In the Top of the 4th, Hudson lined a one-out double to the gap in right center.  Jackson grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first as Hudson moved over to third.  Tracy grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning stranding Hudson on third.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Reyes beat out a drag bunt down the first base line for a leadoff single.  Castillo chopped the ball towards the pitcher so Webb (Error on Brandon Webb) attempted to make the out at first, but Tracy dropped the ball so Castillo is safe at first and Reyes advanced to third.  Wright grounded to third, and Reynolds held Reyes up at third before making the out at first as Castillo advanced to second.  Carlos Beltran lined a one-out 2-run single into right center which scored Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo.  Delgado lined the ball back to the pitcher and hit him in the back so Webb kneeled down as the ball rolled into left field, and Delgado ended up with a single as Beltran went from first to third (Melvin checked on Webb).  Marlon Anderson grounded to first, and the Diamondbacks only got the out at second on the double play attempt as Carlos Beltran came home to score.  Schneider grounded out to second to end the inning stranding Anderson on first, but the Mets got a 3-0 lead.  In the Top of the 5th, Pelfrey pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Pelfrey grounded a one-out single up the middle for his first hit of the year.  Reyes grounded to second, and the Diamondbacks turned the inning ending double play.  In the Top of the 6th, Pelfrey retired the side in order for the second straight inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Melvin replaced Webb with Scherzer.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Scherzer fanned Delgado to end the inning stranding Beltran on first.

In the Top of the 7th, Hudson lined a leadoff single into left.  Jackson flied out to left.  Tracy drew a one-out walk (Peterson made a visit to the mound).  Pelfrey then fanned Reynolds and Snyder to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Scherzer pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Pelfrey retired the side in order.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Melvin replaced Scherzer with Cruz.  Reyes struck out swinging at a wild pitch that went to the backstop so Reyes arrived safely at first giving the Mets a one-out base runner.  With Castillo at the plate, Snyder threw out Reyes as he attempted to steal second.  Castillo drew a two-out walk.  With Wright in the batters box, Snyder threw out Castillo as he stole second.  In the Top of the 9th, Pelfrey will be attempting a complete game shutout.  Drew lined a leadoff single into right.  Randolph replaced Pelfrey after his best outing of his career with Wagner.  Pelfrey received a standing ovation from the Shea Faithful.  Wagner fanned Hudson.  Jackson drove a one-out double into the gap in left center, and Drew went from first to third.  Wagner struck out Tracy, but the pitch went in the dirt so Schneider looked back Drew and made the out at first.  Mark Reynolds smoked a two-out 3-run homer to left scoring Stephen Drew and Chad Tracy to tie this game up.  The fans let him the Mets hear it after that.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Melvin replaced Cruz with Peña.  Beltran drew a one-out walk.  Peña struck Delgado out swinging.  Aguila is pinch hitting for Wagner, and Aguila lined a two-out single into right, and Beltran moved over to second.  Schneider flied out to center to end the inning stranding runners on first and second.

In the Top of the 10th, Randolph replaced Wagner with Feliciano.  Burke is pinch hitting for Salazar, and Burke drew a leadoff walk on four pitches.  Owings is pinch hitting for Peña, and Feliciano fanned Owings.  Young grounded to second, and Castillo got the lead runner out at second.  Drew grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first to end the inning stranding Burke on first.  In the Bottom of the 10th, Melvin replaced Peña with Qualls.  Qualls retired the side in order.  In the Top of the 11th, Randolph replaced Feliciano with Heilman.  Tracy grounded a two-out single through the hole on the right side.  Heilman struck out Reynolds to end the inning stranding Tracy on first.  In the Bottom of the 11th, Wright grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Beltran grounded to short, and Drew tagged second to get the lead runner.  Delgado grounded out to first to end the inning stranding Beltran on first.  In the Top of the 12th, Heilman retired the side in order.  In the Bottom of the 12th, Melvin replaced Qualls with Gonzalez.  Schneider lined a one-out single into right.  Chavez flied out to right.  Tatis is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Tatis grounded out to short to end the inning strandind Schneider on first.

In the Top of the 13th, Randolph replaced Heilman with Vargas.  Drew grounded to third, and Wright dove to stop the ball but could not get up on his feet to make a better throw to first on time giving the Diamondbacks a one-out base runner.  Upton lined a one-out single into center, and Drew moved over to second.  Jackson grounded to third, and Wright turned the inning ending double play.  In the Bottom of the 13th, Castillo grounded to third and beat it out for a one-out infield single.  Wright popped up in foul ground along the first base line, and Tracy made the catch.  Carlos Beltran hit a two-out 2-run walk off home run to right center field scoring Luis Castillo.

Final Score: Arizona Diamondbacks 3 - New York Mets 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Claudio Vargas (3-2) got the win while Edgar Gonzalez (1-3) took the loss.

Game Notes:

• Mike Pelfrey pitched an absolute gem tonight.  He pitched 8.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 8 SOs before Willie pulled him after giving up a hit to the first batter in the 9th.
• Carlos Beltran lined a 2-run single into right to put the Mets on the board in the 4th.
• Billy Wagner gave up a 3-run shot in the 9th which tied up the game.
• Carlos Beltran hit a 2-run walk off in the 13th.

Series Notes:

• The Diamondbacks and the Mets are tied 1-1.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l-l-l-l-l-w.
• The Mets are currently 1-1 on this home stand.
• The Mets are two games under .500 with a 31-33 record.

I’m very happy that the Mets were able to at least win this game after how well Big Pelf pitched.  Pelfrey had two pretty good outings prior to tonight and a great outing tonight, and he still hasn’t gotten a win.  As a fan, I just want to see my boys in blue and orange win sometimes.  And a walkoff homer by Beltran is always entertaining.  It would be better if they weren’t in a rut.

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So the Metsies are on a 5-game losing streak, and who knows when it’s going to end.  Even when they put up 5 runs in the first two innings, they can’t seal the deal.  They have a whole bunch of issues.  The media and the fans have pointed them out since game one.  The issues are obvious to us, but it’s the organization that needs to shake things up before it’s too late or it’s going to be a very long season.

Mets.com:

Mets fall to D-backs after delay - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Randolph hopes to ‘return the favor’ - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets follow doctors’ orders with Church - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church won’t return from DL until neurologist clears him.

Optimistic Alou returns to Mets’ lineup

Newsday:

Mets blow 5-1 lead against Arizona- Roderick Boone summarized last night’s Diamondbacks-Mets game.

It’s time to restart the Willie watch

Alou itching to help, finally gets activated

New York Daily News:

Despite meeting, Mets blow lead and fall to Diamondbacks 9-5 at Shea - Roger Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Despite defeat to Diamondbacks, Mets might see magic in numbers

Met bullpen racked for six runs in four innings vs. Diamondbacks - The Bullpen shouldn’t even pitch four innings.

Moises Alou gets hit, then sits

New York Post:

‘PEN GIVES LEAD D’BACK TO ‘ZONA - Mark Hale summarized last night’s D-Backs-Mets game.

CHURCH ON DL, FINALLY

AMAZIN’S HAVE HEAD IN CLOUDS

NO JOKE! ‘HEALTHY’ ALOU EYES PLAYOFFS

New York Times:

Alou Is Back, Church Is on the D.L. and the Mets Stagger On

Mets’ Bullpen to the Rescue in Delay

The Star-Ledger:

He just can’t go any Mo - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Mets.

Mets bullpen falters as skid hits five

Alou, Anderson back from DL

Virginia has its share of premium baseball players

Diamondbacks batter Mets, 9-5 - Colin Stephenson summarized last night’s game between the D-Backs and the Mets.

Here come the grounds crew

Rain, rain go away

Return of Moises

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So Mets.com wrote an article stating that no Mets have been voted to the top of their respective positions in the early tabulations of the All-Star ballots.  The funny thing about it was that I was going to discuss it today anyway.  Now, I have some supporting evidence thanks to Marty Noble.

Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 club sites until 11:59 p.m. ET. on Wednesday, July 2. Starting rosters will be announced during the 2008 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Chevrolet on TBS on Sunday, July 6. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the Monster 2008 All-Star Final Vote at MLB.com.

As usual, fans can vote so go out and vote if you haven’t done so already.  Obviously, I encourage you to vote for all of the Mets.

1. First Base - No Mets are currently in the Top 5.
2. Second Base - Luis Castillo is currently 5th in the All-Star ballot.  I have no idea how that happened.
3. Third Base - David Wright is currently 2nd in the All-Star ballot.  Even though Wright is struggling, vote for him over Larry Jones.
4. Shortstop - Jose Reyes is currently 3rd in the All-Star ballot.
5. Catcher - No Mets are currently in the Top 5.
6. Outfield - Carlos Beltran is currently 4th, and Ryan Church is currently 13th in the All-Star ballot.  Church has to make it in the outfield, and he should be ahead of Beltran right now.

If you want to vote for the 2008 All-Star Game, click here.

Mets.com:

Latest injury most disappointing for Alou - Moises Alou had this to say, “I got known as the person who gets injured all the time, and it’s embarrassing getting that label this late in my career.”

Mets starting slowly in All-Star ballots - Marty Noble pointed out that no Mets have been voted to the top of their respective position in the early tabulations.  The All-Star game is what I wanted to talk about today.

Santana puts a stop to Mets’ slide - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wagner only concerned about winning - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise the latest Mets player on the DL - Jon Blau reported that Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day DL because of a right rotator cuff tendinitis.  Carlos Muniz was called up from the Minors to take his place on the roster.

Newsday:

Santana gives Mets much-needed win - Anthony Rieber summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

If Mets don’t win now, they could have long wait

Church sees neurologist, takes night off

Randolph’s mood brightens as job status improves - Anthony Rieber pointed out that,

Randolph joked with reporters before last night’s game against the Marlins. He was particularly comical about a photo on the front page of the New York Post that he said made him “look ugly.”

“You couldn’t find a better picture than that?” he asked. “That was a tired picture. Do I look that bad? It was a big ‘ Moon Mullins’ shot. I looked tired. They made sure my eyes were a little bit closed.”

Marlon, Wise are hurting

Marlins showing they are more than spoilers

Vote of confidence for Mets’ Randolph could be kiss of death

New York Daily News:

To Omar Minaya, racial divide on Mets sounds altogether wrong

Mets surpass Knicks at doctoring attendance figures

Thanks to Johan Santana, Mets and Willie Randolph get much-needed win - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Johan Santana aces Mets’ gut check

Ten ways to fix the Mets - Peter Botte provided a list of, “10 things the Mets need to do to save their season and/or Randolph’s job over the final 112 games.”

Ryan Church’s bell is still ringing

Backup plan is a hit - Mark Lelinwallasays, “Maybe Willie Randolph should give his starters the night off more often.”

Tuesday the target for Pedro’s return

Brochure chumps make ‘07 Mets champs - Brendan Brosh found out that, “A tourism brochure, printed for $9,300 by the borough president’s office, hails the Mets as winners last year - when they endured a historic collapse to miss the playoffs.”

New York Post:

SANTANA & SUBS SUBDUE MARLINS

RANDOLPH WARMS UP HIS BENCH

QUEST FOR LEADER LOST IN TRANSLATION

CHURCH MIGHT GO ON THE DL

New York Times:

Santana Provides Relief for Mets - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Doctors See Danger in Letting Church Play

Delgado Benched as Slump Deepens

The Star-Ledger:

Ryan Church update

Ryan Church fallout

If it ain’t broke, why fix it? - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s Marlins-Mets game.

Shakeup helps Mets get a win

Church told to stay away from Shea - Jeremy Cothran noted that, ”a neurologist ordered the right fielder to stay home.”

Final: Mets 5, Marlins 3 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

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The Metropolitans were unable to provide Willie with a post-meeting victory last night.  Various Mets were asked if Willie should be their manager, and only Wagner stated that he supported Willie.  Other players danced around the question, and tried to be politically correct.  Delgado got really weird about the question.  I’ve been trying to find the full quote, but none of the papers got it.  Here’s a portion of what Carlos said, “I’ll tell you what I think. I think we need to play better. I think they don’t pay me to think. They pay me to play baseball. … (That’s) not a good question to ask.”  When I listened to it, he finished the last question by saying that it’s not a good question to ask in front of everybody.  So when should reporters ask the question?  Also, Delgado was very nasty to the reporters after the first couple of questions.  He began swearing which is probably why I can’t find it in the papers.  Remember this, Delgado didn’t want to be on the Mets so he went to the Marlins instead.  So what did Omar do?  He went out and got Delgado.  Carlos had one good year on the Mets in ‘06.  In ‘07, he had a .258 average and was bored.  This year, he has a .215 average.  He’s a classless bum so get rid of him.  The team chemistry should improve a little bit from this.  I’m sure there’s more problems, but this is a good start.  Thanks Willie for benching Delgado tonight.  There are much bigger problems than Willie.  Omar believes that he has championship talent so he is the first person that needs to wake up and smell the coffee.  Once he realizes how wrong he is in his assessment, he will have to get rid of the bums and bring in championship talent.  Even if these players have the physical talent, they don’t have the mental talent.  Take Reyes for example.  He has been great until Willie benched him.  Once there was adversity, he has sucked.  Down the stretch in ‘07, he sucked.  Now that the Mets are supposed to win, Reyes sucks and the Mets are playing .500 ball.  Reyes was able to succeed without pressure.  After the collapse, my question was whether or not Reyes was injured or childish.  I was upset with the Mets for not stating what the problem was until Spring Training.  I thought Reyes should’ve been dealt to the Twins if he was being childish, but not if he was injured.  In Spring Training, we found out that he was being a baby and he’s still on the Mets.  Omar needs to take a better look at this team, and there are so many more issues.

Mets.com:

Mets reliving a bit of history - Marty Noble compared the ‘08 Mets to the ‘04 Mets.

Mets held at bay by first-place Marlins - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Heilman locating pitches better of late - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Pedro to make return on June 3

Randolph to remain manager of Mets

Church to see a neurologist - Marty Noble reported that Ryan Church, “is to be examined by a neurologist.”  Also, Marlon Anderson was, ”assigned to the disabled list because of a strain of his left hamstring.”

Tigers and Mets have common ground - Fred Claire believes that the Mets and the Tigers are struggling despite big offseason moves.

Newsday:

In the end, this town could make Willie toast

Same old ending as Marlins top Mets, 7-3 - Arthur Staple also summarized last night’s Marlins-Mets game.

Randolph still Mets manager after meeting

Beltran on manager situation: It’s a distraction - Carlos Beltran had this to say about Willie’s status:

I think they should say that and come out with something like that. Because it is a distraction. The reality is people say, ‘No, that doesn’t affect the ballclub,’ but it does. It does because you come to the ballpark wondering what’s going to happen. It’s natural as players, we all think like that.

At one point, I was in that situation when they were talking every day about me being traded when I was in Kansas City. To me, it was thinking it might be today. Tomorrow might be the day. It’s not fun coming wondering like that every day to the ballpark.

Randolph saga is field day for media - I bet it is.  It’s been so overdone.  I was bored of the story after the first two days.

Lightning kills former Mets pitcher Gonzalez - The AP reported that “Former Mets pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday. He was 33.”  I’ve never actually knew anybody that was killed by lightning.  That is an awful story.  Die Hard Mets Fan sends our prayers to Geremi Gonzalez.

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on May 27 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Embattled Mets manager Willie Randolph has brass’ support - for now

Fielding gaffes fail to boost Willie Randolph and doom Mets vs. Marlins - Peter Botte wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Willie Randolph survives to manage the Mets another day

One meeting can’t clean up the Mets

Met players: It’s on us and not Willie Randolph

Thank Aaron Heilman for preventing blowout vs. Marlins

Ryan Church service still on hold

Lightning kills ex-Met riding boat

New York Post:

THERE’S A WILL, BUT NOT A WAY

DON’T BLAME WILLIE

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB ON A TEAM OF GOATS

PELFREY’S PUZZLED BY POOR START

BLAME FOR THIS MESS GOES BEYOND DUGOUT

JOSE’S HOT BAT CAN’T START FIRE

WILLIE’S REPRIEVE

PLAYERS: BLAME SHOULD FALL ON US

WILLIE RANDOLPH KEEPS HIS JOB

TRADING PLACES - Dan Tomasino pointed out that, “The first-place team in the NL East will play at Shea Stadium tonight, but it’s not the hometown Mets.”

New York Times:

Randolph Is Still Mets’ Manager

No Good News for Randolph as Mets Lose Again - Joe LaPointe summarized last night’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 50: Marlins at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Mets.

Wise placed on DL - Jeremy Cothran reported that, “Matt Wise was placed on the 15-day disabled list with weakness in his throwing (right) shoulder. To fill the void in the bullpen, the Mets called up RHP Carlos Muniz from Triple-A New Orleans.”

Somebody has to go, but it’s not Willie

Players speak volumes by staying silent

Reyes continues puzzling season

Willie will, for now

It’s all about the manager right now

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I really believed that the Amazin’s were going to win 5 straight to offset the 5 game losing streak.  That is the first time this month that the Mets didn’t follow that trend, and it’s pretty late in the month.  So the Mets lost again, and Willie’s big meeting with the Wilpon’s is tomorrow.  During the past ten days, the local press and sports radio stations like The Fan have made this a gigantic story.  I was bored of it last weekend, and it’s not over yet.  Let’s see what happens to Willie tomorrow and in the upcoming weeks.

Mets.com:

Long ball tops Maine, Mets in Denver - Owen Perkins summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Church improving but still woozy

Pedro champing at the bit to return - Owen Perkins lets us know the latest on Pedro Martinez, “Pedro Martinez was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in the Dominican Republic on Sunday and is expected to return to Florida on Monday.”

Minaya sees calmer waters for Mets - Omar Minaya was quoted as saying, “We understand there’s other drama around the team, but we’ve got to win games. I think [the drama] is over. Once Willie apologized, that’s it, move forward.”

Evans, Vargas give Mets a boost in win - Owen Perkins summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Tatis’ hard work paying off with Mets - Owen Perkins wrote up a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Delgado homers past Dawson - Carlos Delgado passed Andre Dawson for sole possession of 35th on the all-time list with 439 home runs.

Anderson latest Mets outfielder to sit - Owen Perkins reported that Marlon Anderson is listed as day-to-day.

Newsday:

On hot seat, Mets’ Willie becomes Good Humor man - David Lennon wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Evans’ three-double debut leads Mets

LETS RANT

One watcher’s ride on Mets history by the numbers

Surprise starts: Which teams will stay hot, cold

New York Daily News:

Slumping Mets can’t solve Rockies’ patchwork lineup - The AP summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - Adam Rubin summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Ax Willie Randolph? Omar Minaya deserves share of blame

Win some games, Willie Randolph

The Willie Randolph I know well

Willie Randolph tries to stay upbeat as meeting looms

Pedro Martinez is ready, Mets aren’t

Called-up Nick Evans makes mark on the double

Gary Carter just Kidding, now backs Willie Randolph - What’s wrong with The Kid?

New York Post:

BACK TO SLEEP - Bart Hubbuch wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

‘KISS OF DEATH’

RANDOLPH WINS A REPRIEVE - FOR NOW

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 18

METS’ YOUNGSTER IS ‘DOUBLE’ THE TROUBLE IN MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT

VARGAS MAKES PITCH TO STAY

WILLIE RESIGNED TO FINAL CUT

New York Times:

Mets Loss to Rockies Adds Pressure on Randolph - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s Mets-Rockies game.

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Rockies 4, Mets 1 - Jeremy Cothran put together a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Maine no-hitter finished

Game 48: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Finally, all goes right for Mets

Rookie arrives double time

Willie prepared for talk

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For one day, the Mets were clicking on all cylindars.  It must be that Rocky Mountain air.  They scored 5 runs in the first inning and kept tacking on insurance runs.  Vargas was pretty solid today.  He only allowed 2 runs in 6 innings.  And what a great Evans had in his Mets debut.  Perhaps the Mets will be able to win this series before coming home.  I would love to see that.

Mets.com:

Evans makes his mark right away - Nick Evans made a name for himself in his MLB debut today so Owen Perkins lets us know all about that.

Randolph keeping eye on the ball

Mets’ skid stretched to five at Coors - Owen Perkins summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Mets turn to Vargas on short rest - Owen Perkins put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Minaya reiterates support for Randolph - Here’s part of what Omar Minaya stated about Willie Randolph.  Check out the article to find out more.

Willie Randolph is our manager. He has my support. He has our ownership’s support. I am here to support Willie. I’m here to let him know my support, to encourage him and to let him know we believe he can get this team on track. Willie’s totally dedicated to doing that, and I believe he can do that.

The team’s not playing well, and sometimes as the general manager, you have to see how the team is playing. This is one of those situations that you always leave open the ability to visit the team and see the team. We had a good [series] last weekend with the Yankees, but the fact that we didn’t play well — we played some good games, but the bottom line is we lost in Atlanta — and I felt it was important for me as the general manager to be with the team now, especially finishing off the road trip.

When we get back to New York, we’ll sit down and talk and look each other in the eye. Sit down in a room and have Willie have a little bit of a conversation with the ownership and myself and tell us why he felt those things were said.

Mets, Randolph focused on playing ball

Anderson exits with pulled hammy - Owen Perkins lets us know that Marlon Anderson left last night’s game because he suffered a strained left hamstring.

Woozy Church out of starting lineup - Owen Perkins pointed out that Ryan Church sat out for the third straight game after suffering from a mild concussion.

Newsday:

Minaya gives Randolph vote of confidence

Church still dizzy from apparent concussion

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what happened at Shea Stadium and at Yankee Stadium on May 23 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Willie Randolph gets stay of execution as Mets rock Colorado - The AP wrote up a game summary for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Gary Carter would love to take Shea reins as Mets manager - Adam Rubin found out what Gary Carter said about managing the Mets when asked by “The Mike and Murray Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Mets lose in 13 innings to Rockies, drop fifth straight - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Pedro Martinez wants to pitch - Pedro Martinez said, “My dad told me he wants to see me pitch again”

Ryan Church Bering head woes

New York Post:

RANDOLPH’S ON A ROCKY ROAD

PATH TO REDEMPTION STILL OPEN TO WILLIE

NO HOLLIDAY FOR AMAZIN’S IN COLORADO

MARTINEZ’S DL RETURN DELAYED BY TRIP TO D.R.

New York Times:

Mets Win and Change the Subject for a Day - Ben Shpigel summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

After Minaya Supports Randolph, Mets Lose in 13 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Rockies game.

Wright Wants Mets to Take Losses Personally

The Star-Ledger:

Final: Mets 9, Rockies 2 - Jeremy Cothran wrote up a game summary about today’s Mets-Rockies game.

Game 47: Mets at Rockies - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Rockies.

Closing up shop (finally) in Denver

Church a scratch, dizzy after flight

Who’s in line for Willie’s job?

Omar offers Randolph a vote of confidence

Mets reportedly call up Nick Evans

Omar: We’re going to support Willie

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The New York Mets (21-19) are playing Game 41 of the 2008 Regular Season against the New York Yankees (20-23) at Yankee Stadium.  It’s the second game of the two-game series.  The game began at 8:05 p.m., and it was aired on ESPN.  We will have to suffer through hours of Joe Morgan just to watch a Mets game.  In my opinion, a Subway Series should never have national broadcasters.

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

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

At the Plate

Chien-Ming Wang (6-1) was the starting pitcher for the Yankees.  In the Top of the 1st, Wang retired the side with three ground outs.  Wang gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Wang now retired the first six Mets that he faced.  Wang gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Wang now retired the Mets in order the first time through the lineup.  Wang gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Reyes led of with a double that one-hopped the right field wall for the Mets first hit of the game.  Anderson grounded to the pitcher, and Wang turned around and made the throw to second which got Reyes in a rundown.  Jeter made the throw to Gonzalez who applied the tag on Reyes as Anderson ended up on first.  Wright grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side, and Anderson went to second.  Beltran drew a one-out walk to load the bases.  Ryan Church grounded to first, and Giambi threw it off target to second to the point where Jeter had to stretch and eventually come off the bag so Marlon Anderson scored and everybody is safe.  Moises Alou lined an one-out 2-run single into right, and David Wright and Carlos Beltran came around to score as Church went first to third.  (Carlos Delgado crushed a no-out 3-run home run which hit the foul poul in left field which would’ve scored Ryan Church and Moises Alou, but the Umpires screwed up the call and it doesn’t count which is bull.  Where is the instant replay?)  (Jerry Manuel was Ejected from the game for arguing the call.)  Carlos Delgado ended up grounding a one-out RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Ryan Church, and Alou advanced to second.  Schneider grounded to second, and Cano made the out at first as both runners advanced.  Castillo drew a two-out walk which loaded the bases.  Reyes flied out to left leaving the bases filled with Mets.  Wang gave up 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Wang quickly retired the side.  Wang gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Ryan Church belted a leadoff solo shot to straight away center field.  Alou grounded out to third.  Delgado flied out to left.  Schneider grounded out to second to end the inning.  Wang gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Wang retired the side in order with ground ball outs.  Wang gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Wright led off with an opposite field double down the right field line.  Beltran hit a slow ground ball in front of home plate, and Wang made the throw to first to get the out while Wright advanced to third.  Wang intentionally walked Church.  Moises Alou hit a sacrifice fly to right field, and David Wright tagged and came home to score while Church went to second.  Wang gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Wang left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 7 Runs, 7 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Girardi replaced Wang with Ross Ohlendorf with two outs in the Top of the 8th.  Ohlendorf intentionally walked Delgado.  Brian Schneider lined a two-out RBI single to right so Ryan Church came around to score, and Delgado went first to third.  Luis Castillo grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the left side which scored Carlos Delgado, and Schneider advanced to second.  Jose Reyes drilled a two-out 3-run homer over the short porch in right which scored Brian Schneider and Luis Castillo.  Chavez replaced Alou, and Chavez grounded out to first to end the inning.  Ohlendorf gave up 3 Hits, 4 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Girardi replaced Ohlendorf with Jose Veras to begin the Top of the 9th.  Veras pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Veras gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (3-3) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Jeter drew a two-out walk.  With Matsui at the plate, Jeter stole second without a throw.  Matsui lined out to first to leave Jeter stranded at second.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Giambi drew a leadoff walk.  Cano grounded to first, and Delgado tagged first as Giambi went to second.  Cabrera flied out along the right field line, and Church ran a long way over there to make the catch.  Gonzalez lined out to right leaving Giambi standing on second.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Perez pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Jeter grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Hideki Matsui crushed a no-out 2-run jack to right which scored Derek Jeter.  Giambi popped up in foul ground behind home plate, and Schneider made the catch.  Perez hit Cano with the pitch.  With Cabrera in the batters box, Cano beat out the throw as he stole second.  Cabrera popped up to shallow right, and Church made the catch.  With Gonzalez at the plate, Perez threw a wild pitch so Cano advanced to third.  Gonzalez popped up to second leaving Cano on third.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Molina led off by lining a double off of the right field wall.  Damon grounded to first, and Delgado tossed it to Perez who tagged first as Molina moved over to third.  Perez caught Abreu looking at strike three.  Jeter flied out to center leaving Molina standing on third.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Perez hit Giambi with the pitch to give the Yankees a leadoff runner.  Cano grounded to the pitcher, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Perez pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Perez retired the first two batters before Randolph made a pitching change.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Joe Smith with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Jeter grounded out to second.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Scott Schoeneweis to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Schoeneweis hit Giambi with the pitch to give the Yankees a one-out base runner.  Cano flied out to left.  Cabrera grounded to the pitcher, and Schoeneweis made the out at first to end the game.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 11 - New York Yankees 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Oliver Perez (4-3) got the win and Chien-Ming Wang (6-2) got the loss.

By the time this game was over, the Mets were able to turn Yankee Stadium into Shea Stadium.  The fans were standing and clapping for Schoeneweis rather than the batters which meant that they were Mets fans.  I mentioned yesterday that the Mets needed to cash in in that 4th inning because they didn’t get much out of the situation.  Today, the did just that by scoring 4 runs in the 4th inning and that’s without Delgado’s 3-run blast that didn’t count.  The Mets swept the Yankees in this two-game series.  I thought the Mets would win two game after they lost two games because that’s the .500 trend that the Mets have been keeping pace with.  Perez pitched better as the game went on.  The Mets batted around in the 4th inning and the 8th Inning so everybody contributed for the most part.  The Mets are the kings of New York for another month until they face each other again.

Onto Atlanta.  I hope the Mets sweep the Braves, but they will probably will lose the first game because that will follow their l-w-l-w-l-w-l-l-w-w pattern…what’s next?  Unfortunately, a loss or a losing streak before they get on a winning streak.  Or just maybe, this meeting by Willie will really be what the Mets needed to get to the next level.

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The New York Mets (20-17) are playing Game 38 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals (16-24) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the third game of the four-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Nationals Lineup: Lopez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Boone, Kearns, Dukes, Pena, Flores, Redding.

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

On the Mound

Claudio Vargas (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Lopez lined a leadoff double off of the right field wall.  Guzman flied out to left.  Vargas fanned Zimmerman.  Boone popped up to first.  Vargas gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Vargas pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Vargas gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Flores drew a leadoff walk.  Redding dropped down towards first, and Delgado got the lead runner out at second.  With Lopez in the batters box, Vargas threw a wild pitch so Redding went to second.  Lopez drew a one-out walk.  Guzman flied out to left.  Zimmerman grounded to short, and Reyes made the force out at second to end the inning.  Vargas gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Boone beat out ground ball to deep short for a single to lead off the inning.  Kearns flied out to center.  Dukes grounded to short, and the Mets turned the inning ending double play.  Vargas gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Vargas pitched another 1-2-3 inning.  Vargas gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Lopez drew a leadoff walk.  Guzman grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play.  Ryan Zimmerman tattooed a two-out solo shot to the upperdecks in left.  Vargas fanned Boone to end the inning.  Vargas gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Dukes drew a one-out walk on four straight pitches.  Vargas gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Vargas left the game after pitching 6.1 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ERs, 4 BBs, and he had 6 SOs.

Randolph replaced Vargas with Aaron Heilman with one out in the Top of the 7th.  Pena grounded to third, and Wright made a barehand throw to first to get Pena while Dukes moved over to second.  Jesus Flores grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the right side, and Elijah Dukes came around to score.  Harris is pinch hitting for Redding, and Harris drew a two-out walk.  Felipe Lopez grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Jesus Flores, and Harris went first to third and Lopez went to second as the throw came home to the plate.  Cristian Guzman grounded a two-out 2-run single up the middle which scored Willie Harris and Felipe Lopez.  Heilman did what he does best by giving up 4 runs while only recording 1 out.  Heilman gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Joe Smith with two outs in the Top of the 7th.  Smith struck out Zimmerman on three straight pitches to end the nightmare-ish inning.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Smith retired the side in order.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  Smith left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Pedro Feliciano to begin the Top of the 9th.  Feliciano pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Tim Redding (4-3) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Redding retired the side in order.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Redding pitched another 1-2-3 inning.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Redding now retired the lineup in order the first time through it.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Reyes drew a leadoff walk.  Church popped up in foul ground near the Nationals dugout, and Zimmerman made the catch.  Wright lined a no-out single up the middle, and Reyes advanced to second.  Beltran lined to third, and Zimmerman threw the ball to second before Reyes could get back to the bag to end the inning.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, (Moises Alou struck out and subsequently slammed the bat down on the dirt and got ejected) Brian Schneider crushed a two-out solo shot to right.  Easley drew a two-out walk.  Redding fanned Vargas to end the inning.  Redding gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Redding pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  Redding gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Redding left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 1 Run, 2 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Acta replaced Redding with Saul Rivera to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Chavez replaced Alou, and Chavez grounded a one-out single to the pitcher who bobbled the ball.  Delgado grounded a one-out single off of the pitcher and through the hole on the right side, and Chavez went first to third.  Brian Schneider grounded out to first, and Endy Chavez came home to score while Delgado moved over to second.  Easley grounded out to the pitcher, and Rivera made the out at first to end the inning.  Rivera gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Anderson lined a pinch hit opposite field single to left to give the Mets a leadoff runner.  Reyes flied out to left.  Church drew a one-out walk.  Rivera gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Rivera left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs.

Acta replaced Rivera with Luis Ayala with one out in the Bottom of the 8th.  Wright flied out to center.  Ayala gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Acta replaced Ayala with Jon Rauch with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Carlos Beltran grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the right side, and Marlon Anderson came around to score while Church went first to third.  Chavez popped up to shallow center, and Dukes made the catch to end the inning.  Rauch gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Rauch slammed the door on the Mets.  Rauch gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 5 - New York Mets 3.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Claudio Vargas (0-1) got the loss and Tim Redding (5-3) got the win.

Surprisingly, this game was a pitching duel early on.  Claudio Vargas pitch a great game in his first game of the year.  Vargas walked a batter, Willie made a pitching change, and Heilman gave up 4 runs (3 earned) in 1/3 of an inning to blow another game for the Mets.  Schneider drove in 2 of the Mets runs today.  Now, the Mets cannot win the series against the last place Nats.  At best, they can tie it tomorrow.  It really is pathetic that the Mets don’t have the killer instinct in them after last year’s collapse.  The Mets need to do something before the season ends and they are still playing .500 ball.

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The New York Mets (19-17) are playing Game 37 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals (16-23) at Shea Stadium.  It’s the second game of the four-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Nationals Lineup: Lopez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Johnson, Milledge, Kearns, Dukes, Nieves, Lannan.

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

On the Mound

John Maine (4-2) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Maine hit Lopez with the first pitch of the game to give the Nationals a leadoff runner.  Guzman grounded to short, and Reyes made the force out at second.  Maine fanned Zimmerman.  Johnson grounded to the pitcher, and Maine made the out at first to end the inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Kearns grounded a one-out single through the hole on the right side.  Dukes drew a one-out walk.  Nieves grounded to short, and Reyes got the lead runner out at third.  Lannan grounded to the pitcher, and Maine made the out at first to end the inning.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Guzman beat out a ground ball to second on a bad throw by Easley (Error on Damion Easley) to give the Nationals a one-out base runner.  Ryan Zimmerman crushed a one-out 2-run homer to left field scoring Cristian Guzman.  Johnson grounded out to first.  Maine struck out Milledge again to end the inning.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Maine pitched his first 1-2-3 inning of the game.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Maine retired the side for the second straight inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Milledge grounded to second but it went through Easley’s (Error on Damion Easley) legs so the Nationals have a two-out base runner.  Maine struck out Kearns looking to end the inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Maine left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 ER, 1 BB, and he had 5 SOs.

Randolph replaced Maine with Matt Wise to begin the Top of the 7th.  Dukes grounded a leadoff double down the left field line.  Nieves grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first as Dukes advanced to third.  Mackowiak is pinch hitting for Lannan, and Rob Mackowiak grounded out to second which scored Elijah Dukes.  Lopez grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning.  Wise gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning. 

Randolph replaced Wise with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Top of the 8th.  Guzman drew a leadoff walk.  Zimmerman flied out to right.  Johnson drew a one-out walk.  Sanchez fanned Milledge on three straight pitches.  Kearns grounded to third, and Wright got the force out at second to end the inning.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Billy Wagner to begin the Top of the 9th.  Boone is pinch hitting for Hanrahan, and Boone lined a two-out single into center.  Wagner fanned Lopez to end the game.  Wagner gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

John Lannan (3-3) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Wright lined a two-out single to left center.  Beltran popped up to first to end the inning.  Lannan gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Alou grounded to deep short but Guzman threw off the bag so Alou ended up with a leadoff single.  Delgado dropped down a bunt towards third (because nobody was there) so he ended up with a no-out single, and Alou went to second.  Easley drew a no-out walk on four straight pitches to load the bases.  Brian Schneider grounded to first, and the Nationals only got the out at second on the double play attempt as Moises Alou came home.  Maine bunted towards the pitcher, and Lannan made the out at first as Schneider moved over to second.  Reyes grounded to short, and Guzman made the out at first leaving two Mets in scoring position.  Lannan gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Ryan Church smacked a solo shot to dead center to lead off the inning.  Wright grounded a no-out standup double down the right field line.  Beltran grounded out to short.  Alou popped up to shallow right, and Kearns made the catch.  Delgado grounded out to second to end the inning.  Lannan gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Schneider grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Maine lined a one-out single into left, and Schneider advanced to second.  Reyes grounded to third, and the Nationals turned the inning ending double play.  Lannan gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Beltran lined a two-out single up the middle.  Alou grounded a two-out single up the middle, and Beltran advanced to second.  Delgado flied out to the warning track in dead center to leave two Mets stranded.  Lannan gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Schneider lined a one-out single into center.  Tatis is pinch hitting for Maine, and Tatis lined a one-out single into right so Schneider went to second.  Lannan fanned Reyes.  Ryan Church lined a two-out 2-run double over Kearn’s head which scored Brian Schneider and Fernando Tatis.  Wright grounded out to second to end the inning.  Lannan gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Lannan left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 12 Hits, 4 Runs, 4 ER, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs.

Acta replaced Lannan with Luis Ayala to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Ayala retired the side in order.  Ayala gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Schneider led off by lining an opposite field double down the left field line.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Sanchez, and Anderson drew a one-out walk.  Jose Reyes lined a one-out RBI single up the middle which scored Brian Schneider, and Anderson went first to third because Milledge (Error on Lastings Milledge) bobbled the ball.  Ayala gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Ayala left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ERs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Acta replaced Ayala with Joel Hanrahan with one out in the Bottom of the 8th.  Ryan Church flied out to right, and Marlon Anderson tagged up and scored.  With Wright at the plate, Hanrahan threw a passed ball and Reyes advanced to second.  Wright flied out to center to end the inning.  Hanrahan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 3 - New York Mets 6.  The MLB.com Box Score