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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The Mets have two games left with the Padres just to even up the series.  At best, they can come home from California with a 4-3 record.  All of us Mets fans are waiting for whatever it is that is going to ignite this team.  Each time we see signs, we think all is right.  It hasn’t been the case yet because they are struggling against last place teams.  Since the Mets have been playing .500 for so long, there’s no reason to assume that it’s going to get better except for my own hope.  After last season, I thought that this season didn’t even begin until they locked up the division.  I thought that they would pick up where they left off, in September but sealing the deal.  Now, I just hope they get to October.

Mets.com:

Santana hurt as Mets suffer tough loss - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.  He also noted that Johan Santana suffered a bruised left shoulder when he was struck by a pitch in the sixth inning.

After Johan injury, Mets aim to regroup - Marty Noble wrote up a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Church doesn’t play against Padres

Holes filled by departed blue chippers - Jon Blau pointed out that the Mets replenished their farm system by going after collegiate prospects rather than high school prospects.

Meeting with Randolph benefits Reyes - After a routine ball bounced through the legs of Jose Reyes in the third inning of Wednesday’s game in San Francisco, Willie Randolph spoke with Reyes about it Thursday before the Mets played their first game of their four-game series against the Padres.  Willie stated that “Footwork … mechanics … rhythm.” was the message, and Marty Noble believes that it’s paying off on Reyes.

Newsday:

More frustration for Mets in 2-1 loss - David Lennon summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Randolph hasn’t lost faith in Perez - yet - Willie said this about Oliver Perez, “I told him how disappointed I was in his performance and to get ready for the next one.”

Mets’ Church upset about benching Friday night

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 7 of a year in the past.

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana’s gaffe aids Padres rally in 2-1 Mets loss - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary about last night’s game between the Mets and the Padres.

Heath Bell rings ‘em up - Adam Rubin lets you know how former Met, Heath Bell, is doing.

Ryan Church out of the lineup again

New York Post:

AMAZIN’ BATS BETRAY JOHAN

TOP PICK ALREADY LOVES NY - Since the Mets drafted Ike Davis, who is the son of former Yankee Ron Davis, Ike had this to say when asked about New York, “He just said they have the best fans and it’s a blast because every game is live and die with them. He loved it, and I’m looking forward to it, too.”

New York Times:

Mistakes Mar Close Game as Mets Slip Back to .500 - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s Mets-Padres game.

Pelfrey Throws More Pitches, Learning More

The Star-Ledger:

Mets can’t muster much, Santana falls to Padres

Church sits as playing time is monitored

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

Inconsistent Perez driving Mets mad

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The New York Mets (30-28) are playing Game 59 of the 2008 Regular Season against the San Diego Padres (24-37) at Petco Park.  It’s the first game of the four-game series.  The game began at 10:05 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

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

Padres Lineup: Gerut, Iguchi, Giles, Gonzalez, Kouzmanoff, McAnulty, Greene, Carlin, Josh Banks (2-0).

At the Plate

How does a company like Petco get naming rights on a ballpark?  Since Big Pelf has lost the last 6 games, I’m hoping that I can see him win since he was able to postpone his demotion during his last start.  I hope he’s able to prove that Mets management made the right decision.  I don’t want to assume that when a pithcer pitches that it’s an automatic loss.  In the Top of the 1st, Reyes was able to get to third but ended up stranded there because nobody could drive him in.  Pelfrey made it through the Bottom of the 1st only giving up a hit.  In the Top of the 2nd, Banks pitched a 1-2-3 inning and even fanned Delgado to the point where it made him look silly.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Adrian Gonzalez led off by lining the ball to left and Endy did what Endy does by making a spectacular turnaround catch that may be on Web Gems later.  McAnulty lined a two-out double to left, but he was left stranded there after Greene lined out to right.  In the top of the 3rd, Banks retired the side in order with three ground outs.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Banks hit a chopper to third where he beat out the throw by Wright for his first Major League hit.  Gerut followed that up with a single up the middle, and Banks advanced to second.  Tad Iguchi of all people lined a no-out double RBI double down the left field line which scored Josh Banks, and Gerut went from first to third.  Pelfrey walked Giles to load the bases which is no good.  Pelfrey was able to get Gonzalez to pop up to right to get the second out, and Gerut held up at third because he didn’t want to test Church’s arm.  I love it when a player’s reputation can stop you from doing what you want to do.  Kouzmanoff worked himself into a full count before grounded out to short to end the inning with the bases loaded.  Pelfrey was extremely fortunate to get out of that jam.

In the Top of the 4th, Beltran lined a one-out double into left center but got stranded there.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pelfrey quickly retired the first two batters and had a full count on Carlin who ended up droving the ball 400′ for a damn triple off of the wall in right center.  Banks grounded out to short to end the inning with Carlin stranded on third.  In the Top of the 5th, Banks pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Iguchi lined a one-out double over the head of Church and just off of the tip of Church’s glove in right.  Pelfrey walked Giles.  Pelfrey then walked Gonzalez to load the bases.  Vargas began warming up in the bullpen.  Kouzmanoff grounded to short, and Reyes tagged second unassisted and turned the double play leaving the bases juiced.  Somehow Pelfrey got out of another bases loaded jam.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Reyes beat out a ground ball to short for a leadoff infield single.  Castillo dropped down a sacrifice bunt down the third base line, and Carlin made the out at first as Reyes moved over to second.  Reyes is out there sliding back and forth which is distracting Banks, and Banks doesn’t want to throw the ball home.  David Wright grounded a one-out RBI single up the middle which scored Jose Reyes and tied the game.  Beltran grounded into an inning ending double play.  In the Top of the 6th, McAnulty lined a leadoff single into center.  Greene popped up in foul ground, but Schneider caught it and ended up walking down the steps of the third base dugout.  Carlin grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first as McAnulty moved over to second.  Clark grounded up the middle, but Reyes made a diving stop and then the out at first to end the inning.  After six, this is a pitchers dual.  You see, and I was all worried about Pelfrey.

In the Top of the 7th, Black replaced Banks with Hampson who pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Feliciano.  Iguchi lined a one-out single up the middle.  Giles drew a one-out walk.  Feliciano fanned Gonzalez so Willie came out to make a pitching change.  Randolph replaced Feliciano with Smith to face Kouzmanoff who grounded to short, but the ball hit Iguchi for the final out of the inning (Iguchi had to come out of the game after falling down on the ground).  In the Top of the 8th, Black replaced Hampson with Bell.  Reyes drew a two-out walk.  Castillo has gum on his helmet, and Reyes beat out the throw by Carlin as he stole second.  Bell struck out Castillo looking to end the inning with Reyes stranded on second.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Randolph replaced Feliciano with Sanchez.  Greene lined a one-out single into left center.  Carlin popped in foul ground near the bleachers, and Wright made the catch.  Gonzalez lined a two-out single into center, and Greene went first to third.  Beltran tried to get the out at third, but it was not in time.  Gerut grounded right back to the pitcher, and Sanchez made the out at first leaving runners stranded on the corners.  Thank God.  Somebody has to break the tie or it could be a really long night.  In the Top of the 9th, Black replaced Bell with Hoffman.  Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 inning.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Randolph replaced Sanchez with Schoeneweis.  Schoeneweis had an 0-2 count on Hairston and ended up walking him to give the Padres a leadoff runner.  Giles worked the count full before drawing a no-out walk.  Gonzalez grounded off to the pitcher, but the ball deflected towards the first base line.  Schoeneweis made the out at first, and both runners advanced a base.  Schoeneweis intentionally walked Kousmanoff to load the bases.  This is scary.  Scott Schoeneweis drilled Paul McAnulty in the arm which scored Scott Hairston who is the winning run.

Final Score: New York Mets 1 - San Diego Padres 2.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Scott Schoeneweis (0-2) got the loss and Trevor Hoffman (1-4) got the win.

Game Notes:

• Mike Pelfrey pitched a pretty good game.  Lots of base runners, but only one run in 6 innings.  He gave up 8 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 1 SO. 
• The Mets could not score enough runs to win.
• Scott Schoeneweis lost another game in stupid fashion.  I got pissed for like two minutes, and then I started cracking up because who hits a batter?  Between Heilman and Schoeneweis, if I don’t laugh I’m going to break a lot of household items.

Series Notes:

• The Padres are leading the series with the Mets 1-0.

Other Notes:

• Since June 1st, this is the Mets trend: w-l-w-w-l.
• The Mets are currently 2-2 on this road trip.
• The Mets are one game over .500 with a 30-29 record.

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What a difference a day makes.  One night after Ollie did his Glavine impersonation, Pedro made his first start in two months and was pretty effective.  Martinez had good command and got his fastball up into the 90s.  And look at all of the buzz about Petey below.  Dozens of articles were written by the media.  The Star-Ledger put out an inning-by-inning breakdown of his first game back.  This guy barely pitches anymore, but he gets a ton of hype.  If he pitches a little less, which is not at all, then he can replace Mr. Met as the official mascot.

Mets.com:

Bats help lift Pedro in return - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Schedule provides Mets opportunity - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for today’s Mets-Giants game.

Castro catches Pedro’s return

Gnats have five-homer first inning - Rob Jemella pointed out that the Savannah Sand Gnats cranked five homers in a seven-run opening frame.

Newsday:

Pedro leads Mets to 9-6 against Giants - David Lennon also summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Alou says return to Mets in this trip is ‘50-50′

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Newsday lets us know what took place at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium on June 4 of a year in the past.

METS: Pedro brings buzz

New York Daily News:

Pedro Martinez goes six innings in return as Mets beat Giants, 9-6 - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Pedro happy to get his feet wet - Adam Rubin put together a great analysis of Pedro’s return last night.

Despite denials, it looks like Brian Schneider is caught in a platoon

John Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery - The AP reported that John Smoltz will have season-ending shoulder surgery.  He hopes to return in 2009, but it may be the end of his career.  As much as I hate watching the Mets face Smoltz, the guy has been the best pitcher in the Majors for about two decades.  Hopefully he recovers and gets to pitch again.  I always thought he was a classy guy.

New York Post:

PISTOL PETEY

THIS TIME, SCOTT’S NO RELIEF - Bart Hubbuch discussed how Scott Schoeneweis got knocked around in the ninth inning last night.

PELFREY GRATEFUL METS STICKING WITH HIM - Mike Pelfrey stated, “I was prepared mentally for whatever they wanted me to do. If that meant going to New Orleans or the bullpen, it would have been nothing new. To be able to stay in the rotation is a great feeling. I want to show them they made the right decision.”  Going into the season, I wanted him to be in the rotation over El Duque because I wanted to know how good or bad he really is if he goes into the season knowing he’s a starter rather than a fillin for somebody on the DL like in years past.  Now, it is obvious that he’s just not that good.  The Mets don’t have many short term options so we’ll have to see what Omar does in the upcoming months.

New York Times:

Martínez Gives Mets Lift, and Some Life - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Last Season’s Success Hard to Duplicate for Mets’ Pérez - Oh yes it is.  I hope that the Mets bring Ollie in front of the arbitrators so they can explain how poorly he has performed after the first two months of the season and get a partial refund.

The Star-Ledger:

Pedro delivers quality start

Schneider, Castro give Randolph Catch-2 situation

Pedro 6th inning

Pedro 5th inning

Pedro 4th Inning

Pedro 3rd Inning

Pedro 2nd Inning

Pedro 1st Inning

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Tonight, Pedro will make his second start of the season.  Hopefully he can last out there on the mound until he gets pulled by Willie, not by injury.  I have no long-term expecations of No. 45, but it would be nice to see him pitch a few good games before he gets injured again.

Mets.com:

Mets trying to move up All-Star ranks - Anthony DiComo pointed out that, “the Mets still don’t have a single player leading in voting for this summer’s All-Star Game, according to a second round of online tallies released on Tuesday by Major League Baseball.”

Amazins deal with ‘Met lag’ in San Fran

Perez’s short night sinks Mets - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Martinez set for latest comeback start - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Mets keep Pelfrey in rotation - Marty Noble detailed the moves that Mets made to accomodate adding Pedro Martinez to the roster.

Mets to face lots of lefties, miss aces

Newsday:

Perez shelled in Mets’ 10-2 loss to Giants - David Lennon also summarized last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Pedro, Joba to the rescue tonight

Is he still the same Pedro?

Mets-Yankees on 9/11 would be a big hit

Alou joins teammates in San Francisco

Muniz likely odd man out with Pedro back

New York Daily News:

Oliver Perez, Mets take Giant beating - Adam Rubin put together a game summary for last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

For Mets & fans, ESPN rides rough

Pedro Martinez: I’ll be a leader

Mike Pelfrey stays in rotation as Carlos Muniz heads back to Triple-A

New York Post:

TO THE RESCUE

WITH PEDRO, TOO, IT’S AN OPENING DAY FEEL

MUNIZ DEMOTED, PELFREY SPARED

OLLIE FAILS TO SURVIVE 1ST INNING

New York Times:

Pérez Sleeps Well, but Doesn’t Pitch Well - Ben Shpigel summarized last night’s game between the Mets and the Giants.

Two Months Later, Martínez Comes Back

The Star-Ledger:

Game 57: Mets at Giants - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s Mets-Giants game.

Perez shelled, Mets never recover

Church in lineup back-to-back days

Final: Giants 10, Mets 2 - Jeremy Cothran summarized last night’s Mets-Giants game.

Remembering another N.Y. phenom - Steve Politi compares how different it was when Doc came up to Joba.

Pedro eager to lift Mets

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It is June 1, so the Metropolitans are in a new calendar month.  The Mets are 27-27 right now, so the Mets would be 81-81 if you prorate it over the course of the season.  This is worse than at the end of April when they were on pace to get 87 wins.  They haven’t hit their stride yet, as Willie would say.  The good news is that they are coming off of a productive week where they won 4 out of 5 games.  Will this hot streak carry over to June?  And for how long?

Mets.com:

Church set to resume productive role - Anthony DiComo reported that Ryan Church returns after suffering his second concussion in three months.

Tatis, Mets turn fortune around - Anthony DiComo summarized yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Reyes rebounds from early slump - Samantha Newman put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey shakes off pressure at Shea

Castillo rests injured left leg - Anthony DiComo reported that the Doctors called Luis Castillo’s ’sore knee’ a strained hip flexor.

Injured Wise to seek second opinion - Jon Blau stated that Matt Wise wants to confirm the rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosis.

Newsday:

Mets rally in 8th, beat Dodgers on Tatis’ hit

Pelfrey sharp, but is it enough to stay a Met?

Peering over the .500 hump

Beltran’s big blast wakes up Mets

Beltran, Tatis rally Mets to 3-2 win over Dodgers - Mark Herrmann also summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

New York Daily News:

Carlos Beltran, Fernando Tatis spark comeback as Mets beat Dodgers - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for yesterday’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Avoiding case of the Willies

Fernando Tatis is marvelous once again

Unlike old days, MLB teams hold fire on managers like Willie Randolph

Every time Gary Carter opens his mouth, he hurts his own cause

Mike Pelfrey throws curve into Met plans with Saturday’s performance

Ryan Church, Luis Castillo set for returns Sunday night

New York Post:

ANOTHER AMAZIN’ RALLY AT SHEA - Mike Puma summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

CASTILLO PINING TO PLAY

THE WAY TO ‘BELT’ BROXTON

25 BEST MOMENTS AT SHEA: NO. 17

PEDRO MUST DELIVER MORE THAN LAUGHS

MAJOR OBSTACLE - Kevin Kernan explains why it is hard for Wally Backman to find a job in the Majors.

New York Times:

Tatis Plays the Star in Another Comeback - Ben Shpigel summarized yesterday’s Dodgers-Mets game.

For Mets, Tatis’s Timing Is Perfect

The Star-Ledger:

Mets may be turning a corner

Church on Sunday - Colin Stephenson provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Some extra postgame quotes from the Mets’ clubhouse

Another Amazin comeback

Pelfrey makes his case to stay in rotation

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It started pouring outside so who knows if today’s game will take place.  It starts at 3:55 p.m., but the weather forecast is calling for heavy rain according to Evan on WFAN.  It just started coming down about thirty minutes ago.  Since the Mets are playing on Sunday Night Baseball tomorrow, it would be relatively easy for them to reschedule the game early tomorrow.  Or they can go into a rain delay and wait for a window.

Mets.com:

Mets’ streak over after bullpen falters - Anthony DiComo summarized last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pelfrey hoping to make statement - Jon Blau put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Castillo day-to-day after injuring hip

Church feels good after pregame warmup - Samantha Newman pointed out that Ryan Church is waiting for doctor’s clearance before returning.

Pedro makes long-awaited return - Anthony DiComo reported that Pedro Martinez, “rejoined the Mets on Friday and is officially set to come off the disabled list and start against the Giants on Tuesday.”

Newsday:

L. A. routs Heilman in eighth as Mets lose - Roderick Boone also summarized last night’s Dodgers-Mets game.

Revved-up Pedro: ‘We owe something to fans’

Church says he’s ready; team will be cautious

New York Daily News:

Russell Martin gets four hits as Dodgers snap Mets’ win streak - Adam Rubin wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Pedro Martinez: We owe fans for ‘07

Mike Pelfrey can make pitch to stay - Andy Martino believes that Mike Pelfrey may be pitching for his job today.

 Ryan Church on Sunday? Maybe so

New York Post:

ANOTHER HEIL OF A MESS FOR METS - Bart Hubbuch walks us through another choke by Aaron Heilman last night.

TORRE FAMILIAR WITH WILLIE’S TURMOIL

CASTILLO MAY LAND ON DL

BAD CALL CAN’T BE DODGED - Brian Costello described the bad call by first-base umpire Tim Welke who called Juan Pierre safe in the eigth inning.  This was the beginning of a 5-run inning for the Dodgers.  Welke had this to say about the play,

After watching the replay three times I know why I called him safe. In my judgment his heel was on the bag before Delgado caught the ball. I know his toe is in the air and that makes it look as though he hasn’t reached the bag but I know why I called him safe.

PEDRO: ‘GREAT’ DAYS ARE AHEAD

New York Times:

Mets Give Their Fans Reasons to Boo - Joshua Robinson summarized last night’s Dodgers-Mets game.

Martínez Is Back in Mets’ Dugout, Bringing His Upbeat Attitude With Him

Church Says He Does Not Regret Helping Out Mets

The Star-Ledger:

Today’s Lineup…

Good vibes turn sour for Mets

Pedro ready to provide a lift

Mets winning streak ends; Dodgers win, 9-5 - Colin Stephenson also wrote up a game summary for last night’s game between the Dodgers and the Mets.

Uh-oh - During last night’s game, Colin Stephenson pointed out that, “Luis Castillo has left the game with some sort of leg injury.”

Pelfrey sees the handwriting on the wall

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

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

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

At the Plate

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

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

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

On the Mound

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game Notes:

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

Series Notes:

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

Other Notes:

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

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