Die Hard Sports Fan

The New York Mets (11-9) are playing Game 21 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals (6-16) at Nationals Park.  It’s the final game of the two-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

Happy 31st Birthday to Carlos Beltran!

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

Nationals Lineup: Lopez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Kearns, Pena, Boone, Harris, Nieves, Hill.

At the Plate

Shawn Hill (0-0) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Top of the 1st, Hill sent the Mets down in order on nine pitches.  Hill gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Church drove a one-out double off of the wall in left center.  Delgado grounded to second, and Lopez made the out at first as Church advanced to third.  Pagan grounded out to short to leave Church on third.  Hill gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Casanova pulled a ground ball through the hole on the right side for a leadoff single.  Perez dropped down a sacrifice bunt down along the first base line, and Nieves made the out at first while Casanova moved over to second.  Reyes grounded out to first, and Casanova advanced to third.  Luis Castillo lined an RBI single into shallow center which brought Raul Casanova home to score.  With Wright at the plate, Castillo stole second.  Wright drew a two-out walk.  Beltran grounded out to second to leave two Mets stranded.  Hill gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Church drew a leadoff walk.  Hill got Delgado to chase strike three.  With Pagan in the batters box, Church stole second.  Pagan drew a one-out walk.  Casanova flied out to center, and Church tagged up and went to third.  Oliver Perez grounded a two-out RBI single up the middle which scored Ryan Church and Pagan went first to third.  Reyes flied out to right to end the inning with runners on the corners.  Hill gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Castillo grounded a leadoff single through the hole on the right side.  With Wright in the batters box, Hill threw a wild pitch so Castillo advanced to second.  Hill got Wright to stare at ball four, but the Umpire called it a strike.  With Beltran at the plate, Hill attempted to pick off Castillo and the ball hit Castillo and went into center so Castillo went to third.  Hill caught Beltran looking at strike three.  Ryan Church lined a two-out RBI single into right field, and Luis Castillo came home to score.  Delgado grounded to second, and Lopez made the force out at second to end the inning.  Hill gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Hill left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Acta replaced Hill with Michael O’Connor to begin the Top of the 6th.  Casanova drove a one-out single off of the wall in center field.  Perez bunted and the ball landed into the glove of the pitcher, but O’Connor dropped it and then only got the out at second on the double play attempt.  Reyes grounded out to second to end the inning.  O’Connor gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.

Acta replaced O’Connor with Saul Rivera to begin the Top of the 7th.  Carlos Beltran hit a two-out solo shot that barely got over the high wall in right field.  Church grounded out to second to end the inning.  Rivera gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced Rivera with Luis Ayala to begin the Top of the 8th.  Ayala sent the Mets down in order.  Ayala gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Acta replaced Ayala with Jon Rauch to begin the Top of the 9th.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Feliciano, and Marlon Anderson led off with a solo shot to right.  Reyes grounded a no-out single up the middle.  Castillo grounded a no-out single through the hole on the left side.  Wright flied out to center, and Reyes tagged up and went to third.  Rauch fanned Beltran.  With Church at the plate, Castillo stole second.  Church flied out to center to leave two Mets on base.  Rauch gave up 3 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

On the Mound

Oliver Perez (2-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Perez retired the side in order.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Boone lined a two-out single into center.  Harris flied out to right field to leave one man on base.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Nieves drew a leadoff walk.  Hill dropped down a sacrifice bunt down in front of home plate, and Casanova made the out at first as Nieves moved over to second.  Lopez drew a one-out walk.  Guzman grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play to leave two Nationals stranded.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Zimmerman beat out an infield hit to short for a leadoff single.  Kearns lined out to center.  Perez fanned Pena.  Boone popped up near first, and Castillo made the out to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Harris drew a leadoff walk.  Nieves grounded a no-out single up the middle, and Harris advanced to second.  Belliard is pinch hitting for Hill, and Perez walked Belliard to load the bases.  Felipe Lopez grounded a no-out 2-run single up the middle which scored Willie Harris and Wil Nieves, and Belliard moved over to second.  Guzman lined out to center, and Belliard tagged up and went to third.  Ryan Zimmerman grounded to second, and Castillo made the out at first as Ronnie Belliard came home to score and Lopez moved over to second.  Kearns grounded hard to third, but a diving Wright made the stop and the out at first to end the inning.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Pena grounded a leadoff single up the middle.  Boone lined a no-out single over the head of Reyes and into left, and Pena moved over to second.  Harris dropped a bunt down in front of home plate, and Perez got the lead runner out at third.  Nieves grounded to first, and Delgado tagged the base as the runners advanced.  Milledge is pinch hitting for O’Connor so Randolph is making a pitching change.  Perez gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game after pitching 5.2 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Randolph replaced Perez with Aaron Heilman with two outs in the Bottom of the 6th.  Milledge drew a two-out walk to load the bases.  Felipe Lopez crushed a Grand Slam to right off of Heilman which scored Aaron Boone, Willie Harris, Lastings Milledge, and of course himself.  It’s like deja vu.  How many times do I have to watch that?  Guzman lined a two-out single to center.  Zimmerman lined a single into left, and Guzman advanced to second.  Heilman fanned Kearns to end the end of the Mets chances to sweep this mini-series.  Heilman gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Jorge Sosa to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Boone grounded to short, and Reyes (Error on Jose Reyes) misfielded it so Boone is on base with one out.  Harris drew a one-out walk.  Wil Nieves grounded a two-out RBI single under the glove of Delgado and into right field as Aaron Boone came around to score and Harris held up at third.  Estrada is pinch hitting for Rivera, and Johnny Estrada grounded a two-out RBI single through the hole on the right side which scored Willie Harris while Nieves advanced to second.  Lopez popped up in foul ground near third, and Wright made the catch.  Cristian Guzman lined a two-out single to right which brought Wil Nieves around to score and Estrada went first to third.  Zimmerman grounded to short, and Reyes made the force play at second to end another inning of hell.  Sosa gave up 3 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning. 

Randolph replaced Sosa with Pedro Feliciano to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Pena grounded a two-out single up the middle.  Felician fanned Boone.  Harris grounded out to short to end the inning.  Feliciano gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: New York Mets 5 - Washington Nationals 10.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Oliver Perez (2-1) got the loss and Shawn Hill (1-0) got the win.

All I can say is that it started out well.  The Mets were in complete control of this game until the Nationals tied it up in the Bottom of the 5th.  Then the Nats just kept scoring like Forest Gump kept running.  And just like the Yankees, the Mets got attacked by Gnats.  So Johan saved us yesterday, but Oli couldn’t provide the Mets with the opportunity to win the ballgame.  Then came the Heilman/Sosa tandem…they allowed 5 runs combined.  How are we going to win this series against the Braves this weekend if we can’t sweep a two-game series against the Nats?

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

Mets.com:

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

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

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

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

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

Newsday:

Santana does it all as Mets end three-game slide

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

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

Mets’ Delgado dropped to sixth in batting order

New York Daily News:

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

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

Willie Randolph shakes up order

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

New York Post:

CHURCH HOPES TO SCHOOL NATS

AMAZIN’ STOPPER

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

SCHNEIDER SHAKES OFF BAD FOREARM BRUISE

SANTANA, METS BEAT NATIONALS

SCHNEIDER RETURNS TO SLUMPING METS

New York Times:

Santana Helps Mets End Skid at 3

To Raise Their Offense, the Mets Lower Delgado

The Star-Ledger:

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

Mets need a sweep

Santana puts brakes on Mets’ skid

Randolph defends Delgado

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

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

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

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

At the Plate

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

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

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

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

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

On the Mound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Yesterday was yesterday, and today is a new day.  I hope that brighter days are coming now.  It’s imperative because the Mets are going to face the Nationals and the Braves for five games.  These are the games that matter more than any other.  If the Mets can walk out of D.C. with a mini-sweep then maybe it will give them enough mojo to win the series against the Braves over the weekend.

Here’s a picture of the new Nationals Park which replaced the ugliest stadium in sports, RFK.  I went there once, and they needed a new stadium.  If you never made the trip to RFK then you didn’t miss anything.  Anyway, Washington is only 2-5 in their new park so New York doesn’t need to make it easier for them to get closer to a winning record at home.  Santana is on the mound tonight, and he has to stop the bleeding.

Mets.com:

Capital time to visit Washington, D.C. - Jon Greenberg put together a pregame analysis for today’s game between the Mets and the Nationals.

Alou finding timing in rehab outings

 Can’t Compare - Anthony DiComo is taking in Yankees and Mets games on the same day — in Chicago.

Newsday:

Trouble at first glance - David Lennon summarized yesterday’s game between the Mets and the Cubs.

Pedro can return to mound in 10-14 days - David Lennon found out that Pedro Martinez can return to the mound in 10-14 days.  At that point in time, Martinez will need about three weeks before he can return to the Mets.

DEBATE: Who hurts his team more: Delgado or Giambi?

THIS DAY AT THE OLD BALLPARK - Find out what happened on today’s date at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.

New York Daily News:

Don’t expect to see El Duque or Pedro Martinez soon - Adam Rubin informs us about Mets injuries.

Met bullpen implodes against Cubs - Adam Rubin criticizes how the Mets bullpen performed in Chicago.

New York Post:

LIFELESS METS PUT TO SWEEP - Bart Hubbuch asks where the offense was in the Mets-Cubs series.

SOSA FAR, SOSA NOT GOOD - Bart Hubbuch pointed out how poorly Jorge Sosa has been so far.

HEILMAN NO WORRY TO WILLIE - Willie Randolph had this to say about Aaron Heilman’s struggles, “He’s just going to have to make pitches. That’s the life of a set-up guy. I’m going to use him like I’ve been using him. He’s healthy, and I’m not ready to reduce his role a month into the season. He’s fine. He’s strong. It’s early. That [workload] will even out later on. I’m not concerned about it.”

New York Times:

For a Day, Chicago Becomes a New York Kind of Town - Jack Curry wrote up an article about how the Mets played the Cubs and how the Yankees played the White Sox on the same day in Chicago.

The Star-Ledger:

Delgado looking powerless - Jeremy Cothran breaks down the struggling Carlos Delgado.

Infield blunder opens floodgates

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So the Metropolitans are down in the City of Brotherly Love to battle the Phighting Phils for the weekend.  This is a big series for the Mets because they can take another series from them.  Here’s the probable pitching matchups:

• 04/18/2008 - Johan Santana (1-2) - Cole Hamels (2-1)
• 04/19/2008 - Oliver Perez (1-0) - Jamie Moyer (1-0)
• 04/20/2008 - Mike Pelfrey (2-0) - Adam Eaton (0-0)

I’m all pumped up about this series. 

Mets.com:

Mets clinch sweep in wild 14th frame - Marty Noble summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets, Phils take rivalry national on FOX - Ken Mandel noted that tomorrow’s game between the Mets and the Phillies will be aired nationally on FOX at 3:30 p.m.  I hate when FOX or ESPN does MLB games.  Joe Buck or Joe Morgan…I have not tolorance for them.

Santana’s goal: Keep Phils in the park - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Mets gaining confidence in Smith - Marty Noble tells us about Joe Smith’s early success.

Beltran out of lineup with stiff neck - Marty Noble pointed out that Carlos Beltran didn’t play in last night’s game because of a stiff neck.

Mets to honor NFL’s Jets on April 28 - Anthony DiComo wrote, “In yet another nod to the past, the Mets will honor the Jets on April 28 with a pregame salute to the team that once spent 20 seasons playing at Shea Stadium.”

Newsday:

Wild pitch in 14th gives Mets sweep over Nats - Jim Baumbach also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Fraternization makes Mets’ Randolph hostile - David Lennon noted that Willie Randolph feels a little uncomfortable coaching against the Nationals Coach Manny Acta, who previously worked under Willie for the Mets.

Local product Lannan: 11 strikeouts for Nats - Roderick Boone pointed out how well Chaminade product John Lannan pitched for the Nationals last night against the Mets at Shea.

Beltran out with stiffness in left shoulder

New York Daily News:

Damion Easley scored on wild pitch for Mets in 14th inning to beat Nationals

Cole Hamels eager to face Johan Santana in new rivalry - Kristie Ackert discussed tonight’s pitching matchup between Johan Santana and Cole Hamels.

Carlos Beltran’s injury is a pain in neck

New York Post:

EASLEY DOES IT

FIGUEROA TAKESAMAZIN’ JOURNEY

STIFF NECK A BIG PAIN FOR CARLOS

FIGUEROA FACES FELLOW NEW YORKER - Tim Bontemps covered last night’s pitching matchup between two local guys facing each other: John Lannan from Long Beach and Nelson Figueroa from Coney Island.

New York Times:

Bullpen Gives Mets Enough Time to Finish a Rally

Figueroa’s Fan Club Moves With His Pitches - Joshua Robinson covered Figueroa’s Fan Club who have attended both of his starts at Shea this year.

Reyes’s Smile Is Back, and So Is His Effectiveness

The Star-Ledger:

Lineups, news & notes

Bienvenidos a Filadelfia. - Jeremy Cothran wrote about tonight’s game between the Mets and the Phillies.

Easley scores on wild pitch to lift Mets in 14th

Change is a good thing for Phils’ Hamels - Jeremy Cothran explains how good of a pitcher Phillies ace Cole Hamels has become.

Mets Win 3-2 in 14

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The New York Mets are playing Game 14 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium.  It’s the final game of the three-game series, and the Mets have the opportunity to take the brooms out tonight.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.Nationals Lineup: Guzman, Belliard, Zimmerman, Johnson, Milledge, Kearns, Pena, Nieves, Lannan.

Mets Lineup: Reyes, Church, Wright, Delgado, Pagan, Clark, Casanova, Castillo, Figueroa.

On the Mound

Nelson Figueroa Jr. (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Belliard drew a one-out walk before Figueroa had back-to-back strike outs to Zimmerman and Johnson.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Figueroa sent the Nats 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 retired the side again.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Zimmerman grounded to first, but it bounced off of Maine and towards Reyes so Zimmerman beat out the play for an one-out single.  Johnson crushed a one-out 2-run homer over the right field fence scoring Zimmerman and himself.  Milledge dropped a one-out single into shallow right field.  Kearns grounded to short, and Reyes made the out at first but Milledge took off for third so Delgado threw the ball to Wright and Milledge slid in safely.  Pena popped up to third to end the inning.  Figueroa gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Lannan lined the ball to the pitcher, and Figueroa caught the line drive with his back to the plate (It was beautiful).  Figueroa sent the Nationals down 1-2-3.  Nieves gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Figueroa retired the side again.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Pena drew a two-out walk.  Nieves flied out to right.  Figueroa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  Figueroa left the game after pitching 7.0 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 BBs, and he had 7 SOs.

Randolph replaced Figueroa with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Heilman retired the side.  Heilman gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Billy Wagner to begin the Top of the 9th.  Wagner retired the side.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

Randolph replaced Wagner with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Top of the 10th.  Nieves drew a two-out walk.  Harris flied out to center.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 10th Inning.  In the Top of the 11th, Guzman lined to third but the ball bounced off of Wright’s glove so the Nationals have a leadoff runner.  Belliard bunted in foul territory and Casanova dove for it to make the catch.  Sanchez got Zimmerman to chase strike three.  Sanchez left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Sanchez with Pedro Feliciano with two outs in the Top of the 10th.  Johnson drew a two-out walk.  Feliciano gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 10th Inning.

Randolph replaced Feliciano with Joe Smith with two outs in the Top of the 10th.  Milledge grounded to short, and Reyes made the force play at second to leave two Nationals stranded.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 11th Inning.  In the Top of the 12th, Kearns got hit with a pitch to give the Nationals a leadoff runner.  With Lopez in the batters box, Smith pitched out and Casanova threw it to Reyes as Kearns was stealing.  Reyes and Delgado got Kearns in  rundown and eventually out.  Lopez grounded out to second.  Smith struck out Nieves trying to check his swing.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 12th Inning.  Smith left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Smith with Jorge Sosa to begin the Top of the 13th.  Harris flied out to right.  Guzman grounded out to short.  Belliard drew a two-out walk.  Zimmerman lined a single into center, and Belliard advanced to second.  Johnson popped up to shallow center to leave two Nationals on base.  Sosa gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 13th Inning.  In the Top of the 14th, Kearns lined a one-out single into right field.  Hanrahan dropped down a sacrifice bunt towards the pitcher, and Sosa made the out at first and Kearns moved over to second.  Sosa fanned Nieves to leave one National on base.  Sosa gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 14th Inning.

At the Plate

John Lannan (0-2) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes grounded up the middle for a leadoff single.  Church hit a fly ball to deep left, and Pena got his glove on the ball but couldn’t hold onto it so Church ended up with a no-out RBI double and Reyes came around to score.  Wright lined out to third.  Then Lannan fanned Delgado and Pagan to leave one runner stranded.  Lannan gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Lannan sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Lannan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Lannan retired the side.  Lannan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Lanned now retired 12 Mets in a row.  Lannan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Lannan is up to 15 in a row.  Lannan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Reyes lined one-out single into right.  Lannan fanned Church.  Wright grounded out to short to end the inning.  Lannan gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  Lannan left the game after pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 3 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 0 BBs, and he had 11 SOs.

Acta replaced Lannan with Saul Rivera to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Delgado drew a leadoff walk.  Pagan lined a no-out single into right as Delgado advanced to second.  Clark dropped down a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher, and both runners moved over.  Casanova lined out to third.  Castillo grounded out to third to leave two runners stranded.  Rivera gave up 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 8th, Church grounded to second, and Belliard (Error on Belliard) couldn’t field the ball so Church arrived safely to give the Mets a two-out base runner.  Rivera gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  Rivera left the game after pitching 1.2 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 1 Run (Unearned), 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Acta replaced Rivera with Luis Ayala with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Wright drew a two-out walk.  Acta gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th.

Acta replaced Rivera with Jon Rauch with two outs in the Bottom of the 8th.  Delgado lined a two-out RBI single into right field which scored Church and moved Wright over to second.  Rauch caught Pagan looking at strike three to leave two Mets stranded.  Rauch gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 9th, Castillo lined a two-out single near the left field line.  With Beltran in the batters box, Castillo stole second.  Rauch fanned Beltran.  Rauch gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.  Rauch left the game after pitching 1.1 Innings allowing 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs.

Acta replaced Rauch with Jesus Colome to begin the Bottom of the 10th.  Church drew a one-out walk.  Wright hit a sacrifice fly to center field as Church advanced to second.  Colome intentionally walked Delgado before Pagan lined out to second leaving two Mets stranded.  Colome gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 10th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 11th, Chavez grounded a leadoff single to short because Guzman couldn’t field it cleanly.  With Casanova in the batters box, Colome threw a pitch out and Nieves caught Chavez stealing second.  Colome fanned Casanova.  Castillo grounded to first to end the inning.  Colome gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 11th Inning.  Colome left the game after pitching 2.0 Innings allowing 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO.

Acta replaced Colome with Ray King to begin the Bottom of the 12th.  Easley led off by grounding a single through the hole on the left side.  Reyes dropped down a bunt towards the pitcher for a single and Easley advanced to second.  Church also bunted to the pitcher, and King made the force out at third (Willie Randolph came out to argue the call).  King gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 12th Inning.

Acta replaced King with Joel Hanrahan with one out in the Bottom of the 12th.  Wright grounded out to short, and the Nationals turned the double play to leave two Mets stranded.  Hanrahan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 12th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 13th, Sosa drew a one-out walk.  Chavez also drew a one-out walk.  Hanrahan caught Casanova looking at strike three.  Castillo lined out to short to leave two Mets stranded.  Hanrahan gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 13th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 14th, Easley led of grounding a single through the hole on the left side.  Reyes popped up a bunt, and Hanrahan made the catch.  With Church in the batters box, Easley took off for second as Church swung at srike two and Easley was safe.  With Church in the batters box, Hanrahan attempted to pick off Easley but the ball went into left field so Easley advanced to third.  Church worked himself into a 2-2 count before striking out.  Wright worked himself into a 2-1 count before drawing an intentional walk.  Hanrahan intentionally walked Delgado to load the bases to get to the pitcher.  Schneider came in to pinch hit for Sosa, and Hanrahan threw a wild pitch on the first pitch to Schneider which brought Easley home to score.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 2 - New York Mets 3 (in 14).  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Both starting pitchers got a no decision.

WOW!  Now that’s an extra innings game worth watching.  Both starters, Lannan and Figueroa pitched really good games.  Lannan got on a roll and retired 16 in a row.  The Bullpens got in and out of jams until the Bottom of the 14th.  Both teams left runners on base in multiple innings.  In the Bottom of the 14th, Easley led off with a single to left.  The Nats made two blunders which moved Easley to third.  Two intentional walks to Wright and Delgado.  With the bases loaded, Hanrahan throws a wild pitch on the first pitch to bring Easley home.  That’s what led to a sweep over the Nationals.  It was crazy.

So the Mets are 7-5 now.  They play the Phillies this weekend down in Philadelphia.  It’s late and I have to wake up early.  Good night.

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The Mets are getting set to play their final home game of this 9-game home stand against the Nats tonight.  We’ll be bringing you the game summary next.

Mets.com:

Pedro optimistic about return date - Yesterday, Omar Minaya stated that he expects Pedro Martinez to return in late May or early June.  According to Marty Noble, Pedro said this today, “I am surprised with the way I am recovering. It’s going much faster than I thought. Everything is moving smoothly. The Mets know that I’m working and that I will not abandon them. I don’t want it to be a long wait like everybody thinks.”  Pedro always tells everybody that everything is fine.  As we have seen for a few years already, it isn’t true.

Reyes finds his smile as Mets cruise - Marty Noble tells us how Carlos Beltran’s pep talk fired up Jose Reyes.

Figueroa follows in Pelfrey’s footsteps - Marty Noble put together a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Yankees, Mets most valuable franchises - Bryan Hoch wrote, “The Yankees’ value increased to $1.306 billion over the past year, a rise of nine percent, while the Mets were second at $824 million, the magazine said Wednesday. The Red Sox were third at $816 million.”

Casanova ‘earns’ coveted a-Trophy - Marty Noble tells us how Raul Casanova is doing so far in ‘08, and he tells us why MLB.com awarded Casanova with the a-Trophy.

Newsday:

Reyes homers, celebrates like old self as Mets win

Reliever Smith has another strong night for Mets - On how Joe Smith pitched last night, Roderick Boone captured the thought’s of Willie Randolph.

Mets doing everything to keep Castillo on field - Jim Baumbach wrote, “The soreness in Luis Castillo’s right knee has not gone away, so the Mets are left to figure out ways to keep Castillo on the field without aggravating the knee.”  Back in the winter, when Omar gave Luis Castillo a 4-year deal, I believe I remember Castillo stating that he was 100% healthy.  So what’s the problem now?  Did he lie to Omar?  If he did then Omar should burn the contract.

Forbes: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox worth most

New York Daily News:

Homers lift Mets and John Maine past Nationals at Shea

Investigators believe Mets fan who fell from escalator was perched on rail

Carlos Beltran says loosen up, then has blast of own for Mets

Pedro: See you real soon

On Jackie Robinson night, David Wright and Mike Pelfrey lead Mets over Nats

New York Post:

THE BEL TOLLS - Mark Hale describes Beltran’s pep talk with Reyes.

SMITH BAILS OUT MAINE, AMAZIN’S

MAINE HAS SOME ISSUES WITH WALKS

METS LOOKING ALL WRIGHT - Justin Terranova summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

New York Times:

Revised Batting Order Changes Dynamic for Mets

Police Say Fan Lost Balance Sliding on Handrail

The Star-Ledger:

No Beltran Tonight - David Waldstein provided the lineups for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Binghamton Mets to honor Giants’ Chris Snee - Jeremy Cothran noted, “If you’re in the Binghamton area (and I don’t know why you would be), you can swing by this Sunday to see the B-Mets honor Giants OL Chris Snee.”

Pedro plans on a surprise

The ‘old’ Reyes returns - We all saw it the last two games.

Church rips another lefty - Jeremy Cothran tells us how Ryan Church is doing against lefties so far this year.

Final: Mets 5, Nationals 2

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The New York Mets are playing Game 13 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals 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.

Nationals Lineup: Guzman, Belliard, Zimmerman, Johnson, Milledge, Kearns, Pena, Estrada, Chico.

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

On the Mound

John Maine (0-1) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Guzman drew a leadoff walk.  Belliard grounded a single through the hole on the right side while Guzman went first to third.  Zimmerman sacrifice flied to right as Guzman tagged up and scored.  Johnson drew a one-out walk.  Milledge flied out to right field, and the runners held up.  Kearns also flied out to right to end the inning.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 2 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Maine got Pena and Estrade to fly out before fanning Chico to end the inning.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd,  Belliard lined a one-out double into the corner in left field.  Maine fanned Zimmerman and Johnson to leave one stranded.  Maine gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Kearns hit a one-out solo shot to left scoring himself.  Pena grounded a one-out single to center, but Beltran threw it to first so Pena took off for second.  Estrada flied out to deep right.  Chico grounded out to second to end the inning.  Maine gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Maine got the top of the order to ground out.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Milledge grounded near the grass at short and beat out the throw for a one-out single.  Kearns popped up in foul ground near the first base line, and Delgado made the out.  Pena flied out to deep center to end the inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Maine gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Estrada flied out to center.  Mackowiak is pinch hitting for Colome, and Maine got Mackowiak to swing at strike three.  Guzman drew a two-out walk.  Belliard also drew a two-out walk.  Maine gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 BBs, and 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Maine left the game after pitching 6.2 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ERs, 4 BBs, and he had 4 SOs.

Randolph replaced Maine with Joe Smith with two-outs in the Top of the 7th.  Smith fanned Zimmerman to end the inning.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.  In the Top of the 8th, Smith hit Milledge in the arm to give the Nationals a one-out base runner.  Kearns grounded to second, and the Mets turned the double play to get out of the inning.  Smith gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Smith with Billy Wagner to begin the Top of the 9th.  Wagner came out firing to send the Nats down in order.  Wagner gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Matt Chico (0-2) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Church hit a one-out bomb to right scoring himself.  Wright flied out to the warning track in left.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Chico got Delgado to chase a slider for strike three to end the inning.  Chico gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Castillo lined a two-out single into right.  Maine drew a two-out walk.  Reyes flied out to center to end the inning.  Chice gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Wright drew a one-out walk.  Beltran grounded to short, and Guzman made the force play at second.  Delgado lined out to left to end the inning.  Chico gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 2 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Castillo grounded to third, but Zimmerman threw it off the bag so Castillo arrived safely to give the Mets a two-out single.  Maine grounded to short to end the inning.  Chico gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Reyes led off the inning with a solo shot to left.  Church grounded a no-out single through the hole on the left side.  Wright blooped a no-out single into center where Milledge got his glove on the ball, but could not hold onto it.  Beltran tattood a 3-Run homer to left scoring Church, Wright, and himself (Both teams are jacking the ball over the same spot in left.).  Chico fanned Delgado.  Pagan popped up to second.  Chico got Schneider to swing at strike three to end the inning.  Chico gave up 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 5th Inning.  Chico left the game after pitching 5.0 Innings allowing 7 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 ER, 3 BBs, and he had 5 SOs.

Acta replaced Chico with Jesus Colome to begin the Bottom of the 6th.  Reyes lined a two-out single into center.  Church lined out to center to end the inning.  Colome gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.

Acta replaced Colome with Saul Rivera to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Rivera sent the Mets down 1-2-3.  Rivera gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced Rivera with Chad Cordero to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Castillo grounded another infield single to third.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Smith, and Anderson popped up to right.  Cordero gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 2 - New York Mets 5.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  John Maine (1-1) got the win and Matt Chico (0-3) got the loss.

The Mets already took the series from the Nats so they have the chance to sweep’em tomorrow night.  A sweep would be great, even though it’s the Nationals.  The Mets haven’t swept a team yet in ‘08.  It might get the Mets fans to stop booing.  It’s not the Phillies or the Braves, but it’s an NL East rival.  John Maine was pretty solid tonight.  He only allowed a pair of runs.  The game started out slow until the 5th Inning.  Reyes led off with a solo shot.  Two men got on base before Beltran hit a 3-Run shot to left.  That 4-spot in the 5th was enough for the Mets to win the game and the series.

The Mets are 6-5 now.  They have one more game against the Nationals tomorrow night.  Then they head down to Philly for a three-game set.  Hopefully the Mets can take another series from the Phils in their park.

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The Mets cruised right through the game against the Nats last night, and they are doing the same thing to the Nats tonight.  The big question is…where is Lo Duca?  Lo Duca has been talking smack about the Mets to the media down in D.C.  Lo Duca hasn’t been able to play because something’s wrong with his hand.  The New York media interviewed him multiple times, and Paul only had good things to say about the Mets.  That means he’s a punk because he says different things to the media in different cities.  Does he think that the news in D.C. doesn’t end up here?  If a person has a point of view then it should be consistent.

Mets.com:

Castillo seeking a breather - Marty Noble reported that Luis Castillo was dropped to 8th in the lineup because he’s not 100% healthy yet.

Mets roll on encouraging night at Shea - Marty Noble tells us how well the Mets played last night.

Sanchez ready for more game action - Marty Noble created a pregame analysis for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Robinson’s legacy celebrated at Shea - Barry M. Bloom tells us how the Mets celebrated Jackie Robinson Day last night at Shea.

Newsday:

Pelfrey’s arm, Wright’s bat propel Mets past Nats - David Lennon summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Dad falls to death from Shea Stadium escalator - John Valenti reported that, ”a Brooklyn man died after a 4-story fall from an escalator at Shea Stadium in Flushing on Tuesday. Police sources said Wednesday that the man may have been “surfing” or “sliding” on the railing of the escalator when he fell. A New York City Police Department spokesman said Wednesday he could not confirm that — but said it was one of the angles detectives would be investigating.”  That is an awful story.  Poor man.  May he rest in peace.

Healthy Sanchez closes out Nationals - David Lennon lets us know what he thought of Duaner Sanchez’s relief appearance last night.

Ex-Mets Milledge, Lo Duca have quiet return

Booing at Shea stems from 2007 fears

New York Daily News:

On Jackie Robinson night, David Wright and Mike Pelfrey lead Mets over Nats - Adam Rubin also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Mets fan who tumbled from escalator ‘had so much to look forward to’

Mets fan dies in escalator fall at Shea

Paul Lo Duca returns to Shea, but mouth is missing for a change - Thank God.

Mets unveil designs for Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field - Mark Lelinwalla discussed when the Mets unveiled the design for the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field last night during the pregame ceremony.

Duaner Sanchez returns in style

Pedro’s aiming for May return

Age and memories add to Mets’ malaise - Adam Rubin feels like, “Last season’s aftertaste is still strong with Met fans, who booed Johan Santana on Saturday.”

New York Post:

PELF-ESTEEM GETS BOOST

JACKIE ROTUNDA A PLACE TO DREAM

CASTILLO ACHING FOR REST

SANCHEZ SHARP IN RETURN

METS BEAT NATIONALS 6-0 ON STRONG START BY MIKE PELFREY - Bart Hubbuch also summarized last night’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

LO DUCA WANTS METS ‘TO LOSE EVERY GAME’

New York Times:

Rare Encouraging Note for Mets

Main Gate to Citi Field a Tribute to Robinson

Mets Happy That Reyes and His Energy Are Back

The Star-Ledger:

Where did everybody go? - Jeremy Cothran stated that the press box at Shea is empty tonight.  They are probably at The Garden for Game 4 of the Devils-Rangers series.

Game 13: Nationals at Mets - Jeremy Cothran provided the lineup for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Mets.

Sanchez finally returns to pen

Pelfrey puts a happy spin on the rotation

Fan Base on the Brink

Thoughts on Mets-Nats - Dan Graziano provides his thoughts on last night’s game.

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The New York Mets are playing Game 12 of the 2008 Regular Season against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium.  It’s the first game of the three-game series.  The game began at 7:10 p.m., and it was aired on SNY.

It was Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball.  The Mets announced those nominated by the Jackie Robinson Foundation.  Then the Mets unveiled that Jackie Robinson Rotunda for the fans at Shea Stadium.  Last, Rachel Robinson spoke on behalf of her late husband.

Nationals Lineup: Guzman, Milledge, Zimmerman, Johnson, Kearns, Estrada, Pena, Belliard, Perez.

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

On the Mound

Mike Pelfrey (1-0) was the starting pitcher for the Mets.  In the Top of the 1st, Milledge got lined a one-out double into the left field corner.  With Zimmerman in the batters box, Schneider threw out Milledge attempting to steal third.  Zimmerman lined out to center to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 1st Inning.  In the Top of the 2nd, Johnson grounded a single through the hole on the right side.  Kearns grounded to short, and the Mets turned the double play.  Pelfrey hit Estrada with a pitch to give the Nationals a two-out base runner.  Pena grounded out to short, and Reyes made the out at first to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Top of the 3rd, Belliard grounded up the middle for a leadoff single.  Perez dropped a bunt in front of home plate, and Schneider got the lead runner at second but Perez arrived safely at first.  Guzman hit a broken bat flair into left for a one-out single as Perez advanced to second.  Milledge drew a one-out walk to load the bases.  Zimmerman popped up to second.  Pelfrey fanned Johnson to get out of a bases loaded jam.  Pelfrey gave up 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 3rd Inning.  In the Top of the 4th, Pelfrey retired the side in order.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Top of the 5th, Perez lined a one-out single to right.  Guzman grounded to short, and the Mets only got the out at first on the double play attempt.  Pelfrey caught Milledge swinging at strike three.  Pelfrey gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Top of the 6th, Johnson drew a one-out walk.  Kearns grounded to third, and Wright made the out at first while Johnson moved over to second.  Estrada grounded out to second to end the inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 6th Inning.  In the Top of the 7th, Pelfrey had a 1-2-3 inning.  Pelfrey gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.  Pelfrey left the game after picthing 7.0 Innings allowing 5 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO.

Randolph replaced Pelfrey with Aaron Heilman to begin the Top of the 8th.  Guzman led off by lining a double into the right field corner.  Heilman fanned Milledge.  Zimmerman popped up in foul territory along the first base line, and Delgado made the out.  With Johnson in the batters box, Heilman threw a passed ball to Schneider and Guzman advanced to third.  Johnson drew a two-out walk.  Kearns grounded to third, and Wright made the force at second to end the inning.  Heilman gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 8th Inning.

Randolph replaced Heilman with Duaner Sanchez to begin the Top of the 9th.  Johnson lined out to second.  Pena grounded a one-out single up the middle.  Sanchez caught Belliard swinging at strike three.  Mackowiak is pinch hitting for Hanrahan, and Mackowiak grounded out to first to end the game.  Sanchez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 1 SO in the 9th Inning.

At the Plate

Odalis Perez (0-2) was the starting pitcher for the Nationals.  In the Bottom of the 1st, Reyes lined a leadoff single through the hole on the left side.  With Church in the batters box, Perez threw to first as Reyes took off for second.  Johnson threw it over to Belliard to pick Reyes off.  Church lined a one-out single into center.  Wright belted a 2-Run homer to left scoring Church and himself.  Perez fanned Beltran.  Delgado drew a two-out walk.  Pagan grounded out to third to end the inning.  Perez gave up 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 1st Inning.  In the Bottom of the 2nd, Perez got the bottom of the lineup to ground out.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 2nd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 3rd, Reyes led off with a gaper to to left center for a double.  Church dropped a bunt down the first base line, and Perez made the out at first as Reyes moved over to third.  Wright drew a no-out walk.  Beltran grounded to short, and the Nationals turned the double play to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 3rd Inning.  In the Bottom of the 4th, Pagan lined a one-out single to right.  Schneider grounded to first, and Guzman tagged first for one out and threw to Belliard but Pagan was safe at second.  Castillo drew an intentional walk.  Guzman fanned Pelfrey to end the inning.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 4th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 5th, Reyes led off with a triple that was halfway up the wall in left field (Reyes is a HR away from the cycle).  Perez got Church to strike out swinging.  Wright grounded out to third, and Zimmerman was able to hold Reyes at third before making the out at first.  Beltran drew a two-out walk.  Delgado was hit by the pitch by Perez which loaded the bases.  Pagan lined out to left to leave the bases loaded.  Perez gave up 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, and he had 1 SO in the 5th Inning.  In the Bottom of the 6th, Perez retired the side in order.  Perez gave up 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 6th Inning.  Perez left the game pitching 6.0 Innings allowing 6 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 4 BBs, and he had 3 SOs.

Acta replaced Perez with Ray King to begin the Bottom of the 7th.  Reyes led off by lining to short, but Guzman (Error on Guzman) dropped the catch and then threw it off the bag at first so Reyes advanced to second.  Church grounded out to first as Reyes moved over to third.  King gave up 1 Hit, 1 Run, 0 BBs, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced King with Luis Ayala with one out in the Bottom of the 7th.  Wright pulled a one-out RBI double down the left field line scoring Reyes.  Beltran lined a one-out RBI single into left which brought Wright around to score.  Delgado popped up to second.  Pagan drew a two-out walk.  Schneider grounded out to third to end the inning.  Ayala gave up 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 BB, and he had 0 SOs in the 7th Inning.

Acta replaced Ayala with Joel Hanrahan to begin the Bottom of the 8th.  Castillo drew a leadoff walk.  Anderson is pinch hitting for Heilman, and Castillo stole second while Anderson was in the batters box.  Anderson grounded out to first, and Castillo moved over to third.  Hanrahan caught Reyes at a high fast ball to strike him out.  Church drew a two-out walk.  Wright crushed a two-out 2-Run double to left center which scored Castillo and Church.  Hanrahan fanned Beltran to get out of the inning.  Hanrahn gave up 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 BBs, and he had 2 SOs in the 8th Inning.

Final Score: Washington Nationals 0 - New York Mets 6.  The MLB.com Box Score is attached.  Mike Pelfrey (2-0) got the win and Odalis Perez (0-3) got the loss.

Pelfrey pitched seven innings of shutout ball which was crucial.  He got into some jams, but got out of them.  Heilman pitched a scoreless inning before Sanchez pitched for the first time in over 2 years.  Sanchez pitched a scoreless inning as well.  The Mets got in base, but Wright was the only one driving them in.  Wright drove in 5 of the 6 runs himself.  I guess we would’ve won this game 1-0 if he wasn’t in the lineup.  Beltran had the only other RBI tonight.  A 6-0 win over the Nats is great.  The fans booed Milledge, but Lo Duca didn’t play tonight.

The Mets are back to .500 with a 6-6 record.  They have two more games against the Nats before they go down to Philly for a weekend series.

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