Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[tejdog1]

Game 62: Mets @ Yankees

Scott Kazmir (4-2, 4.20) vs Carl Pavano (5-4, 3.68)

Carlos Beltran hit a 2 out solo shot in the first, putting the Mets out in front, 1-0. Johnny Damon singled to lead off the Yankee 1st, stole second, moved to third on Robinson Cano's grounder, and scored on ARod's grounder, tying the game 1-1.

Endy Chavez, once again DHing and hitting 8th, singled with two down, stole second, and scored on Paul Lo Duca's single, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead halfway through the game.

Beltran singled to lead off the 6th, stole 2nd, and scored on David Wright's 18th homer of the season, giving Kazmir breathing room, at 4-1.

The Mets iced it with a 3 run 8th inning. Victor Diaz homered with one down to get it started. Lastings Milledge singled and stole second, Chavez walked, and Lo Duca doubled the pair in, giving the Mets a 7-1 lead. Jason Giambi hit a meaningless 2 out solo shot in the bottom of the 9th off Kazmir, who went the distance to give the Mets a 7-2 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 63: Mets @ Cubs

Aaron Heilman (7-0, 2.92) vs Angel Guzman (0-0, 4.15)

The Mets put up a 2 spot in the first, led by their speed. Jose Reyes singled to open the inning, and stole 2 bases. Jeff Keppinger walked and stole second, and Carlos Beltran walked to load the bases. Carlos Delgado grounded into a 3-6 FC, scoring Reyes. David Wright singled to drive Kepp in, giving Heilman a 2 run cushion.

Aaron Heilman suffered through a nightmare first, however, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. Juan Pierre walked to lead off the game, and stole second, scoring on Ronny Cedeno's single. Derrick Lee singled to put runners on the corners, and Aramis Ramirez doubled one in. Phil Nevin singled in another, and Michael Barrett singled in the 4th run of the inning, before Heilman had retired a batter. Heilman got the next out, and then walked the 8 hitter, before inducing a double play from Guzman, finally ending the nightmare.

Heilman was right back under the gun in the 2nd, and didn't retire a batter before being pulled. Pierre singled and stole second, scoring on Cedeno's single. Cedeno then stole second, and consecutive walks to Lee and Ramirez ended Heilman's disasterous outing. Tanyon Sturtze came in, and with the infield in, got Nevin to bounce out, and Wright nailed Cedeno at home for the first out. Barrett then grounded into a double play, keeping the Mets in the game, at 5-2 Chicago.

"These types of games will happen from time to time in a long season. Perfectly understandable. Besides, we're talking about a 7-0 pitcher with a sub 3 era here, not like he had a 5+ or anything." Tejesh said.

Sturtze went 4 incredible innings of relief, only allowing a run, and the Mets got 2 in the 5th to draw within 2, at 6-4. Eli Marrero pinch hit for Sturtze to lead off the 6th for NY. Marrero, Reyes and Keppinger singled to lead off the 6th, with Kepp's single scoring Marrero, bringing NY within 1. Beltran followed with a 3 run homer, putting NY back on top, 8 to 6.

Octavio Dotel came in to pitch the 6th for the Mets, and allowed a 2 out solo shot to Jacque Jones, bringing Chicago within 1, at 8-7. Endy Chavez pinch hit for Dotel leading off the 7th, and flew out. Reyes walked with one down, stole 2 bases, and scored on Kepp's suicide squeeze, giving NY a 2 run lead again, at 9-7. Henry Owens came in to pitch the 7th for the Mets.

Wright walked with one down in the 8th, Diaz doubled, and Milledge was intentionally walked to bring up Joe Hieptas. Hieptas lifted a sac fly to score Wright, giving the Mets a 10-7 lead.

Henry Owens worked 2 scoreless innings, setting it up for Billy Wagner. Before that, however, the Mets tacked on another run, extending to a 4 run lead. Reyes singled to lead off the 9th, stole 2 bases, and scored on Kepp's single, putting the Mets on top 11-7. Billy Wagner worked around a leadoff walk, retiring the next 3 in order, preserving the victory for Sturtze.

"Our bullpen did an absoultely amazing job today. 8 innings of 2 run ball is unbelieveable. Hats off to Tanyon for his job, too. He ate up some innings in the middle there, and kept the game from getting away." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 64: Mets @ Cubs

Brian Bannister (5-5, 4.35) vs Rich Hill (5-3, 3.89)

With Sturtze having gone 4 innings in yesterday's ballgame, who is the long man tonight? Manager Tejesh Patel answers that.

"Pelfrey. In case of extra innings or a blowup by Banny, it would be Mike."

The Mets hope it doesn't come to that, obviously.

Once again, the Mets jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead. Jose Reyes homered to lead off, and Jeff Keppinger followed with a triple. Carlos Beltran grounded out to second, scoring Kepp, giving Banny a 2-0 lead.

The Mets gave Bannister just what the doctor ordered, a huge lead, with a 5 run 2nd inning. Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca walked to lead off, and after a Banny bunt, Reyes walked to load the bases. Kepp unloaded the bases, cracking a grand slam, putting the Mets ahead, 6-0, and ending Rich Hill's night. Sean Marshall came in and served up a 2 out solo shot to Carlos Delgado, completeing the scoring, and Banny had himself a 7 run lead to work with.

After 6 1/2 innings, the Mets had themselves a 14-1 lead, and emptied their bench, keeping Hieptas in reserve. Brian Bannister did exactly what was needed a day after the bullpen had to go 8 innings, he went 9, and the Mets won going away, 16 to 1.

[tejdog1]

Game 65: Mets @ Cubs

Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.21) vs Carlos Zambrano (7-1, 2.86)

Carlos Zambrano singled to leadoff the 5th, and one batter later, Ronny Cedeno broke up the scoreless duel, blasting a homer to put the Cubs on top, 2-0.

Pedro worked 7 innings, only allowing those 2 runs, and was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 8th. Matthew Lindstom came in to pitch for NY in the bottom of the inning. Michael Barrett hit a one out homer off Lindstrom, giving Carlos a 3 run cushion to work with. Zambrano worked a 1-2-3 9th, handing the Mets their 16th loss of the season.

[tejdog1]

Game 66: Mets @ Brewers

Tom Glavine (8-0, 3.47) vs Ben Sheets (7-5, 3.43)

For the second straight game, the Mets go ace on ace, hoping for a better outcome this time.

The Mets broke up the pitcher's duel this time, chasing Sheets in the 5th with a 4 run inning. Lastings Milledge doubled with one down to start the rally, and Glavine helped himself with a 2 out run scoring single. Jose Reyes walked, and Jeff Keppinger cracked a 3 run homer, ending Sheets night and putting the Mets on top, 4-0.

Milledge walked to lead off the 7th, stole second, and scored on Reyes' 2 out single, extending the lead to 5.

In the bottom of the inning, the Brewers scored a pair, chasing Glavine. Matt Murton reached on an error by Keppinger, and Corey Hart followed with a double to put runners on second and third. A single by Miguel Olivo plated the pair, and after a single by Rickie Weeks, Glavine was taken out. Octavio Dotel came in and induced a pop out by Corey Koskie, ending the inning.

The Mets got a huge insurance run in the 8th, extending to a 4 run lead. Carlos Beltran singled and stole second to lead off, David Wright walked with one down, putting runners on the corners, and with two down, Milledge delievered a single, plating Beltran.

The Mets broke the game wide open with a 4 run 9th. Pinch hitter Endy Chavez tripled to lead off, Reyes walked and stole second, and Kepp walked to fill the bases. With one down, Carlos Delgado blasted a grand slam to put NY on top, 10-2. Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the bottom of the 9th for the Mets.

Broxton struck out the side around a hit, and the Mets won easily, 10 to 2.

[tejdog1]

Game 67: Mets @ Brewers

Mike Pelfrey (5-2, 6.17) vs Doug Davis (7-3, 2.82)

The Mets start struggling rookie right hander Mike Pelfrey, having skipped his turn for 2 games.

"We felt maybe an extra couple of days might help him out. He's been trying to throw 200 miles an hour, and we had Pedro and Tommy talk to him, kind of mentor him a bit. We'll see if it helps." Tejesh said.

The Mets got Pelfrey a run in the 2nd, on a David Wright double and Victor Diaz single, to open the scoring.

They added a run in the 4th. Paul Lo Duca singled with one down, was bunted to second by Pelfrey, and scored on Jose Reyes' single, giving Pelfrey a 2 run cushion.

One out away from qualifying for a win, Pelfrey allowed a pair of runs to score. Miguel Olivo singled with two down, and Rickie Weeks homered, tying the game at 2.

Fellow rookie Lastings Milledge led off the 6th with a homer, putting Pelfrey and the Mets back on top, 3 to 2. Pelfrey was lifted after that, and Henry Owens came in to pitch.

"It's all about getting him some confidence." Tejesh said.

Owens, however, allowed a run in the 6th, denying Pelfrey his 6th victory. Bill Hall singled with one down, Prince Fielder walked, and Matt Murton singled to score Hall, tying the game 3-3.

Weeks walked to lead off the 7th, advanced to 2nd on a grounder, stole third, and scored on Carlos Lee's grounder, putting the Brewers ahead, 4 to 3.

The Mets couldn't mount any further threats, losing 4 to 3.

[tejdog1]

Game 68: Mets @ Brewers

Scott Kazmir (5-2, 3.91) vs Chris Capuano (3-4, 3.67)

The Mets opened the scoring with a pair in the first inning. Jeff Keppinger homered with one down, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado singled, and David Wright lifted a sac fly, scoring Beltran and giving Kazmir a 2-0 lead.

Matt Murton homered to lead off the 2nd, cutting the Met lead to 1. Kazmir went 7 innings, striking out 9, and left on the long end of a 2-1 lead. Octavio Dotel pitched a perfect 8th, setting it up for Billy Wagner. Wagner allowed a leadoff double, but pitched around that, saving it for Kazmir.

[tejdog1]

Game 69: Phillies @ Mets

Gavin Floyd (3-5, 2.66) vs Aaron Heilman (7-0, 3.46)

Aaron Heilman, coming off a disasterous outing in which he didn't escape the 2nd inning, looks to bounce back against divisional rival Philadelphia.

Jimmy Rollins homered with two down in the 3rd, putting the Phillies on top, 1-0. Chase Utley singled to lead off the 6th, and perennial Met killer Pat Burrell cracked a 2 run homer to extend Philly's lead to 3.

"If I never see Pat Burrell again, it'll be too soon." Tejesh bemoaned.

The Mets batted around in the bottom of the 6th, scoring 4 runs on 6 hits and a walk. Jeff Keppinger started the hit parade with a leadoff single, Carlos Beltran followed with a single to move Kepp to third. David Wright singled with one down to score Kepp, Victor Diaz singled to score Beltran, Lastings Milledge doubled to score Wright, and with two down, pinch hitter Endy Chavez walked to fill the bases. Jose Reyes singled to drive one more home, putting the Mets ahead, 4 to 3.

Octavio Dotel came in to pitch the 7th for the Mets, and worked around a 2 out single by Utley. In the bottom of the 7th, the Mets added on an insurance run, courtesy Carlos Squared. Beltran walked, stole 2 bases, and scored on Delgado's single, giving the Mets a 5-3 lead. However, Dotel allowed 2 runs in the 8th, wiping the lead out. Aaron Rowand singled and stole second, scoring on Abraham Nunez' homer, tying the game at 5.

Chris Woodward pinch hit for Dotel leading off the 8th for NY, and singled. He was moved around on groundouts by Reyes and Kepp, and a 2 out double by Beltran drove him in, putting NY back on top, 6 to 5. Billy Wagner came in to pitch the 9th for the Mets, and he allowed the tying run to score. Bobby Abreu singled and stole second to lead off, scoring on Rowand's 2 out double, knotting the game at 6 and 6.

Wagner pitched a scoreless 10th, and the Mets won it in the bottom half. With one down, Reyes walked, stole second, and scored on Beltran's walk off double, giving NY a 7 to 6 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 70: Phils @ Mets

Randy Wolf (3-6, 3.93) vs Brian Bannister (6-5, 3.96)

Brian Bannister, coming off arguably one of his most impressive starts in the majors, takes the hill looking to build on his complete game masterpiece in the middle of 3 at Shea, against the Phils.

The offense helped Banny, putting up a 2 spot in the opening inning. Jeff Keppinger doubled with one down, and Carlos Delgado homered with two down, providing the Mets with a 2-0 lead.

Banny allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in the 3rd, erasing the 2 run Met lead. Bobby Abreu and Chase Utley singled with one down, putting runners on the corners, and who else but Pat Burrell, stepped up and doubled, tying the game. Aaron Rowand followed with a single, scoring Burrell and putting the Phils on top, 3 to 2.

Jose Reyes singled to lead off the bottom of the 3rd, stole 2 bases, and scored on Carlos Beltran's fly out, tying the game 3 and 3.

Bannister settled down after that, and pitched scorless ball into the 7th, when an error unsettled him. Arbeu reached on a Delgado error with 2 down, and then Utley, and of course, Burrell, singled, driving Abreu in putting the Phils on top, 4 to 3.

The Mets came right back and tied it in the bottom of the inning. Lastings Milledge doubled to lead off, advanced to third on Paul Lo Duca's flyout, and scored on pinch hitter Eli Marrero's suicide squeeze, tying the game 4 to 4. Matthew Lindstrom came in to pitch the 8th for the Mets.

Lindstrom pitched a perfect 8th, and the Mets put up a run in the bottom of the inning, giving him the chance for a win. Kepp and Beltran walked to lead off, and Delgado singled, plating Kepp and putting the Mets on top, 5 to 4. Billy Wagner came in to pitch the 9th, and went 1-2-3, striking out a pair, nailing it down for Lindstrom.

[tejdog1]

Game 71: Phils @ Mets

Ryan Madson (6-5, 3.63) vs Mike Pelfey (5-2, 5.97)

Tejesh Patel was asked once more whether Pelfrey would be pitching for his roster spot, and he was vehement in his answer.

"Look, we're winning, he's learning. There is virtually nothing he could do that would make us demote him to Norfolk. NOTHING. He will remain on this roster for the duration of the season. And that is that."

However, in the third, he did make his 22 year old manager grow a few gray hairs, walking the pitcher to lead the inning off. Bobby Abreu singled with one down, and the eternal killer of all things Shea Stadium, Pat Burrell, doubled to plate the pair.

"I'm really getting sick of him." Tejesh said, rolling his eyes. "Maybe we should roll the ball up there and see if he can hit that for a double."

Aaron Rowand followed with a single, scoring Burrell and making it a 3 run inning for the Phils.

Pelfrey went 7 tremendous innings, allowing just those 3 runs, but leaving on the short end of a 3-0 game.

"This was a terrific game for Mike, this is something he can build on. He's had great outings 3 out of his last 4 starts. That's what we like to see." Tejesh said.

Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the 8th for NY. Broxton worked 2 scoreless, but the Mets could muster nothing, falling 3-0.

[tejdog1]

Game 72: Pirates @ Mets

Ian Snell (5-4, 4.31) vs Pedro Martinez (5-2, 3.13)

Victor Diaz doubled with two down in the 2nd, and Lastings Milledge singled him in, putting the Mets on top, 1 to 0. Jose Reyes doubled with one down in the 3rd, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's single, doubling the lead to 2.

Chris Duffy double to lead off the 4th and scored on Jack Wilson's 2 out single, halving the lead to 1, at 2-1.

The Met defense imploded in the 5th, leading to 2 runs. Jose Castillo singled and stole second to lead off, and the first of two errors was committed by Kepp, on Neil Walker's grounder, putting runners on the corners. Snell squeezed home a run, Sean Casey singled, and the second of two errors was on Reyes, on Chris Duffy's popup, allowing Walker to score, putting Pittsburgh on top, 3 to 2.

The Mets bounced back with a 4 run 6th, to take a 6-3 lead. Kepp walked to lead off, Carlos Delgado singled, and David Wright singled to drive Kepp in. Victor Diaz doubled to drive Delgado in, and Paul Lo Duca singled with two down, driving in a pair, putting the Mets on top by 3. Henry Owens came in to pitch the 7th.

4 singles with one down by Walker, Wilson, Casey and Duffy led to one run, but Owens buckled down and got out of that jam without allowing any further damage.

Billy Wagner came in for the 9th, armed with a 2 run lead. Wagner fired a perfect 9th, with 2 Ks, nailing it down for Pedro.

[tejdog1]

Game 73: Pirates @ Mets

Paul Maholm (2-6, 7.71) vs Tom Glavine (9-0, 3.29)

The Mets opened the scoring with a 3 run 3rd, highlighted by David Wright's 2 run blast. Glavine opened the inning with a double, Reyes singled him to third and then stole second. Jeff Keppinger, dropped down to the 3 hole, singled Reyes to third, but he was thrown out trying to steal 2nd. David Wright then followed with a 2 run homer to give Glavine a 3 run lead.

Jack Wilson doubled with one down in the top of the 4th, and scored on Jose Castillo's single, slicing the lead to 2. Victor Diaz doubled to lead off the bottom of the inning, and consecutive groundouts by Ty Wiggington (1b) and Eli Marrero ©, the 7-8 hitters, scored Diaz, extending back to a 3 run lead.

Glavine surrendered the lead in the 5th. Maholm led off with a double, with one down Chris Duffy singled, and Jason Bay blasted a 3 run shot to right, tying the game 4 to 4. Glavine finished out the inning, and then was lifted for Octavio Dotel.

The Mets got Glavine back on the winning side with a pair in the bottom of the inning. Jose Reyes singled and stole second to lead off, scoring on Lastings Milledge's double. Jeff Keppinger singled him home, putting NY on top, 6 to 4.

Dotel pitched a scoreless 6th, and the Mets busted the game open with a 3 run bottom of the 6th. Wiggy singled to lead off, pinch hitter Paul Lo Duca doubled with one down, and Jose Reyes struck the big blow, a 2 run triple to center. Milledge walked, and Kepp flew out to left, plating Reyes, putting NY on top, 9 to 4. Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the 7th for NY.

Broxton pitched 3 scoreless innings in relief, picking up the save.

"He took a couple for the team earlier in the year, and I'm just trying to repay the favor." Tejesh said.

With the victory, Tom Glavine etched career win number 299, one away from the covetted 300 plateau.

[tejdog1]

Game 74: Pirates @ Mets

Victor Santos (1-8, 4.93) vs Scott Kazmir (6-2, 3.67)

The Mets opened the scoring with a run in the 1st. Jose Reyes doubled to lead off, and with 2 down, Carlos Delgado singled him in, giving Kazmir a 1-0 lead. Jose Bautista and Jose Castillo singled with 1 down in the 2nd, and Neil Walker tripled them home, putting the Pirates on top, 2-1.

Lastings Milledge singled to lead off the 4th, stole 2 bases, and scored on Kazmir's squeeze, tying the game at 2.

Paul Lo Duca walked to lead off the 6th, was advanced around by a Kazmir bunt and Reyes groundout, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's 2 out single, putting the Mets on top, 3 to 2. Kazmir went 7 strong innings, and Henry Owens came on to pitch the 8th.

Jody Gerut doubled with one down off Owens, and scored on Jose Castillo's double, tying the game at 3.

Tanyon Sturtze came in to pitch the 9th for the Mets. Sturtze went 3 innings in relief, and the Mets won it in the bottom of the 11th. Carlos Beltran singled to lead off, stole second, and scored on Delgado's single.

[tejdog1]

*I made a mistake a forgot to change my SP from the default of Kazmir, to Heilman*

Game 75: Marlins @ Mets

Jeremy Affeldt (4-8, 3.43) vs Aaron Heilman (7-0, 3.54)

Hanley Ramirez singled to open the game, Jeremy Hermida and Miguel Cabrera walked to fill the bases, and with one down, Robert Andino's 2 run single put Florida ahead, 2-0. B Garcia followed with a single to drive in one, making it a 3 run inning. Hermida homered in the 2nd, extending the lead to 4.

The Mets put up a 2 spot in the 4th, clawing back into the game. Carlos Delgado singled to lead off, and David Wright walked to put 2 on. With one down, Lastings Milledge doubled one home, and Paul Lo Duca's groundout brought the second run in, slicing the Marlins lead in half, at 4-2.

However, Heilman allowed those 2 runs right back in the 5th. Ramirez tripled to center, and Hermida walked and stole second. With one down, Jason Stokes tripled, plating the pair. Heilman's night ended after that inning, with Matthew Lindstrom taking over in the 6th.

Lindstrom went 2, and Broxton went 2, but the Mets mustered no offense, losing 6-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 76: Marlins @ Mets

Scott Olsen (4-5, 4.03) vs Brian Bannister (6-5, 3.95)

Brian Bannister opened the game with a flourish, striking out the side in the top of the first. The Mets tagged Olsen for a 3 spot in the bottom half. Lastings Milledge, batting 2nd with Jeff Keppinger getting a rare day off, singled with one down, advanced to second on Carlos Beltran's flyout, and scored on Carlos Delgado's single. David Wright followed with a 2 run homer.

Jai Miller doubled to lead off the third, and scored on Wes Helms' two out single, slicing the Met lead to 2. Jason Stokes homered with 1 down in the 6th, cutting the lead to 1, 3-2.

The Mets answered in the bottom of the inning, as Carlos Squared delievered a run. Beltran walked, and Delgado doubled him home, extending to a 4-2 lead.

The Mets blew it open with a 3 run 7th. Chris Woodward, playing 2nd and hitting 8th, singled to lead off. Banny sacrificed him to second, Jose Reyes walked, and Milledge singled to load the bases. Beltran singled in one, Delgado walked to force in the second, and Wright grounded out to produce the third, opening up a 7-2 lead. The Mets added a 4 run 9th, and that allowed Bannister to complete the game, registering a career high in strikeouts, with 11.

[tejdog1]

Game 76: Marlins @ Mets

Josh Johnson (2-3, 3.65) vs Mike Pelfrey (5-3, 5.76)

Pelfrey got off to a rocky start, allowing 2 runs in the opening inning. Hanley Ramirez singled to lead off, Jeremy Hermida walked, and Miguel Cabrera singled home a run. With one down, Robert Andino groundout out, driving in another, making it 2-0 Florida.

The Mets got a run back in the 3rd, pulling within 1. Paul Lo Duca walked to lead off, was sacrificed to 2nd by Pelfrey, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's 2 out single. Victor Diaz homered with 2 down in the 6th, tying the game up at 2.

The Mets grabbed the lead in the 7th. Lo Duca singled, was bunted to second, and scored on Lastings Milledge's homer, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead. Mike Pelfrey worked into and out of 8th inning trouble, before giving way to Billy Wagner.

"This was an absoulte gem by Mike. It's nice to see he's getting into a nice groove here. We didn't want anything to happen in the 9th, which is why he wasn't allowed to come out and start the inning." Tejesh said.

Wagner worked a 1-2-3 9th, giving Pelfrey one of his most dominant wins in the majors, 8 innings, 2 runs,

[tejdog1]

Game 78: Braves @ Mets

Diktor Bombrano (6-7, 4.17) vs Pedro Martinez (6-2, 2.97)

Jose Reyes walked, stole second, and scored on Carlos Beltran's groundout, putting the Mets ahead 1-0.

Carlos Beltran walked with 2 down in the 3rd, stole second, and scored on Carlos Delgado's single, doubling the lead to 2-0.

Pedro singled to leadoff the 5th, Reyes walked, and after a Jeff Keppinger grounder, Beltran grounded out to plate Pedro, and Delgado singled to score Reyes, doubling the lead once more, to 4-0.

Pedro went the distance on a 7 hit shutout, and the Mets won it, 6 to 0.

[AnAmazin06]

Wow, this is an awesome dynasty. You really only have 19 losses? I'm sure that definitely reflects every Mets fans dream.

One question I have, with 59 wins, how does Billy Wagner only have 17 saves?

I'll definitely be following this dynasty.

[TheProdigy]

That's one heck of a first post ... Dynasty has surely lasted long, let me scroll a dozen pages to catch up, nice job.

[tejdog1]

Wow, this is an awesome dynasty. You really only have 19 losses? I'm sure that definitely reflects every Mets fans dream.

One question I have, with 59 wins, how does Billy Wagner only have 17 saves?

I'll definitely be following this dynasty.

Because I believe in complete games

The only reason I didn't with Pelfrey was because I didn't want anything to blow up on him in the 9th.

[tejdog1]

Game 79: Braves @ Mets

Horacio Ramirez (4-7, 5.60) vs Tom Glavine (10-0, 3.53)

Tom Glavine shoots for career win number 300, against the club with which he achieved a majority of those victories, as the Braves and Mets play the middle of 3 at Shea.

Back to back doubles by Jeff Francoeur and Chipper Jones with 2 down in the 4th broke up the scoreless tie, putting the Braves on top 1-0.

The Mets were poised to do some serious damage to Ramirez in the 4th, but settled for 2 runs. Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off, Carlos Beltran singled him to third, and then consecutive run scoring singles by Carlos Delgado and David Wright plated a pair, and Victor Diaz singled to load the bases with no out. However, Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca couldn't deliever the knockout blow, and the Mets settled for a 2-1 lead.

Edgar Renteria led off the 6th for Atlanta with a homer, tying the game 2 and 2.

The Met pitching imploded in the 7th inning, allowing 6 runs. Kelly Johnson singled to lead off the inning, and Johnny Estrada walked, ending Glavine's night. Henry Owens came in and proceeded to strike out Ramirez and Marcus Giles, before giving up a 2 run triple to Renteria, an RBI double to Andruw Jones, a single to Francoeur, and a 3 run bomb to Chipper. Matthew Lindstrom came in at that point to put out the fire, but the damage had been done.

The Mets fought right back with a 5 run bottom of the 7th, getting back to within 1. Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca singled to start it off, and pinch hitter Eli Marrero walked to load the bases. Jose Reyes doubled home a pair, Jeff Keppinger grounded to short, plating Marrero. Carlos Beltran walked, and Carlos Delgado was hit by a pitch, reloading the bases with one down. With two down, Victor Diaz and Lastings Milledge drew RBI walks, bringing the Mets to within 1, at 8-7.

Octavio Dotel came in to pitch the 8th for the Mets. Dotel pitched a scoreless 8th, and the Mets had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the inning, with a runner on second and no out, but could not produce with the top of the order. Billy Wagner threw a scoreless 9th, but the Mets mounted no threat in the bottom of the inning, losing 8 to 7.

"At least we didn't go down without a fight after getting bombed in the 7th." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 80: Braves @ Mets

Mike Hampton (4-7, 3.63) vs Scott Kazmir (6-3, 3.69)

Jeff Keppinger singled with one down in the opening inning, and scored on Carlos Delgado's 2 run homer, putting the Mets ahead early.

Lastings Milledge doubled to lead off the 2nd, advanced to third on Paul Lo Duca's grounder, and scored on Kazmir's squeeze, extending to a 3 run lead.

Johnny Estrada and Hampton singled to lead off the 3rd, scoring on Edgar Renteria's homer, tying the game at 3.

The Mets answered with a 5 run 3rd, taking an 8-3 lead. Carlos Beltran singled and stole 2nd to lead off. Carlos Delgado walked, and with one down, Victor Diaz doubled one in. Milledge followed with a single to drive another in, and stole 2nd. Lo Duca walked, and Kazmir squeezed in a run. Jose Reyes walked to reload the bases, and Kepp singled homr a pair.

Chad Tracy tripled to lead off the 4th, and scored on Kelly Johnson's single, bringing Atlanta within 4, at 8-4. Jeff Francoeur homered in the 5th, slicing the Met lead to 3, and Kazmir was lifted after 5.

Endy Chavez pinch hit for Kazmir to lead off the bottom of the 5th, singled, and stole 2nd, scoring on Kepp's 1 out single, extending back to a 4 run lead, at 9-5. Henry Owens came in to pitch the 6th, and rebounded from his disastereous outing last night, with a scoreless 6th. Matt Lindstrom came in for the 7th. Lindstrom worked 3 scoreless innings for the save, and the Mets won it, 9 to 5.

[tejdog1]

Apparently college has made me less smart (as my AIM away message asserts). The 'second game 76' is game 77.

Game 81: Braves @ Mets

Tim Hudson (6-5, 3.79) vs Aaron Heilman (7-0, 3.84)

The Mets opened the first inning with a flurry, putting up 2 quick runs in 3 batters. Jose Reyes doubled, Jeff Keppinger walked, and Carlos Beltran tripled them in. Paul Lo Duca singled to lead off the 2nd, was bunted to second by Kazmir, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's double, extending to a 3 run lead. Victor Diaz homered with 2 down in the 3th, adding to the lead.

Reyes singled to lead off the 4th, stole second, and scored on Kepp's single. Beltran walked, and Carlos Delgado singled, driving Kepp in, and extending to a 6-0 lead.

Heilman went the distance, and the Mets won it comfortably, 7 to 1.

"Very good ending to the first half. I like where we're going, phasing in Pelfrey as we are, and we saw a little bit of Humber." Tejesh said.

[AnAmazin06]

Wow, took me almost two hours to get caught up

Yeah, it has been an EXCELLENT first half. Looking forward to seeing the second half.

[tejdog1]

I'll be doing my 1st half wrap in a day or so. Stats and whatnot.