Die Hard Sports Fan

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

Mets.com:

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

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

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

Newsday:

Self-defeating Mets waste lead, lose to Brewers

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

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

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

New York Daily News:

It seems to be getting late early around Shea for Mets

Oliver Perez’s early troubles a bad sign

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

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

New York Post:

DOUBLED UP & ‘WAUK-ED ON

SLOPPY PLAY, ATTITUDES

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

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

New York Times:

Pérez Falters, and Mets Go Along for the Slide

The Star-Ledger:

Fan Blogger: You can’t boo Santana

Mets lose to Brewers, 9-7

Reyes hoping off-day helps heal hamstring

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I’m really bothered by how the Mets lost this series to the Brewers.  The Mets did not go out and play their best ball and get beat by the Brewers.  I’d tip my cap to them for that.  I have no problem whatsoever with Friday night, and I give Nelson a ton of props for pitching as well as he did after making his first start in four years.  On top of not starting in the big leagues for four years, he pitched for the team he grew up rooting for in his hometown with a ton of friends and family in attendance and dominated the Brewers.  Yesterday, Santana pitched poorly.  Wright made two errors.  Today, Oli pitched even worse than Santana did.  Delgado made an error.  The Mets grounded into 5 double plays.  All of this keeps innings alive for the opposing team, and they cashed in on it.  The Mets scored runs, but not enough.  They need to cash and not leave so many men on base.

Mets.com:

Mets outslugged as Perez hit hard

Every Met to wear Robinson’s No. 42 - Anthony DiComo pointed out that the entire team will pay tribute to Jackie Robinson at Shea on Tuesday by wearing No. 42 during baseball’s Jackie Robinson Day.

Versatile Pagan a good fit leading off

Sanchez’s return to Mets looks close - Anthony DiComo stated that Duaner Sanchez clears the hurdle of pitching in back-to-back contests.  This means that Sanchez should be able to join the team shortly.

Santana’s debut spoiled by Brewers - Anthony DiComo let us know how Johan Santana performed in his Shea debut yesterday.

Mets aim to shore up defense in finale - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.

Reyes to play it safe with left hamstring - Anthony DiComo provided the latest status of Jose Reyes.  DiComo wrote, “Reyes had an MRI on his left hamstring on Saturday morning, the results of which revealed a mild muscle strain.”  Reyes is expected to miss the weekend games, at a minimum.

Newsday:

3 Brewers HRs crush Santana, Mets fans’ first date - Anthony Rieber summarized yesterday’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.

‘Sore’ Reyes sits for Mets, but not for too long

Gold Glover Wright off to bad start in field

Santana faces harsh music - Johnette Howard let’s us know what she thought of Johan’s outing against the Brewers yesterday.

New York Daily News:

Mets ground into five doubles plays, squander lead and fall to Brewers

Brews and boos spoil Johan Santana’s Mets debut at Shea

Goodwill toward Johan Santana is history in Flushing

Hey Mets fans, lay off Johan Santana!

Mets don’t need Rick ‘n’ roll - Bill Price doesn’t think the Mets need to play Rick Astley as the eigth inning song.

David can’t get it Wright in field

Jose Reyes hopes hamstring strain won’t spell DL trip

New York Post:

METS FALL 9-7 TO BREWERS

SHEA IT AIN’T SO, JOHAN

SNOW YEA! - Brian Costello talks about some of the football games played at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium.

WRIGHT’S WRONG IN THE FIELD

HOME GROANS GREET METS ACE

REYES SITS: MRI REVEALS STRAIN

SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH… Angel Pagan.  Steve Serby asks Pagan about his family.

SHEA HEY! - Mets fans reveal their Shea memories.

REYES MRI REVEALS STRAIN

BREWERS BEAT METS 5-3 - Bart Hubbuch summarized yesterday’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.

New York Times:

Mets’ Bullpen Fails to Bail Out Pérez

Santana Struggles in Defeat, and the Fans Let Him Hear It

The Star-Ledger:

Mets fall to Brewers, 9-7

Perez’s day is done

Game update - Mid 4th

Suppan caught what Perez had

Game update - End 3rd

In-game observation

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

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

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

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

On the Mound

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the Plate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the Mound

Johan Santana (1-1) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Weeks grounded to short and under the glove of Easley for a leadoff single.  With Kapler in the batters box, Santana threw the ball in the dirt so Weeks stole second.  Kapler lined out to left.  Fielder lined a single into left field which moved Weeks over to third.  Santana fanned Braun.  Hall grounded to short, and Easley made the force play at second to end the inning.  Santana gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Hart grounded to third, but Wright (Error on Wright) made a poor throw to first which gave the Brewers a leadoff runner.  Hardy drew a no-out walk.  With Sheets in the batters box, Santana threw a wild pitch which advanced both runners.  Sheets dropped down a bunt towards the pitcher, and Santana made the play at first as Hart came home to score.  Kendall flied out to left.  Santana got Weeks looking at strike three to end the inning.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 1 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Santana sent the Brewers down in order.  Santana gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Hall led off with an opposite field shot to right center.  Santana caught Hart looking at strike three.  Hardy grounded out to third.  Sheets grounded out to the pitcher.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Weeks belted a one-out solo shot to left.  Braun flied out to center.  Fielder popped up to short.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Braun grounded to short and beat out the play.  Hall popped up in foul territory near home plate.  Hart grounded through the legs of Wright (Error on Wright) for a one-out single.  With Hardy in the batters box, Schneider threw out Braun as he attempted to steal third and Hart stole second safely.  Santana got Hardy swinging at strike three to end the inning.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Weeks drew a two-out walk.  Kapler jacked a two-run shot to left field which scored Weeks and himself.  Santana gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Santana left the game after pitching 6.2 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 5 Runs, 4 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.

Randolph replaced Santana with Scott Schoeneweis with two outs in the Top of the 7th.  Fielder flied out to right.  Schoeneweis gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Schoeneweis with Carlos Muniz to begin the Top of the 8th.  Muniz sent the Brewers down in order.  Muniz gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  In the Top of the 9th, Iribarren is pinch hitting for Shouse, and Iribarren grounded a one-out single up the middle.  With Kendall in the batters box, Muniz picked off Iribarren at first.  Kendall flied out to left.  Muniz gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Ben Sheets (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Brewers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Pagan lined a leadoff single into right.  With Castillo in the batters box, Sheets threw a wild pitch moved Pagan over to second base.  Castillo grounded to short, and Hardy made the out at first while Pagan advanced to third.  Wright hit a sacrifice fly to foul territory in right field which scored Pagan.  Beltran lined a two-out single into right.  Delgado crushed an RBI double off the wall in left center which brought Beltran home to score.  Church flied out to right to end the inning.  Sheets gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Easley grounded to third, but Hall (Error on Hall) couldn’t get a grip on the ball which gave Easley a leadoff single.  Schneider lined a single into center which moved Easley over to second.  Santana dropped down a bunt in front of home plate, but Kendall got the force out at third as Santana arrived safely at first.  Pagan flied out to left field, and the runners stayed put.  Castillo drew a two-out walk.  Wright grounded out to second to end the inning.  Sheets gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Sheets sent the Mets down in order.  Sheets gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Sheets retired the side in order again.  Sheets gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, an he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Sheets pitched his third 1-2-3 inning now.  Sheets gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Sheets retired the side again.  Sheets gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBS, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 7th, Sheets now retired fifteen straight.  Sheets gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Pagan flied out to the warning track in left center.  Castillo grounded down the first base line, and Sheets made the throw to first in time.  Wright jacked a two-out solo shot to left.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Sheets gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Sheets left the game after pitching 7.2 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Yost replaced Sheets with Brian Shouse with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Delgado grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning.  Shouse gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Yost replaced Shouse with Eric Gagne to begin the Bottom of the 9th.  Gagne sent the Mets down in order.  Gagne gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Final Score: Milwaukee Brewers 5 - New York Mets 3.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Johan Santana (1-2) got the loss and Ben Sheets (2-0) got the win.

Well, Johan didn’t make any lasting impressions in his Shea debut.  He just didn’t look good at all.  He gave up 5 Runs and four of them were earned.  The Mets did a good job with the base runners because Schneider threw one runner out stealing third, and Muniz picked one runner off at first.  However, Wright had two errors today which didn’t help.  Sheets started out not so hot, and then he retired 18 straight at one point.

The Mets (5-5) are back to a .500 record which puts them in second place.  The other NL East games are in progress or start later.  The Mets and Brewers will play the rubber game tomorrow.  Suppan is expected to pitch against Perez at 1:10 p.m.

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The Shea Faithful are catching their first glimpses of Johan Santana today.  Santana is making his Shea debut against the Brewers, and the Mets have a 2-1 lead in the Bottom of the 3rd.  Unfortunately, Johan is not looking as sharp as he did in his other starts.  We’ll be bringing you a Game Recap shortly.

Mets.com:

Figueroa lives a dream as Mets roll - Anthony DiComo summarized tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets, and he found out what Nelson Figueroa thought of pitching for his hometown team for the first time.

Johan more than ready for Shea debut - Anthony DiComo put together a pregame analysis for tomorrow’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.  Johan Santana is expected to make his Shea debut.

Reyes leaves early, out Saturday - Anthony DiComo reported that Jose Reyes left tonight’s game with tightness in his left hamstring.  Reyes is expected to take tomorrow off.

Castillo plans to return on Saturday - According to Anthony DiComo, Luis Castillo felt well enough to make the start today but didn’t due to the wet conditions.  Castillo stated that he plans on starting on Saturday.

Endy content with biding his time - Anthony DiComo found out that hot starts for Ryan Church and Angel Pagan mean fewer starts for Endy Chavez, but Endy says he is cool with it.

Newsday:

Beyond the call … - Erik Boland lets us know what Figueroa thought about pitching for the Mets last night.

Heilman defends union on drug issues - Erik Boland wrote this on Aaron Heilman’s stance on the drug issues in the Majors, “Aaron Heilman said the modifications to baseball’s joint drug agreement should address once and for all the players’ desire to clean up their sport. He also said not to expect more changes anytime soon.”

Easley jumps in, gets job done for Mets - Roderick Boone explains how Damion Easley contributed to last night’s game against the Brewers.

New York Daily News:

Nelson Figueroa earns first win in five years as Mets roll Brewers - Peter Botte summarized tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.

Jose Reyes runs into trouble with hamstring injury

New York Post:

NO WAY, JOSE!

DUANER ON FAST TRACK TO BIGS - Mark Hale reminds us that Duaner Sanchez is attempting to pitch back-to-back days.  That is the requirement for him to make the roster.

SIT-FOR-BRAINS FAN ‘VANDALS’ IN SHEA BUST - Erika Martinez and Lukas I. Alpert reported that “Two knucklehead Mets fans kicked apart a seat during the team’s final home opener at Shea Stadium and tried to steal the broken bits as souvenirs, authorities said yesterday.”  They also wrote that “A third man, Joseph Trudden, 32, of Farmingdale, LI, was arrested separately for trying to steal bunting that hung in the stadium’s right field corner, prosecutors said.”  All three men were arrested.

METS DIDN’T FIGURE ON FIGUEROA - Tim Bontemps tells us that injuries got the Brooklyn-born pitcher on the mound last night.

New York Times:

Mets’ Figueroa Is Beaming but Reyes Is Ailing

Instead of Understudy, Pagán Is a Leading Man

The Star-Ledger:

Weather update

Today’s lineups

Reyes out today

Some gameday nuggets - Brendan Prunty provided some tidbits for yesterday’s game against the Brewers.

Journeyman Figueroa lifts Mets

Reyes hobbled but not worried

Mets lean on Figueroa for 4-2 win over Brewers

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The New York Mets are playing Game 9 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Milwaukee Brewers at Shea Stadium.  It’s the first game of the series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Brewers Lineup: Weeks, Gross, Fielder, Braun, Hall, Hart, Hardy, Parra, Kendall.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Easley, Church, Casanova, Figueroa.

On the Mound

Nelson Figueroa (0-0) was the starting pither for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Figueroa looked sharp in as he retired the top of the lineup down in order only throwing eight pitches.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Figueroa sent the heart of the lineup down in order.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Figueroa sent the bottom of the lineup down in order.  Figueroa pitched perfectly the first time through the lineup.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Figueroa sent the top of the lineup down in order again.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Hart drew a two-out walk to mess up Figueroa’s perfect game.  Hardy pulled an RBI double into the corner in left field as Hart came around from first to score.  Dillon is pinch hitting for Parra, and Figueroa caught Dillon looking at strike three.  Figueroa gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  (Randolph replaced Reyes with Easley due to a tight hamstring, and he replaced Easley with Anderson to begin the Top of the 6th)  In the Top of the 6th, Weeks drew a one-out walk.  Gross flied out near the warning track in right field.  With Fielder in the batters box, Weeks stole second safely.  Fielder lined an RBI double into the gap in left center which scored Weeks.  Braun flied out to deep center field where Beltran made a beautiful catch.  Figueroa gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Figueroa left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 6 SOs.

Randolph replaced Figueroa with Joe Smith to begin the Top of the 7th.  Hall grounded to third, but Wright (Error on Wright) made a bad throw to first which allowed Hall beat out the play.  Hart grounded to third, and Wright got the force out at second but Hart was safe at first.  Hart took off for second before Hardy grounded to second, and Anderson got the out at first.  Counsell is pinch hitting for Riske, and Counsell grounded out to short to end the inning.  Smith allowed 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Heilman sent the Brewers down in order.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

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

At the Plate

Manny Parra (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Brewers.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Pagan lined a one-out single into shallow left field.  With Wright in the batters box, Parra threw the ball into the dirt and Pagan stole second safely.  Wright flied out to left.  Beltran lined out to third to end the inning.  Parra gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Easley grounded a one-out single through the hole on the left side.  Church got caught looking at strike three.  Casanova popped up to shallow right, and Weeks made the catch to leave one runner stranded.  Parra gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Parra sent the Mets down in order.  Parra gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Wright lined a leadoff single into shallow left center.  Beltran worked himself into a full count before drawing a no-out walk.  Delgado pulled a ground ball under Fielder’s glove and into right field which scored Wright and Beltran moved over to third.  Easley sacrifice flied to left field which scored Beltran.  With Church in the batters box, Parra threw a wild pitch and Delgado took off for second base.  Church grounded up the middle to as Delgado advanced to third.  Casanova lined an RBI single into left field which scored Delgado and moved Church over to second.  Figueroa dropped down a bunt, and Kendall stalled hoping it would roll out of bounds.  The ball stayed fair, and Kendall (Error on Kendall) threw it off the bag as Figueroa beat out the throw to first so the bases are loaded.  Reyes grounded to third, and the Brewers turned the double play to end the inning.  Parra gave up 4 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  Parra left the game after pitching 4.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 1 BB, and he had 4 SOs.

Yost replaced Parra with David Riske to begin the Bottom of the 5th.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Delgado popped up to shallow left, and Hall made the catch to end the inning.  Riske gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Riske sent the Mets down in order.  Riske gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Riske left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs.

Yost replaced Riske with Salomon Torres to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Chavez is pinch hitting for Smith, and Chavez drew a leadoff walk.  Anderson dropped down a sacrifice bunt which moved Chavez over to second.  Pagan grounded an RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Chavez.  Wright lined a single into center field, but Gross misplayed the ball so Pagan advanced to third.  Beltran grounded to the pitcher, and the Brewers were able to turn the double play to avoid a big inning.  Torres gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Torres sent the Mets down in order.  Torres gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.  Torres left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 1 Runs, 1 ER, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs.

Final Score: Milwaukee Brewers 2 - New York Mets 4.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Nelson Figueroa Jr. (1-0) got the win and Manny Parra (1-1) got the loss.

It’s been a while since a Mets starter that had a poor performance.  The last one I remember was Maine’s first start in Atlanta.  Figueroa pitched another gem for the Mets since nobody knew what to expect from him.  It was his first win since 2004, and he retired the first 14 batters he faced.  The Bullpen put up goose eggs tonight which is where the problems have been.  So the Mets took the first game of the series which gives them a 5-4 record, and the aces will face each other tomorrow as Santana will take on Sheets.

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The Mets were fortunate enough to win the series against the Phillies.  That call at the plate last night could’ve went either way as I mentioned in the game summary.  I’ve seen the play a dozen more times today, and I still can’t figure out what happened.

This weekend, the Brewers are in Flushing for a three-game series.  This should be a good NL matchup for the Mets to see where the Mets really are right now.  Here’s a look at the expected pitching matchups this weekend:

• 04/11/2008 - Manny Parra (1-0) - Nelson Figueroa Jr. (0-0)
• 04/12/2008 - Ben Sheets (1-0) - Johan Santana (1-1)
• 04/13/2008 - Jeff Suppan (1-0) - Oliver Perez (1-0)

After the Brewers leave town, the Nationals come to Queens for a three-game set.  The nine-game homestand will be over then, and the Mets will go on the road.

Mets.com:

Mets edge Phils in 12 on Pagan’s single - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

Controversy surrounds song choice - According to Anthony DiComo, the initial online voting was rigged by fans to pick the Rick Astley tune.

Figueroa hopes to impress in first start - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis of tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Mets.  Nelson Figueroa Jr. is scheduled to make his first start since 2004.

Mets sign righty Vargas to Minors deal

Remembering Negro Leaguer Vazquez - Danny Torres noted that Armando Vázquez passed away in March, and Torres feels like this native Cuban was an ambassador for the game on and off field.

Newsday:

Heilman has been weak link in Mets’ bullpen - Ken Davidoff takes his shots at Aaron Heilman, and deservedly so.

Mets’ Santana not thrown by high expectations

Mets sign ex-Brewer Vargas as rotation insurance

METS INSIDER: Grumpy old ballpark - David Lennon describes Mets fans leaving Shea Stadium after Tuesday’s game.

Mets beat Phillies again on Pagan’s hit in 12th

Pagan has seized opportunity Mets have given him - Erik Boland praises Angel Pagan for filling in wonderfully for Moises Alou.

New York Daily News:

Angel Pagan delivers in 12th inning, singles in winning run in Mets win

Mets-Phillies rivalry looking like what Mets-Braves used to be - Filip Bondy describes the play at the plate in the Bottom of the 12th, and how it might play into the 2008 Mets-Phillies rivalry.

Mets sign Claudio Vargas

Nelson Figueroa full circle with Mets - Mark Lelinwalla takes us through how the Mets drafted Figueroa in 1995, he has pitched for various teams (home and abroad), and he finally will be be making his first start as a Met tonight.

Panic is too much, too soon for Mets

New York Post:

STRIKING 12TH - Brian Costello walks us through the 12th inning of last night’s game between the Phillies and the Mets.

REYES SLIDE COULD LEAVE SKID BEHIND

PAGAN ENJOYING AN AMAZIN’ START

SCHOENEWEIS GETS METS OUT OF JAM

METS SIGN VARGAS

REYES NEEDS TO PHIL UP STAT SHEET - Prior to last night’s game, Tim Bontemps felt like Jose Reyes needed to get more involved.  It was good timing for the article because Reyes had two hits last night, and he was the tying run.

New York Times:

Mets Slide Past Phillies as Bullpen Holds Late

With Hernández Hobbled, Mets Come Back to Vargas

The Star-Ledger:

Mets Lineup

BRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - M.A. Mehta says he’s freezing at Shea.

Figueroa pitches tonight for Mets

Reyes scores winning run in 12th to lift Mets

Santana ready for Shea debut - David Waldstein pointed out that Johan Santana is scheduled to make his Shea debut tomorrow.

Reyes hits and Mets Win in 12

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The Mets didn’t have such a good weekend, in terms of wins and losses.  Another loss to the Cards, and that was a spanking, not a loss.  However, they got right back on track today with a 1-0 win over the Orioles.  Even better news, Opening Day is one week away…finally.  I, like all of us, have high expectations for the ’08 Mets and I cannot wait for it to begin, and maybe even end.  There are more concerns now than prior to Preseason, but as a Mets fan, I hope they can win it all.  7 Days!!! 

Mets.com:

Mets cruise as Maine stifles Orioles - Spencer Fordin summarized today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.  New York beat Baltimore 1-0.  John Maine was the starting pitcher.  The Mets are 17-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Classic on mind of Pedro, Mets - Marty Noble discusses the 2009 World Baseball Classic with Pedro Martinez.

El Duque struggles in debut vs. Cards - Marty Noble summarized Easter Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.  St. Louis beat New York 14-4.  Orlando Hernandez got the start.  The Mets are 16-9-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Roster spots may be won by default - Marty Noble points out that injuries to Ramon Castro, Duaner Sanchez, and Jose Valentin may open door for others.

Rotation questions remain for Mets - Marty Noble discusses the bad outings that El Duque and Mike Pelfrey had yesterday as well as how this might affect their chance at the 5th spot in the rotation.

Newsday:

Mets can’t pencil in Pelfrey or Hernandez

Duaner Sanchez unlikely to make opener - Jim Baumbach says that it is still unlikely that Sanchez will be healthy in time for Opening Day.  Also, Valentin probably won’t be able to make Opening Day because had to go to New York to get an injection to treat the pain in his neck from a pinched nerve.  Baumbach lets us know that Reed Johnson was released from the Blue Jays yesterday, and he thinks that the Mets might be interested in Johnson.

New York Daily News:

Trying to make case for 5th spot, El Duque and Mike Pelfrey get ripped

Duaner Sanchez stint offers no relief

New York Post:

OPEN AT 5

PEDRO, JOHAN IN MINOR MOVES - Bart Hubbuch found out that Willie Randolph is not going to have Pedro or Johan Santana pitch anymore in the Grapefruit League.  Rather, Willie is going to have them pitch against Minor League clubs to avoid showing off their pitches.

New York Times:

New Motion Isn’t Ready for Mets’ Rotation - Ben Shpigel also discusses the 5th spot in the rotation.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 25: Mets at Orioles - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Mets and the Orioles.

HELP WANTED: One Pitcher for Mets Rotation

Rotation stuck in the mud

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The Mets are currently trailing the Cardinals 7-3 in the bottom of the 6th.  We can hope for some late inning heroics which was the theme of the Amazins’ just a few weeks ago.  Die Hard Mets Fan would like to wish all of you a Happy Easter if you celebrate it, of course.

Mets.com:

Schneider returns to Mets’ lineup - Anthony DiComo said that Brian Schneider’s hamstring feels good after playing in a game.

El Duque set to make Grapefruit debut - Anthony DiComo talks about how Orlando Hernandez is still competing for fifth spot in the rotation.

Newsday:

Catcher Schneider finally feels healthy; looks forward to work as spring training concludes

NOTEBOOK: Long (ball) day for wild Perez - Jim Baumbach describes Oliver Perez’s last night’s outing.

New York Daily News:

Brian Schneider returns from right hamstring injury for Mets

El Duque set to debut new windup

New York Post:

PLEADING THE 5TH - Bart Hubbuch explains that final spot in the rotation from Mike Pelfrey’s perspective.

OLLIE TAKEN DOWNTOWN BY INDIANS

The Star-Ledger:

Game 24: Mets vs Cardinals - Lisa Kennelly provided the lineup for today’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets.

Pelfrey v. Hernandez: For All the Marbles - Matthew Artus talks about El Duque and Pelfrey.

Interest in medicine is Pedro’s tonic - The Star-Ledger lets you know why Pedro Martinez developed an interest in medicine.

Schneider is looking to catch up with the bat

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The Mets won both of their games today.  They are hot right now so I wish it counted.  The best Mets article of the day is “Castro, Delgado injured in Mets game” by Anthony Rieber.  Rieber followed up on the status of both players injured in today’s game.  At least Delgado isn’t as injured as it appeared.

Mets.com:

Pedro blanks Tigers in spring debut - Marty Noble summarized today’s second game between the Tigers and the Mets.  The Mets beat the Tigers 7-4.  Pedro Martinez got the start.  The Mets are 12-7-1 in the Grapefruit League standings.

Young Mets upstage Astros on road - Alyson Footer summarized one of today’s split-squad games between the Mets and the Astros.  The Mets beat the Astros 6-4.  Nelson Figueroa got the start.

Good signs from Martinez in debut - Marty Noble pointed out that Martinez threw four scoreless innings, with four hits and four Ks, and then went on to describe Pedro’s Spring Training debut.  Martinez said “I’m right where I want to be.” after his first start.

Pedro makes anticipated debut Sunday - Finally!!!

With no DH, Johan steps up to plate - After Johan Santana grounded out in his first at-bat of the spring, Anthony DiComo captured Santana’s thoughts, “At least I made contact. I didn’t strike out. It was a little weird, but it’s part of the game and I’ve got to adjust to it. Those are the little things that I’ll have to learn how to do.”

Newsday:

Castro, Delgado injured in Mets game - Anthony Rieber explained what happened to Carlos Delgado, ”Delgado went down in an attempt to dodge the dangerous, pointy projectile, but was hit. His arm was bloodied and he immediately went into the Mets’ dugout and then to the clubhouse. He required four stitches to close the wound and left the ballpark with a playing-card-sized bandage taped to his forearm.”  Next, Rieber told us how Ramon Castro got injured, “Castro, catching Martinez in his first game since March 9, re-injured his right hamstring when running to first on a single in his first at-bat. As soon as he reached the bag and time out was called, Castro limped off to the third-base dugout and was replaced by a pinch runner.”

Baby’s heart surgery: Big save for Mets’ Feliciano - Anthony Rieber followed up on the health of Pedro Feliciano’s baby who had heart surgery during the offseason.  Feliciano described his daughter’s health as:

My baby, after surgery she never gets a fever, nothing, no change color, no blue hands, nothing. They don’t know how she reacts that good after surgery. Strong kid. The same day that they bring her back to the room, she got up. Just got the surgery and she got up and started moving. They had to get the liquid for her to go to sleep.

Castillo’s back for Mets, who are getting healthy - Anthony Rieber explained how Luis Castillo played in his first game yesterday against the Cardinals.  After playing 5½ innings, Castillo went 0-for-1 with two walks.  Luis had this to say about his play, “I feel so good. I feel so happy with myself because I made the right decision having surgery. I feel so different. A long time I don’t feel like that.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? RON HUNT - Jim Baubach stated that, “Ron Hunt, the first Mets player to get a hit, score a run and hit a home run at Shea Stadium, wants to be on hand when the team officially closes the stadium.”  Yet, Hunt hasn’t been invited to a Mets alumni function in many years.  Hunt said, “I would hope since I was there to open Shea, I hope I will get an invitation to put it away, too,” Hunt said. “And then an invitation to open the new one as well.”  In response to that, Mets VP for media relations, Jay Horwitz stated that ”We’re very aware of what he’s done, so I’m sure he will be hearing from us in the season. I’m sure he’ll be back.”

Can Pedro tame Tigers in first real test for Mets?

New York Daily News:

Johan Santana aced by Cardinals

Luis Castillo’s return a success

New York Post:

PEDRO ON MARCH

WAGNER: ROLLINS ONLY HALF RIGHT - The fued between the Mets and the Phillies continues.  In response to the comments Rollins made, Billy Wagner said:

He’s right. He’s right that they’re the team to beat. They’re excited they got to the playoffs. As far as do they want it more? It’s up to the guys in this clubhouse to prove him wrong. Obviously last year he was right and so far he’s been good at telling the future.

I expect it to be fun. I expect it to be high intensity. I expect it to be very - there should be some intensity to these games. We should play better. We should play better against the Phillies. They weren’t the better team. They just played better than us.

The Star-Ledger:

Game 18: Tigers at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for today’s game between the Tigers and the Mets.

Castillo striving to get up to speed

Beltran stepping up to the plate - The Star-Ledger found out what Carlos Beltran is doing to take on more of a leadership role.

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