TSTDIA: Mets 5 -- Diamondbacks 3

After an absolutely spectacular performance from Mike Pelfrey and a blown save by Billy Wagner, Carlos Beltran wins it in the bottom of the 13th inning with a screamer over the outfield wall.

Please, let this be the game that turns everything around.

TSTDIA: Mets 11 -- Yankees 2

All around, the Mets played amazingly solid all around baseball with Oliver Perez commanding on the mound giving up only two runs and the Mets tagging the Yankee ace for a ton of runs. Sweet.

OK, so that was two sentences. Shoot me.

Game Recap: Nationals 1 -- Mets 0

This game went from promising to frustrating very quick.

Mike Pelfrey was sensational as he carried a no hitter through the sixth inning and into the seventh. Unfortunately for the Mets and Pelfrey, Aaron Boone led off the 7th inning with a single to right field to break up the no-hitter.

What else can I say about this? He walked three, eventually allowing three hits and one earned run through 7 2-3 of an inning. Pelfrey struck out four during his stint on the bump.

If his start against the Reds was telling of things to come, I can only imagine how he'll follow up this performance. Amazing, simply amazing. I'm very pleased by his poise on the mound his last few starts. He's really starting to blossom into everything the Mets thought he could be. Go Big Pelf!

The only run of the game came in the top of the 8th, as Jesus Flores doubled to lead off the inning. After pinch hitter Willie Harris, who would play a huge role in the next inning sacrificed Flores to third, Felipe Lopez hit a long fly ball to left field, deep enough to score Flores for the game's only run.

They executed this inning perfectly. Hats off to them. Wish the Mets could do that once in a while.

Jason Bergmann, a product of Rutgers University, matched zero's with Pelfrey the entire day. Bergman ended up going seven strong, allowing only thee hits and walking two while fanning nine. The Mets had huge chances in the 8th and 9th, but nice plays by the Nationals and bad luck for New York foiled their chances.

Jose Reyes led off the 8th inning with a swinging bunt up along the third base line. Luis Castillo was up next, and laid down a beauty of a sacrifice bunt to move Reyes to second. Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman came in to field the bunt, so third base was unoccupied. Reyes spotted this and took off for third. Again, unfortunately for the Mets, short stop Christian Guzman saw the vacant base and took off a few steps ahead of Reyes. A perfect throw from Aaron Boone from first to Guzman on the run, and a behind the back tag nailed Reyes for the second out, killing any rally in the 8th.

I like the idea, but not the execution. Man on second, one out with your 3, 4, 5 hitters coming up is something you kill for. Bringing the man to third would be nice, but only if you're absolutely sure you're going to make it. Reyes should have only taken off if Guzman was unaware of the empty bag.

In the ninth, with Carlos Beltran on first after leading off with a single, Ryan Church came to the plate and blooped a ball down the left field line. Harris, who as mentioned earlier was brought on in the 8th and laid down a successful sacrifice to help bring in the only run, made an absolutely amazing diving backhand grab on the foul line in left to erase Church and chase Beltran back to first.

Absolutely amazing. One of the best catches I've ever seen.

The bad luck wasn't done for the Mets in the 9th. With Carlos Delgado batting, Beltran broke for second, Flores popped up and airmailed the ball into centerfield, allowing Beltran to move all the way to third base with only one out. A few pitches later, Delgado smoked a ball to the right side, where Boone made a very nice catch at first. Beltran had broke for home on the ball, and was easily doubled up off the bag to end the game.

Rough game to cap off a rough series. You have to count on plays not going your way and need to cash in on the opportunities handed to you. Dropping three out of four to the Nationals is not good. Not good at all.

This has to be the most heartbreaking and frustrating loss all year.

Game Ball: Pelfrey, without a doubt.

Game Recap: Nationals 5 -- Mets 3

I have to be blunt. Aaron Heilman blew it again and this loss is all on his back.

Claudio Vargas was downright impressive in his first start with the Mets. He threw 6 1-3 innings, allowing only one run while on the mound and another was charged to him later on in the inning. He gave up three hits, walking four, while striking out six.

I had my expectations set very low for him, but he surprised me, as I'm sure he surprised you. Well done, Vargas. You earned yourself another start, at the least.

Vargas was handed a lead in the fifth inning when Brian Schneider homered to right field, right off the 1988 NL Division Champs banner for the first run of the game.

I'm very pleased by Schneider's hitting ability. Great to see some pop out of this guy who was billed as a "defensive catcher."

Vargas handed the lead right back, allowing Ryan Zimmerman to crank one off the front of the mezzanine level to tie the game up at 1-1.

Vargas was pulled from the game after issuing a one out walk to Elijah Dukes. Aaron Heilman was called in from the bullpen to try and finish out the inning. He eventually recorded three outs, not before the Nationals scored four runs to take the lead.

All the runs came with two outs, and I believe Heilman had two strikes on every batter he faced. He was even ahead 0-2 on Jesus Flores before allowing an RBI single to him.

Heilman needs a change of scenery. New Orleans or another organization, take your pick.

The Mets rally attempts fizzled out too early, as they scored one run in the 7th and 8th innings, but couldn't scratch out anymore. Schneider picked up another RBI with a ground ball to first base, allowing Endy Chavez to score. Carlos Beltran brought home the Mets final run, singling to right and plating Marlon Anderson.

The Mets went down in order in the ninth inning, striking out twice.

This team has fire, but it's equivalent to a cigarette lighter when they need a bonfire. Spurts are shown here and there, but overall, it's just not there. Moises Alou showed a bit of emotion and fire when he was ejected in the fifth after being called out on strikes. Alou immediately slammed his bat into the ground and was ejected seconds later by home plate umpire Dana Demuth.

You have to beat up on last place teams, and now they're heading into tomorrow's matinee hoping for a split of the series, at best. Not good.

Game Ball: Schneider

Game Recap: Mets 6 -- Nationals 3

Revenge is a dish best served by Ryan Church and Brian Schneider.

The ex-Nationals really handed it to their old team, combining to go 5-8, scoring three and driving in five as the Mets took the second game of the four game set by a score of 6-3.

The Mets got another stellar start from John Maine, as he extended his streak of only allowing two runs or less to eight straight starts, allowing just two runs on two hits through six innings. Maine struck out five and walked only one, needing 109 pitches to get through his night.

In the second inning, the Mets got on the board with a bases loaded fielders choice off the bat of Brian Schneider, driving in Moises Alou.

The Mets had the bases loaded with no one out, and managed to scratch out only one run. Something like that needs to change. To score a run without hitting the ball out of the infield is something special though.

The only runs Maine allowed came on a Ryan Zimmerman two run home run after a Damion Easley error. The error, one of two for Easley on the night, allowed Christian Guzman to reach, and later score on Zimmerman's homer to left field. Maine set down 10 in order after the home run, and only had one runner on base due to Easley's second error with two outs in the sixth. Maine bounced back and got Austin Kearns to strike out looking to end his night.

If it wasn't for Johan Santana, Maine would be the far and away ace of this pitching staff. Dominant, in control, and settled down. Simple beautiful. I think he could have gone another inning, easily, but his turn in the order came up in the bottom of the sixth, and the pinch hitter paid off for the Mets. Well done, John. Keep it up.

Church had an amazing day, starting it off with a solo home run to center field to lead off the third inning. Church's ball just missed nailing the home run apple.

I love this guy. I'm sure you've heard that from me before, but I have to say it again. What a steal.

In the sixth, Church kept his hot day going, bringing in two with a double to right. After Brian Schneider and Fernando Tatis both hit one out singles, Church came to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. Church smoked a ball to right field, a ball that seemed like an easy out for Kearns to end the inning. I'm not sure if Kearns misplayed it or if the ball just hung up in the air, but the ball sailed over the jumping Kearns glove and bounced to the wall, driving in both Schneider and Tatis.

Good? Yes. Lucky? Yes. Will he take it? Yes.
He is getting things done in every way, shape, and form.

Matt Wise made his first appearance in a long while, allowing one run on one hit. Elijah Dukes doubled to left for his first hit of the year. Rob Mackowiack eventually drove him home with a ground ball to second base. Duaner Sanchez walked two batters in the eighth inning, but worked out of a jam without any damage, striking out one.

Strange to bring in a pitcher who hasn't been in the majors in a while and toss him into the fire with a two run lead. This will be questioned by the Willie Randolph haters, for sure. Good stuff from Sanchez, who as Gary Cohen pointed out, has had a few miles per hour knocked off his fastball from the accident. Hopefully he can work back to that over time, but if he's consistently good, it really won't matter.

In the 8th, the Mets tacked on some insurance runs. Jose Reyes broke up his 0-fer night with an RBI single up the middle, driving in Schneider. Church followed that up with a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Marlon Anderson.

Billy Wagner allowed a two out hit, but slammed the door on the Nationals for his eighth save of the year. He still has not allowed an earned run to score.

Keep on truckin'.

Game Ball: Church.

Game Recap: Nationals 10 -- Mets 4

I had tickets tonight, pretty glad I didn't go.

The Mets got trounced by the Nationals in the first game of a four game series, taking game one by a score of 10-4. Notch this up as another frustrating loss for the New York Mets. And cue the Willie Randolph haters..now!

Nelson Figueroa made the start for the Mets, and tallied only one scoreless inning out of five. Figueroa allowed one run in the second, third, and fourth. He then let up three in the fifth inning. Of the six runs he allowed, four were earned.

He struggled with the control, allowing five hits and walking five. Figueroa struck out four while on the bump. Figueroa walked in a run in the third.

He was just not very effective, at all. Usually he feeds off the energy at Shea, but it seemed pretty dead tonight. He needs a big crowd behind him. I hate to say it, but Figueroa's magic may be running out.

Jorge Sosa stunk, again. Sosa's line: 1 IP, 4 hits, 4 earned runs, 2 BB, 1 K.

Cut him. Now.

Duaner Sanchez pitched a scoreless and hitless inning, striking out one. Joe Smith and Billy Wagner both looked excellent as they both struck out the side in their respective innings.

Beautiful. I love Joe Smith. Let me make it easy, Mets. Cut Sosa, keep Smith. It's not too hard.

The Mets pounded out 12 hits, but only managed four runs. Odalis Perez threw 6 1-3 innings, scattering 11 hits and only allowing four runs.

The team got on the board early, scoring one in each of the first three innings. Carlos Beltran picked up an RBI single in the first, driving in David Wright. In the second, Damion Easley crushed a solo home run to deep center field to lead off the inning. Easley picked up another RBI, driving in Moises Alou from second with a single to right. Alou, who doubled earlier in the inning, had a nice headfirst slide to beat the tag at home.

And from there, they were held in check until the seventh inning. I thought this was going to be one of those crazy blowouts where they can't help but score, but I couldn't have been more wrong. They looked flat. Perez wasn't excellent, there was no need for them to shut down like that. And for the love of everything holy, don't blame Willie.

Wright went yard with no one on base in the seventh.

Yay.

Game Ball: Easley.

Game Recap: Mets 8 -- Reds 3

I caught bits and pieces of this game, sneaking away from the family and the chilly weather, and dashing inside to catch a few pitches every now and then, so here's a brief recap.

Oliver Perez pitched a much better game today. The first five innings of the game showed the classic Perez that Mets fans fell in love with. In control, getting his pitches across, and getting really quick outs. I really loved when he got the first out on the first pitch in two consecutive innings. The sixth was a bit of a different story, but he's working back up to what he's capable of if he just keeps his head in the game.

Carlos Beltran had another big day with the pink bat. Beltran went 2-4, scoring twice and driving in three runs with an RBI double and a two run home run. Ryan Church followed up Beltran's blast with one of his own.

Jose Reyes made things happen, getting three hits and scoring twice. Luis Castillo drove in one and scored twice while picking up two hits before leaving the game with a quad injury. Damion Easley, his replacement, added an RBI as well. David Wright and Moises Alou each added an RBI and had one hit.

Scott Schoeneweis put together a nice appearance, stretching out to 1 2-3 of an inning, allowing three hits but no runs. He struck out three while on the bump. I'd like to see this more out of him, but only in the right situation. We need more Schoeneweis, especially after his great start to the year so far.

Game Recap: Reds 7 -- Mets 1

The revenge of Jeff Keppinger.

The Reds pounded out 14 hits in the nightcap, after knocking 15 earlier in the day, and beat up on the Mets bullpen, scoring five in the late innings to put them up 7-1 and earn a split of the doubleheader for the day.

The best part of the game, at least for the Mets, was the way Mike Pelfrey pitched. Pelfrey allowed only two earned runs on eight hits through six innings. Pelfrey was in control, only walking one while striking out three.

Very, very good start from him. Allowed a bunch of hits, but really limited the damage all game. He really didn't deserve the loss here. Good start from him, which is good to see from him as he's been struggling a bit of late. Very happy with this.

Single runs bookended Pelfrey's start, as a Ken Griffey Jr. single in the first drove in one run and a Scott Hatteberg double in the sixth chased home the other run for the Reds charged to him.

Dusty Baker took a chance starting Hatteberg, who had been batting well under the Mendoza line coming into the day, and he answered by driving in three. Figures it's against the Mets.

The Mets were shut down by Bronson Arroyo who had his most dominant start of the year. Arroyo only allowed four hits through eight innings, and didn't allow a baserunner from the fifth inning on. New York scratched out their only run in the third inning when David Wright singled to drive in Jose Reyes.

Arroyo looked like classic Arroyo. What a dominating start from him, especially since he's struggled all year. Great performance from him, and again, figures it's against the Mets.

The Reds got to both Duaner Sanchez and Billy Wagner for multiple runs to put the game out of reach. In the 8th, back-to-back singles from Hatteberg and Paul Bako each drove in a run each. Wagner allowed three runs, all unearned, after two straight errors from the Mets. Wright had a fielding error and Carlos Delgado committed a throwing error.

Ex-Met Keppinger went 5-5 on the day, picking up his fifth hit with an RBI single in the 9th. Hatteberg picked up his third RBI with a sacrifice fly to left. Bako added another run with an RBI single to the right side.

I really hate to see key bullpen pitchers come in when the Mets aren't leading, and I really really hate to see them get roughed up. Why not burn a guy like Joe Smith, especially if he might get sent down very soon? I don't get that thinking.

Game Ball: Pelfrey

Game Recap: Mets 12 -- Reds 6

The Mets offense really seems to be clicking, running on all cylinders, or whatever baseball-esque cliche you want to throw in there. The Mets beat up on the Reds, taking the first game of the day/night doubleheader by a score of 12-6.

Johan Santana made the start for the Mets, and seemed to struggle a bit. He allowed a career high 10 hits, but only allowed three runs. Santana walked only one while striking out five. Johan gave up three hits in the top of the first, but was helped out when Corey Patterson, who led off the game with a single, was thrown out while trying to steal second.

He's good. Even when he doesn't have his best stuff, and allows 10 hits, he still shuts a team down for only three runs. That's when you know he's good. People get on against him on a semi-off day, but he still limits the damage and keeps his team in the game.

The Mets got on the board early. In the bottom of the second inning, with Moises Alou on third and Brian Schneider on first, Santana struck out swinging. Fortunately for the Mets, the ball skipped away from David Ross, and Alou came home for the first run of the game.

I'll take it any way they can get it.

In the fourth, Carlos Beltran drove in Luis Castillo with an RBI single up the middle. One out later, Alou drove home two with a bloop single just beyond the infield dirt with the Reds infield playing in.

Crazy move by Dusty Baker playing the infield in there. It would have been an easy pop-up for Brandon Phillips at second, but with the infield in, it drops in for a two RBI hit.

In the top of the fourth, Santana allowed the first run of the game for the Reds when Edwin Encarnacion homered to left field. Alou made an attempt on it, but it was just out of his reach, bouncing off the front of the bleachers.

In the fifth, Beltran picked up another RBI with a sacrifice fly to center, driving in Castillo again. Ryan Church later singled to right, scoring David Wright from second base.

Beltran is getting hot. Watch out other teams, these Mets seem to be clicking.

Encarnacion added an RBI single in the 6th inning before Scott Hatteberg hit a pinch-hit single, plating the second run of the inning.

The Reds are pesky, but the Mets should be able to pick them apart, as we saw today. Let's hope they can match this in the nightcap.

With the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the sixth, Wright drew a walk, driving in Carlos Delgado. Beltran added to his huge day, picking up his first hit of the season with two out and runners in scoring position, as he smoked a ball down the right field line, driving in all three and earning him a stand-up triple as the ball died after hitting off the wall.

What to say? This team looks good. This lineup is absolutely overpowering when they're all hitting, or contributing in some way. I love it.

Aaron Heilman's 5 2-3 inning scoreless streak came to an end in the 7th as Joey Votto doubled in Ryan Freel.

And he was booed, mercilessly.

The bottom of the seventh saw the Mets pick up their first back-to-back home runs of the year as Delgado and Brian Schneider each went deep. Delgado crushed his ball just to the left of the Mets bullpen in right field. Schneider, picking up his first extra base hit of the year, lined a ball down the right field line, just clearing the fence.

Welcome to the club, Schneider. As Gary said, he's now "off the schnied." (pun intended)

Ken Griffey Jr. came within inches of his 598th home run of his career, as he doubled off the wall in the 8th inning against Pedro Feliciano, driving in two runs.

Jorge Sosa came in and walked one batter, but put up a hitless and scoreless inning to put the game away for the Mets.

Game Ball: Beltran.

Game Recap: Mets 12 -- Dodgers 1

The offense might garner most of the press after this dominant performance over Brad Penny, but I feel the true hero today was Mets starter John Maine, who fell just two outs short of a complete game shut out. The Mets bats were out in plenty, and from some unlikely sources, as the Mets trounced to salvage the final game of the series by a score of 12-1.

Maine pitched 8 1-3 innings, and only allowed four hits. He walked two and struck out four. Maine allowed two doubles and two singles and fell just short of a complete game shut out.

Maine was helped out by some nice defensive plays, two of which come to mind. David Wright made a nice running swipe on a ball hit by Jeff Kent and then made a nice throw to first for an out. The best play came from Angel Pagan, who started the game in left. In the bottom of the first, Pagan made a catch in foul territory up against the wall, flipped head over heels into the stands and held onto the ball. He stayed down for a few minutes, but stayed in the game. He was later removed with "shoulder tightness."

Sick play by Pagan. He really went all out to get that ball.

Maine was incredibly dominant. There's really nothing I can say to put his performance into perspective. He shut down the hot bats of LA, keeping his pitch count low, throwing 117 pitching into the ninth inning, 76 for strikes.

John Maine, I love thee.

How do I even recap a 12 run outing by the Mets bats, ten of which were charged to Penny? After singles from Church and Pagan in the second, Marlon Anderson hit a ball deep to center field, which hopped over the wall for a ground rule double as Church scored. Raul Casanova then singled to the right side, driving in both Pagan and Anderson. After a sacrifice from Maine and a walk to Jose Reyes, Luis Castillo grounded a ball up the middle, driving in Casanova.

The Mets strung together five hits this inning to drive in four runs, but this wasn't even the team's biggest inning of the day. Good stuff.

The Mets added one in the third as Pagan grounded into a fielders choice, allowing Carlos Beltran to score from third base.

The fifth inning was huge for the Mets and all their runs came with two outs. Church was hit by a pitch with one out, Anderson singled, and Casanova walked to set up Maine with the bases loaded. On an 0-2 pitch, Maine went down and got a slider low and away, blooping the ball to shallow center field, driving home Church and Anderson. A walk to Reyes ended Penny's day, and ex-Yankee Scott Proctor entered the game with the bases loaded and two away.

Proctor promptly walked the first batter he faced, Castillo, driving in a run. Wright, who had been struggling to this point, ripped a ball deep to left field, which hopped over the wall for a ground rule double, allowing two runs to score. With Beltran batting, Proctor threw a ground ball in the dirt, allowing Castillo to trot home with the sixth run of the inning.

Wow. The Mets bats woke up today, and had a lot of production from some reserve players, which is always good to see. Spectacular offensive performance.

Church added to the Mets runs in the top of the sixth, crushing the first pitch of the inning deep to right for his sixth home run of the season.

It's official. I must go buy a Church jersey or shirt. This guy is amazing.

Maine allowed one run in the ninth inning as Andruw Jones dunked a double in between Church and Castillo. Matt Kemp singled to center, breaking up the shut out and ending the day for Maine. Duaner Sanchez threw 2-3 of an inning, striking out James Loney to end the game.

Amazing game. This is how you quiet down the boo-birds and shut up griping fans. Where's the praise for Willie Randolph today? If you're going to blame him for the one run losses like Tuesday's performance, where are the people singing his praises for today's lashing?

Hmm...makes you think, doesn't it?? Please, Mets fans, we're better than this. Don't blame the manager for a two game losing streak. Have some sense. It happens to every team. Forget about 2007, it's a new year, but don't think it's going to be as easy as '06.

Game Ball: John Maine.

Game Recap: Dodgers 5 -- Mets 4

First off, this was probably the most maddening game of the year, so if you didn't stay up until 1:32 a.m., you were probably better off.

The Mets had an early lead and forced the Dodgers to go to their bullpen in the fourth inning, but just couldn't hold on to the lead as they dropped the second game of the series to the Dodgers by a score of 5-4.

Nelson Figueroa was on the bump for the Mets, only lasting five innings. Figueroa allowed five earned runs on eight hits and four walks. Figueroa struck out three. He needed 104 pitches to get through the five innings.

Not good, not terrible. The Mets starters need to pitch more innings or the coaching staff is going to have no choice but to go to the bullpen. Something needs to be done, but I don't think Rick Peterson is the problem.

Ryan Church put the Mets on the board early, crushing a solo home run to deep center field as the second batter of the game.

The Mets didn't take any time off, and in the second added two runs on RBI singles from Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes. The Mets failed to score any more runs, as they had the bases loaded with nobody out, but Church grounded into a double play, 1-2-3, followed by a David Wright called strike three.

The Mets were 2-14 with runners in scoring position tonight. They absolutely cannot buy a hit with runners on base. They absolutely could have won this game, as they pounded out 11 hits and walked four times. Terrible.

The Dodgers got on the board in the second, as Juan Pierre singled in Blake DeWitt with two outs for LA's first run.

Pay attention to the two outs.

The best inning of the game was the fourth, even if the Mets only scored once. Leading off the inning, Moises Alou reached on a dribbler to third that DeWitt couldn't handle. Carlos Delgado then singled up the middle, and Alou took an aggressive turn at second, catching Andruw Jones flat footed. Alou slid into third, which would set up a coming play. Angel Pagan, starting in center for Carlos Beltran who was out with flu-like symptoms, grounded into a fielders choice, erasing Delgado at second.

With Brian Schneider batting, Pagan broke for second. Russel Martin popped up and made the strong throw to second, and as soon as Alou saw this, he broke for home. Pagan slid in safely at second and the throw home wasn't even close as Alou stole home for the fourth time in his career.

Just great, aggressive stuff on the basepath from Alou this inning. He's trying to make up for lost time, and thankfully so. This team needs some fire.

The third inning saw the Dodgers scratch back, as DeWitt knocked a two out single to right field, driving in both Jeff Kent and James Loney.

Again, two outs. DeWitt wasn't done for the day either.

In the fourth, the Mets knocked out LA starter Hiroki Kuroda as he was replaced with Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo was the Dodgers savior, as he pitched 3 2-3 innings of scoreless and hitless baseball, walking only one while striking out eight.

He was absolutely nasty. The Mets didn't even have a shot while he was on the bump. Dominant performance.

The game breaker came in the fifth inning with one on and, of course, two out. Martin singled with two outs. DeWitt came up and crushed a ball to deep right field. Church went back to the wall and made a leaping attempt at the ball. It hit off the top of the wall, barely catching the edge of his glove. Church fell to the warning track as the ball bounced back onto the field, still in play.

Church lay there, either expecting Pagan to come over and back him up on the play and pick up the ball, or he thought the ball was already called a home run, but he paused for a second, which allowed DeWitt to chug around the bases. By the time Church got up and fielded the ball, DeWitt had rounded third and headed home for his second career home run, an inside the park job.

And from there, the Mets looked defeated. I believe it should have been Pagan's ball to field as he should be backing up Church on a play like that, but I can't be 100 percent sure. Just an unlucky bounce and chain of events. Only the Mets...

Aaron Heilman turned in two innings of scoreless baseball, only allowing one hit while striking out two. Pedro Feliciano and Joe Smith combined for one inning, with Feliciano allowing one hit and Smith recording one strike out.

Well, the bullpen looked good, especially Heilman. These scoreless innings have to be huge boosts to his confidence.

The Mets threatened in the ninth, getting consecutive two out singles before Castillo was called out on strikes to end the game.

Honestly, the strike zone was terrible, all night. I don't want to blame it on the ump because the Mets had a TON of chances to get hits and drive in runs, but I was screaming and throwing things on some of those strikes.

Game Ball: Alou. The team needs more hustle like that.

Game Recap: Diamondbacks 10 -- Mets 4

The Mets gave Brandon Webb a little trouble, knocking around the 6-0 starter for four runs in his worst start of the year, but Webb still came out on top, keeping his perfect record intact. The Mets dropped only their second game in Arizona since 2005, by a score of 10-4.

Mike Pelfrey started for the Mets, lasting only five innings and giving up five earned runs. Pelfrey allowed nine hits and walked nine, while only striking out one. Pelfrey did not have an inning where a Diamondback did not reach base. His cleanest inning came in the first when he faced only three batters, thanks to a double play.

Pelfrey and the rest of the Mets pitchers had huge problems with three batters: Justin Upton, Conor Jackson, and especially Augie Ojeda. These three combined to go 6-10, scoring five runs and driving in seven. Ojeda drove in six of those runs on a single and two doubles.

He wasn't terrible, but he just couldn't put away hitters, even when he got ahead in the order. Again, the D-Backs made the starter work, as Pelfrey needed 102 to get through five. Another OK start. The Mets are going to need more work out of their starters, that's for sure.

By the way, I'm naming my first child "Augie." What an awesome name.

The Mets scratched out four runs against arguable the best starter in the league. Raul Casanova put the Mets on the board in the second inning with a single to center field, scoring Carlos Beltran.

With the Mets down 5-1 in the top of the sixth, Carlos Delgado came to bat after a single by Ryan Church and a walk by Beltran. Delgado then crushed a pitch from Webb deep to right field, bringing the Mets within one.

He's still got the power, he just needs to get more consistent. I don't think he's done yet, but he's getting close to the end of his rope. The Mets got to the best pitcher in the league for four runs. Pretty good, but they needed to capitalize on his struggles for more and get to the bullpen for some runs.

Jorge Sosa pitched one inning of one hit baseball, striking out one. Aaron Heilman pitched the seventh, loading the bases without giving up a hit as he walked a man before plunking two batters in a row. Heilman then got Miguel Montero to strike out looking on a pitch right on the inside corner to end the inning.

These guys pitched shut out innings? On the same day? It's a miracle!

Duaner Sanchez started the eighth inning. Sanchez gave up three straight singles to start the inning to load the bases with no outs. A wild pitch allowed the first run to score before Sanchez got Conor Jackson to pop up for the first out. Sanchez then allowed another single and a walk before being removed for Scott Schoeneweis. Schoeneweis fared no better, allowing a double and a sac fly to chase in three more runs.

I don't like Sanchez coming into a game down by a run, especially when you don't want to overwork him. I'd understand if he didn't pitch the day before, but I just don't like this move by Willie Randolph.

Game Ball: Delgado.

Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Diamondbacks 2

Where to begin? The Mets took a welcomed trip out west, and beat up on an unbeaten pitcher. David Wright and Jose Reyes each had career days as the Mets bounced back from their trouncing by Pittsburgh, beating up on the best team in the NL, the Arizona Diamondbacks, by a tune of 7-2.

Reyes led off this game with a bang. The first pitch from Micah Owings, Reyes drilled to deep right, and with the Kentucky Derby coming up tomorrow, showed his speed, legging out a triple. Ryan Church, who had a great night but was overshadowed by #5 and #7, hit a sac fly to center, allowing Reyes to trot home with the first run of the game.

The Mets weren't done in the first, as Wright singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Carlos Beltran walked, bringing up Moises Alou for the first time of the season. Alou smoked a ball to second, which should have been a double play, but Orlando Hudson let is scoot under his glove. Wright scored on the play, while Beltran moved to third. Carlos Delgado followed it up with a single to right field, driving in Beltran to make it 3-0.

John Maine ended up having another solid start, his fifth in a row allowing two runs or less, but struggled through most of the game, battling baserunners and a high pitch count. Maine pitched six innings of six hit baseball. He walked two and struck out six. Maine only allowed two earned runs, both coming in the second inning.

Good, not great. More later.

The Mets jumped right back on Owings in the second, as Reyes hit a one out double to center field, which was followed by a Church double, driving in Reyes.

If this lineup ever changes, I'm not going to be pleased. They showed a graphic on SNY for when Reyes bats first and Church bats second. When that happens, Reyes is batting .500 with Church batting .400. Willie Randolph, take note.

The second inning was rough for Maine, as he allowed a one out double to Justin Upton. With Miguel Montero batting, Maine threw his first wild pitch of the inning, allowing Upton to move to third. Montero then doubled in Upton, and with Owings batting, Maine threw his second wild pitch, allowing Montero to move to third. Maine then settled down nicely, allowing only two hits over the next four innings.

He didn't look overpowering, but he outperformed himself tonight. Limiting damage early and settling into a groove. His pitch count was high, needing 107 to get through his six innings. Just an excellent outing by Maine after not looking like he was going to last through the second.

In the fourth, Mr. Church continued to impress, taking Owings deep to right field for a solo home run.

So far, he is the MVP of the Mets. If anyone is still unhappy with the trade, you need to seek help. In a comment brought up on Mets Lounge, if it was just Lastings Milledge for Church, you still wouldn't have much of an argument.

The Mets weren't happy with the lead, so in the sixth, Reyes singled to left with one out. This left Reyes a home run shy of the cycle. A batter later, Wright took a pitch from Owings deep left, chasing the pitcher and leaving Wright a triple shy of the cycle.

The best left side of the field in baseball, at least in my opinion. The duo cross town might put up a bit of a fight, but I'd still take Reyes and Wright any day. Thoughts?

Joe Smith came on in the seventh and set the side down in order.

Leading off the top of the eighth, Reyes jacked a ball to deep center field, making a bid for his home run to complete the cycle. Arizona center fielder Chris Young made a jumping effort on the ball, but it hit the wall behind him and bounced back out into center. Reyes turned on the jets rounding first, looking to pick up his home run the hard way. Young recovered and made a beautiful throw to second, which was relayed home to beat Reyes by at least five steps.

I though he had it, and I think if it was anyone by Young in center, who needed an absolutely perfect throw to nail him, Reyes was going to get it. So close.

Smith came on to start the eighth, getting two ground outs before walking Stephen Drew and allowing a single to Justin Upton. Pedro Feliciano entered the game and got a ground out to third to end the inning.

Duaner Sanchez entered the game in the ninth with a five run lead, sandwiching strikeouts of Jeff Salazar and Eric Byrnes around a ground ball from Young.

"Dirty" is back in business.

Not only did Wright and Reyes sparkle at bat, each had a spectacular defensive play in the field. In the second, Hudson hit a short pop up into foul territory behind third base. Wright had a strange angle, but tracked the ball and made a beautiful, over the shoulder diving grab onto the warning track in foul ground.

Reyes made a diving stab on a ground ball smoked to his right side, which one hopped into his glove. He got to his feet, and flat-footed, made a strong throw to first to get the runner.

Awesome. Just awesome.

Game Ball: Reyes and Wright.

Game Recap: Pirates 13 -- Mets 1

Where to begin? The Mets got absolutely trounced by the Pirates, to the tune of 13-1. Oliver Perez had one of his terrible starts, the type that Mets fans have gotten way too used to.

Perez only lasted 1 2-3 of an inning, giving up five runs while on the bump, and having another two charged to him after he left the game. Of the seven runs Perez allowed, only two were earned due to a Luis Castillo fielding error. Perez walked one in the first, and only faced four batters. In the second, it was an entirely different story.

12 Pirates came to the plate in the second, and only three of them picked up a hit. Perez walked four in the inning, and allowed five runs before being removed for Nelson Figueroa. Figueroa allowed a single to the first batter he faced, allowing two runs to score, both charged to Perez.

No comment.

OK, I'll comment. Honestly, it just does not look like he's focused. Maybe the delay hurt him, but he just looks lost on the mound. He fools with his mechanics, which must bother the living heck out of the coaching staff. I'm far from closing the book on him for this season, but on the track he's running so far, it looks like it's going to be a long season and an even more interesting offseason for him as he most likely tests the free agency market. Good luck Scott Boras.

Figueroa allowed a RBI single in the fifth inning for the only run charged to him. Jorge Sosa pitched the sixth, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out one. Sosa was on the wrong end of two errors in the field, one by David Wright and the other by Angel Pagan.

Figueroa pitched because he was skipped in the rotation yesterday, due to the rainout. Not a great performance, but decent when you look at the situation. This is probably Sosa's last day in a Mets uniform for a while, as Matt Wise could be activated by Friday. Again, when Sosa is on, he's great, but that occurrence has become more and more rare this season.

The Mets broke up the shutout in the bottom of the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran walked to lead off. Ryan Church followed that up with a double to center field, driving in Beltran all the way from first. Carlos Delgado picked up the only other Mets hit today, singling in the fourth inning.

Church is the bright light amongst the dark. That last sentence is not supposed to sound like some religious banter, but after this game, some Mets should consider it.

Pedro Feliciano turned in a scoreless inning, allowing one hit. Aaron Heilman pitched a perfect eighth and ninth, striking out one batter.

Poor Heilman. The one day he turns in a six up-six down performance, the Mets are down by two touchdowns (without the extra points).

The Mets committed three errors in the game, allowing nine unearned runs to score.

Numbers: Mets: 2 hits...Pirates: 12 hits...Walks: 16 combined...Strikeouts: 15 combined...Perez: 55 pitches, 28 for strikes...40 Minutes: Time the game was delayed due to a water main break, courtesy of the construction on Citi Field...Team LOB: 10...Xavier Nady: 3-3, 2 BB, 3 RBI, 2 runs...

Game Ball: Church

Game Recap: Mets 5 -- Pirates 4

After a very rough start to the day, going 0-4 with two strikeouts, David Wright comes up in the bottom of the 11th with the bases loaded and delivers with a game winning single just fair down the right field line to put the New York Mets on top over the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4.

Johan Santana made his sixth start for the Mets, and left with the lead, but ended up receiving a no decision after the bullpen blew the lead in the eighth and ninth. Santana had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 5 2-3 of an inning.

Santana allowed a solo home run to Nate McClouth on the second pitch of the game. McClouth is absolutely tearing up opposing pitchers so far, as this is his seventh home run of the season. In the fourth, Santana was taken deep again, also for a solo shot this time by Jason Bay. Santana left with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning, but Pedro Feliciano came in and got Adam LaRoche to check swing a ball to short to end the threat.

Not his best stuff today, as his pitch count was way up there early in the game. I believe he was up to 80 or so pitches through four innings, and ended up throwing 114 overall. Again, not his best outing, but he rarely gets off to hot starts and he's used to pitching in a dome, so just give him time before he really shines.

The Mets tied up the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Wright began the inning with one of his two strike outs, which was followed by a Carlos Beltran walk. Ryan Church came to the plate and drove a low and inside pitch deep to right field, just to the left of the Mets bullpen.

I'm officially in love with Church. He's such a solid player. Just awesome.

Endy Chavez, who was batting 1.000 against Pittsburgh starter Ian Snell coming into the game, led off the fifth inning with a single to left. After a Santana strike out, <