Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[tejdog1]

Game 106: Reds @ Mets

Paul Wilson (8-6, 3.53) vs Brian Bannister (9-7, 3.59)

Ken Griffey hit a 2 out solo shot in the opening inning, giving Cincy a quick 1-0 lead. Ryan Freel singled to lead off the 6th, stole second, advanced to third on Griffey's single, and scored on Adam Dunn's sac fly to extend the lead to 2. Jason LaRue singled Griffey to third, and Javier Valentin singled him in, putting Cincy on top, 3-0.

Banny went 6, and Matt Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 7th. Henry Owens came in for the 8th, and allowed a run, putting Cincy on top by 4. Griffey doubled to lead off, and with two down, Valentin doubled him home.

However, the Mets came roaring back with a 4 run 8th. Lastings Milledge singled to lead it off, and consecutive walks to Jeff Keppinger and Carlos Beltran loaded the bases. Carlos Delgado followed with a 2 run single, and David Wright added a run scoring single, pulling NY within 1, 4-3. With one down, Chris Woodward singled to reload the bases, and with two down, pinch hitter Ty Wigginton singled to tie the game at 4.

Tanyon Sturtze came in for the 9th. Sturtze went 4 terrific shutout innings, and Billy Wagner came in to pitch the 13th, the game still tied at 4. Wagner, however, allowed a leadoff homer to Griffey, and the Mets lost, 5 to 4.

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Game 107: Reds @ Mets

Eric Milton (4-13, 5.12) vs Mike Pelfrey (8-3, 5.56)

Pelfrey issued a leadoff walk to Scott Hatteburg in the 2nd, and as they generally do, that run scored. Consecutive grounders moved him to third, and Milton helped himself, singling him in, putting Cincy on top, 1-0.

The Mets answered with a 3 run bottom of the 2nd. Victor Diaz doubled to lead it off, Jeff Keppinger singled him home, and then stole second. Ty Wigginton walked, and Paul Lo Duca singled Kepp in. Pelfrey then helped himself with a squeeze, plating Wiggy and putting NY ahead, 3 to 1.

Ryan Freel singled to lead off the 3rd, and scored on Dan Reichert's double, cutting NY's lead to 1, at 3-2.

The Mets got that run back in the bottom of the 3rd. David Wright walked to lead off, Victor Diaz doubled him to third, and Wiggy drove him home with a grounder.

The Mets chased Milton with 3 unearned runs in the 4th. Pelfrey led it off with a single, and with two down, Carlos Beltran doubled, putting two in scoring position. Wright smashed one to first which was booted by Scott Hatteburg, scoring Pelfrey. Diaz walked to load the bases, and Kepp stroked a 2 run single, putting NY on top, 7-2.

Pelfrey tired in the 8th, and was removed after allowing a run on 3 hits. He left with runners on first and second, and one down. Jonathan Broxton came in and escaped that jam. Brox again allowed a pair in the 9th, but the Mets won it, 8 to 5.

[tejdog1]

Game 108: Mets @ Diamondbacks

The Mets have made two substantial changes to their lineup in the past week, swapping Lastings Milledge and Jeff Keppinger, and David Wright with Carlos Delgado. The lineup is now Jose Reyes, Lastings Milledge, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Carlos Delgado, Victor Diaz, Jeff Keppinger, Paul Lo Duca.

Pedro Martinez (8-3, 3.14) vs Dan Nippert (10-6, 3.50)

Sean Hairston tripled to lead off the 1st for Zona, and scored on Ryan Howard's groundout, giving them a 1-0 lead.

The Mets struck back for a pair in the 2nd. David Wright, moved up to the cleanup spot, doubled to lead off. After Carlos Delgado popped out, Victor Diaz singled Wright in, tying the game at 1. Jeff Keppinger singled, moving Diaz to 3rd, and Paul Lo Duca's sac fly gave NY a 2-1 lead.

The Mets added a pair in the 3rd. Jose Reyes tripled to lead off, and Milledge walked and stole second. Carlos Beltran's sac fly scored Reyes, and Wright's double scored Milledge, extending the Met lead to 3, 4-1.

The Mets added a run in the 4th to take a 4 run lead. Kepp doubled to lead off, and Lo Duca was hit by a pitch. Pedro bunted them over, and Reyes walked to load the bases. With two down, Beltran walked to force Kepp in, extending the lead.

Kepp walked with 2 down in the 5th, stole second, and scored on Lo Duca's single, widening the lead to 5.

The Mets broke it open with a 5 run 8th, running away with a 12-2 victory. Jeff Keppinger hit for the cycle in the victory, his first.

[tejdog1]

Game 109: Mets @ D'Backs

Tom Glavine (13-1, 4.04) vs Miguel Batista (10-9, 3.75)

Lastings Milledge tripled with one down in the opening inning, and scored on David Wright's 2 out single, giving NY an early 1-0 lead.

Jeff Keppinger doubled to lead off the third, advanced to third on Paul Lo Duca's grounder, and scored on Glavine's squeeze, extending to a 2-0 lead.

The Mets knocked out Batista with a 5 run 3rd. Milledge doubled to lead off, and scored on Wright's one out homer. Carlos Delgado singled, and scored on Kepp's 2 out homer, ending Batista's night. Michael O'Connor came in and promptly surrendered a double to Lo Duca and a single to Glavine, resulting in another run, and a 7-0 Mets lead.

Glavine left after 7, leading 13-0. Matt Lindstrom came in and got torched for 9 hits and 6 runs in 2 innings.

"Well, I'd rather he had that sort of outing in a 13-0 game then a 3-0 game, you know? Won't do much for his ERA, though, that's for sure." Tejesh said. The Mets won it, 13-6.

[tejdog1]

Game 110: Mets @ D'Backs

Scott Kazmir (7-5, 4.07) vs Brandon Webb (6-6, 3.89)

The Mets opened the scoring with a pair of unearned runs in the 3rd. Lastings Milledge singled with one down, Carlos Beltran followed with a single, and with two down, Carlos Delgado's grounder got between Justin Upton's legs, allowing Milledge to score, and moving Beltran to third. Victor Diaz followed with a single to drive Beltran in, putting NY on top, 2-0.

Luis Garcia tripled with one down in the 4th off Kazmir, and scored on Tom Wilson's 2 out double, halving the Mets lead, 2-1.

Conor Jackson doubled to lead off the 6th, advanced to 3rd on Garcia's grounder, and scored on Antonio Perez' sac fly, tying the game at 2.

The Mets tried to get a 7th inning out of Kazmir, and that ended up biting them big time, as the D'Backs got 3 runs all with 2 outs. Orlando Hudson singled, Ryan Howard walked, and Conor Jackson blasted a 3 run bomb, opening up a 5-2 Arizona lead.

The Mets got a run closer in the 8th, as Jeff Keppinger homered to bring NY within 2, at 5-3.

Octavio Dotel came in and promptly allowed 2 runs in the 8th, widening the deficit to 4. Perez doubled, and Wilson homered for the damage, extending to a 7-3 Arizona lead.

The Mets went down 123 in the 9th, losing 7 to 3.

[tejdog1]

Game 111: Mets @ Astros

Aaron Heilman (10-1, 4.13) vs Andy Pettite (8-6, 3.61)

The Mets and Stros played throwback baseball thru 6 innings, with neither team scoring. Heilman was lifted after 6, and Tanyon Sturtze was brought in to pitch the 7th.

Lance Berkman homered off Sturtze in the 8th to give Houston a 1-0 lead, but Jeff Keppinger returned the favor off Pettite in the 9th, tying the game 1-1.

The Mets grabbed the lead with a 3 run 10th inning. Jose Reyes singled with one down, and Lastings Milledge walked. With two down, David Wright doubled the pair home, and Carlos Delgado singled Wright home, putting NY ahead 4 to 1.

Billy Wagner came in and pitched a scoreless 10th, picking up his 25th save, giving the Mets a 4-1 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 112: Mets @ Astros

Brian Bannister (9-7, 3.63) vs Brandon Backe (7-5, 4.76)

Carlos Pena's leadoff homer in the 2nd provided Houston with a 1-0 lead. Morgan Ensberg walked to lead off the 4th, and scored on Mike Lieberthal's 1 out single, extending Houston's lead to 2.

Banny was lifted after 6, and Matt Lindstrom came in for the 7th. Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 7th, and the Mets tied it in the 8th. Lastings Milledge singled with one down, and scored on Carlos Beltran's triple. David Wright was intentionally walked, and Carlos Delgado flew out to center, scoring Beltran, tying the game at 2.

The Mets took the lead with a pair in the 9th. Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off, and Paul Lo Duca singled. Lindstrom tried to bunt them over, but struck out for the first out. Jose Reyes fouled out, setting manager Tejesh Patel up for serious second-guessing, but his team delievered. Milledge walked to load the bases, Beltran singled one in, and Wright walked to force in the second run, putting NY ahead, 4 to 2. Billy Wagner came in for the save opportunity.

Wagner allowed a run, but picked up his 26th save, and the Mets won it, 4-3.

[tejdog1]

Game 113: Mets @ Astros

Mike Pelfrey (9-3, 5.43) vs Tyler Buchholz (7-7, 4.30)

Willy Taveras singled, stole second, and scored on Lance Berkman's one out single in the first, putting Houston out in front early, 1-0.

Taveras tripled to lead off the 3rd and scored on Berkman's groundout, doubling the Astro lead to 2.

The Astros extended their lead with a 2 run 4th. Jason Lane doubled to lead off, and Walter Young was hit by a pitch, putting the first two on. Mike Lieberthal singled one home. Buchholz singled with one down to load the bases, and Taveras singled another home, making it 4-0.

Pelfrey was pinch hit for in the top of the 5th, meaning his night was done after 4. Jonathan Broxton came in for the 5th.

Broxton completely imploded, allowing 9 runs on 8 hits and 2 errors in the 5th, putting Houston on top, 13-0. The Mets replaced 3 of their regulars in the bottom of the 6th, and Tanyon Sturtze was brought in to take one for the team.

Sturtze pitched 3 scoreless innings, but it hardly mattered, as the Mets went down 13-0, their worst loss of the season.

[tejdog1]

Game 114: Mets @ Astros

Pedro Martinez (9-3, 3.10) vs Carlos Hernandez (7-5, 3.36)

The Mets, coming off one of their worst losses in 2 seasons, look to bounce back with one of their two aces on the mound in the finale of a 4 game set in Houston.

The Mets broke up the pitchers duel with a 5 run 7th, grabbing the lead, and ending a 15 inning scoreless streak. David Wright singled with one down to start the rally, Carlos Delgado singled him to third, and Victor Diaz' sac fly scored him. Jeff Keppinger followed with a 2 out single, and Joe Hieptas doubled one home. Eli Marrero, pinch hitting for Pedro, walked to load the bases. Jose Reyes singled to drive one in, and Lastings Milledge capped the scoring with a 2 run single, giving NY a 5-0 lead.

Henry Owens came in for the bottom of the inning. Owens, Octavio Dotel and Matt Lindstrom each pitched a scoreless inning of relief, returning Houston's favor from yesterday, blanking the Astro's 6-0.

[tejdog1]

Game 115: Giants @ Mets

Matt Morris (5-11, 5.16) vs Tom Glavine (14-1, 3.79)

The Mets continued to play meager offensive baseball, combining it with excellent starting pitching, resulting in many low scoring games. They put up a 2 spot in the 5th, to take a 2-0 lead. Paul Lo Duca hit a one out solo shot to get the scoring started. Chris Woodward (giving Jose Reyes a day off), singled, and Glavine reached on a fielding error by first baseman Lance Niekro. Endy Chavez (giving Victor Diaz a day off and hitting leadoff), walked to load the bases. Lastings Milledge grounded out to force in a run.

Randy Winn singled to lead off the 6th, stole second, and scored on Moises Alou's single, bringing San Fran within 1, 2-1.

Ray Durham singled to lead off the 7th against Glavine, and Justin Knoedler homered, putting the Giants ahead, 3-2.

Matt Lindstrom pitched a scoreless 8th, and Carlos Beltran homered in the bottom half, tying the game at 3 and 3.

Jeff Keppinger and Paul Lo Duca each singled to lead off the bottom of the 9th, and Woodward successfully executed a suicide squeeze, giving NY a come from behind 4-3 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 116: Giants @ Mets

Jamey Wright (7-9, 3.86) vs Scott Kazmir (7-6, 4.21)

Randy Winn singled and scored on Pedro Feliz' double, who scored on Lance Niekro's single, opening up a 2-0 San Fran lead in the opening inning.

The Mets put up a 4 spot in the 3rd, chasing Wright. Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off, and Paul Lo Duca singled him to third. Kazmir's squeeze brought Kepp in. After Jose Reyes grounded out, Lastings Milledge singled to drive Lo Duca in, tying the game. Carlos Beltran then walked, and David Wright singled to load the bases. Carlos Delgado singled a pair home, giving NY a 4-2 lead.

The Mets added a run in the 8th, giving Kazmir some breathing room. Lastings Milledge singled and Carlos Beltran walked with one down. With two down, Carlos Delgado singled Milledge in, opening up a 5-2 lead.

The Mets added a pair in the 9th to give themselves a 5 run lead. With two down, Kazmir singled, Reyes doubled, and Milledge singled the pair in, putting the Mets on top, 7 to 2.

Ray Durham homered in the 9th, but it didn't matter, the Mets won it, 7 to 3.

[tejdog1]

Game 117: Giants @ Mets

Jason Schmidt (3-9, 4.63) vs Aaron Heilman (10-1, 3.94)

Jose Reyes walked to lead off the first, stole 2 bases, and scored on Lastings Milledge's homer, giving Heilman an early 2 run cushion.

Ray Durham doubled with one down in the 2nd, and Justin Knoedler homered to tie the game at 2.

Jeff Keppinger singled with one down, was advanced to 2nd on Paul Lo Duca's grounder, and scored on Heilman's single, putting NY back on top, 3 to 2. Carlos Beltran walked to lead off the 5th, stole 2 bases, and scored on Carlos Delgado's one out grounder, giving NY their 2 run lead back, 4-2.

Heilman went 8 strong innings, and handed off to Billy Wagner. Wagner pitched a 123 9th, and the Mets won it, 4 to 2.

[tejdog1]

Game 118: Giants @ Mets

With the Mets in the midst of the most brutal portion of their schedule, 20 straight games, including 2 road trips, they took the opportunity to rest 3 of their regulars, going with Ty Wigginton at first, Chris Woodward at second, and Joe Hieptas behind the plate, batting 6-7-8.

Matt Cain (4-16, 3.87) vs Brian Bannister (9-7, 3.61)

The Mets opened the scoring with a run in the first. Jose Reyes doubled and scored on Lastings Milledge's single. Wiggy walked to lead off the 2nd, advanced to third on Hieptas' double, and scored on Banny's squeeze, doubling the lead to 2.

Moises Alou homered with 2 down in the 3rd to bring San Fran within one. David Kelton singled, Pedro Feliz reached on an error by Ty Wigginton, Lance Niekro singled to load the bases, and Ray Durham walked to drive in the tying run.

Randy Winn homered with 2 down in the 4th, putting the Giants on top, 3 to 2. Wiggy homered in the bottom half to retie the game, 3 and 3.

Banny went 6, allowing those 3 runs, and Matt Lindstrom replaced him for the 7th. Winn singled and scored on Alou's double, giving San Fran the lead back at 4-3.

The Mets struck back for a 3 spot in the 7th,taking a 6-4 lead. Jose Reyes and Lastings Milledge singled to lead off, Carlos Beltran walked to fill the bases, and David Wright's 3 run double gave NY the 2 run lead.

However, Lindstrom and Billy Wagner combined to surrender 4 runs in the 8th inning. Durham singled with one down, Justin Knoedler also singled, and that ended Lindstrom's outing. Wagner came in and walked Omar Visquel, allowed a 3 run triple to Winn, and a single to Alou, putting San Fran back out in front, 8 to 6.

Jeff Keppinger pinch hit for Wagner to lead off the bottom of the 8th, and popped out. Reyes singled and stole second, Milledge flew out, advancing him to third. Beltran then walked and stole 2nd, putting two in scoring position. Wright singled Reyes home, bringing the Mets back within 1, at 8-7.

Henry Owens came in for the 9th. Owens pitched a scoreless 9th, but the Mets couldn't get anything off Arwomando Blowitez, losing 8 to 7.

[tejdog1]

Game 119: Rockies @ Mets

Aaron Cook (5-1, 3.99) vs Mike Pelfrey (9-4, 5.56)

As with last game, the Mets rested 3 more of their regulars, this time fashioning what may go down as one of the more odder lineups in their history. Endy Chavez (cf), Jeff Keppinger, Jose Reyes (yes, 3rd), Carlos Delgado, Victor Diaz (rf), Paul Lo Duca, Ty Wigginton (3b), Eli Marrero (lf).

"Reyes 3rd is one of those things you really never expect to happen, unless you just happen to sit your 2,3 and 4 hitters on the same day." Tejesh said.

Lo Duca homered with one down in the 5th, snapping a scoreless tie and putting NY on top, 1-0.

Jason Micheals, Luis Gonzalez and Todd Helton all singled to start the 6th, with Helton's single driving in Michaels and tying the game 1-1. Matt Hoilday flew out to score Gonzalez, putting Colorado on top, 2 to 1.

The Mets struck right back for 2 in their half of the 6th, regaining the lead. Endy Chavez walked with one down, and scored on Reyes' 2 out double, tying the score at 2. Delgado followed with a single to drive Reyes home, putting NY on top, 3 to 2.

Pelfrey began the 7th, but after an error by Reyes on Kaz Spazsui's grounder, and a single by Omar Quintella with two down, Octavio Dotel came in and got Jason Michaels to pop out, stranding the tying run at 3rd.

Henry Owens came in for the 8th, and threw up a zero. Making like a 3 hitter, Jose Reyes homered in the 8th, extending to a 4-2 lead. Billy Wagner came in and saved it for Pelfrey, giving NY a nice and tidy 4 to 2 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 120: Rockies @ Mets

Byung Hung Kim (3-15, 7.88) vs Pedro Martinez (10-3, 2.91)

The Mets got a run off Kim in the opening inning to grab the lead. Carlos Beltran singled with two down, stole second, moved to third on David Wright's single, and scored on Carlos Delgado's single, putting NY ahead, 1-0.

Matt Hoilday singled to lead off the 2nd, went to third on Brad Hawpe's single, and scored on Garrett Atkins' DP grounder, tying the game at 1.

The Rockies scored a 3 spot off Pedro in the 3rd, taking a 4-1 lead. Kim led it off with a single, and Jason Michaels followed with a single to move him to 2nd. Luis Gonzalez bunted them up, and Todd Helton's grounder plated Kim. Matt Hoilday tripled Michaels in, and Atkins doubled Hoilday in, giving Colorado a 3 run lead.

The Mets pinch hit for Pedro in the bottom of the 4th, and Tanyon Sturtze came in to pitch the 5th for NY.

Sturtze went 2, and the Mets got one in the 5th, pulling within 2, and 3 in the 6th to take the lead. Lastings Milledge singled to lead off the 5th, went to third on David Wright's single, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's single, making it 4-2.

In the 6th, Chris Woodward led it off with a single, and pinch hitter Jose Reyes also singled, putting the first two on. Endy Chavez grounded out, moving them up a base, Lastings Milledge was hit by a pitch, Carlos Beltran grounded out to score Woody, and Wright doubled to knock Reyes and Milledge in, giving NY a 5 to 4 lead. Octavio Dotel came in for the 7th.

In the 8th, Kepp led off with a single, advanced to 2nd on Paul Lo Duca's grounder, and scored on pinch hitter Victor Diaz' 2 out single, extending to a 2 run lead. Henry Owens came in for the 8th.

Kaz Spazsui homered off Owens in the 8th, drawing Colorado back within one, at 6-5. Billy Wagner came in for the 9th, and gave up the lead. Jason Michaels and Luis Gonzalez singled to lead off the inning, with Gonzo stealing 2nd to put two in scoring position. Todd Helton flew to center, tying the game, and Matt Hoilday grounded to short, giving Colorado a 7 to 6 lead.

In the bottom of the 9th, the Mets loaded the bases with no out, but back to back failed suicide squeeze bunts by Chris Woodward and Eli Marrero insured the Mets would lose.

"There is NO excuse for a lack of fundamentals. For both of them to strike out, not even make any attempt to make contact, that is completely and totally inexcuseable. Absoultely the opposite of what we've been about all season." Tejesh said, blasting both after the game.

[tejdog1]

Game 121: Rockies @ Mets

Jeff Francis (5-7, 6.30) vs Tom Glavine (14-1, 3.79)

Luis Gonzalez walked with one down in the opening inning, and consecutive singles by Todd Helton and Matt Hoilday drove him home, giving Colorado an early 1-0 lead. Jose Reyes walked to lead off NY's 1st, stole 2 bases, and scored on Carlos Beltran's 1 out grounder, tying the game at 1.

Helton singled to lead off the 4th, Brad Hawpe walked with one down, and Yorbit Torrelba singled to drive in Helton, putting the Rockies back on top, 2-1.

Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off the 7th, and with one down, pinch hitter Eli Marrero singled him to third. Reyes followed with a sac fly, driving Kepp in and tying the game 2-2. Henry Owens came in to pitch the 8th for the Mets.

Brad Hawpe greeted Owens rudely, hitting a 1 out solo shot to put Colorado back out in front, 3 to 2.

The Mets retied it in the 8th. Beltran walked and stole 2 bases. David Wright walked, and was erased on Carlos Delgado's double play ball. On the play, Beltran scored to tie the game at 3.

The Mets won it in walk off fashion in the 9th. Kepp singled to lead off, Paul Lo Duca doubled him to 3rd, and pinch hitter Endy Chavez singled to drive Kepp in, giving the Mets a 4-3 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 122: Mets @ Dodgers

Scott Kazmir (8-6, 4.13) vs Odalis Perez (14-5, 1.91)

Rafael Furcal singled to lead off the 3rd, stole second, and scored on Cesar Isturis' single, giving LA a 1-0 lead.

The Mets tied it in the 4th, with perfect fundamentals. Carlos Beltran walked to lead off, stole second, advanced to third on David Wright's groundout, and scored on Carlos Delgado's groundout, tying the score at 1.

Lance Nix singled with one down in the bottom of the 4th, advanced to second on a grounder, and scored on Furcal's single, giving LA a 2-1 lead.

The Mets put up a 2 spot in the 5th to grab the lead. Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off, Paul Lo Duca singled him to third, and Kazmir's squeeze scored him, tying the score. With two down, Lastings Milledge singled Lo Duca in, giving NY a 3-2 lead.

Kazmir went 5 innings, and left for a pinch hitter with the bases loaded and 2 down in the top of the 6th. Eli Marrero popped out, though, failing to cash in. Octavio Dotel came in for the 6th.

"That was, admittedly, a big gamble, but this bullpen can get 12 outs, easily. We've done it before." Tejesh said.

However, Dotel imploded in the 7th after pitching a scoreless 6th, surrendering 3 runs, and the lead. Furcal homered with one down, tying the score at 3. Isturis walked, and JD Drew launched a 2 out 2 run homer, putting LA on top, 5 to 3. The Mets lost by that score.

[tejdog1]

Game 123: Mets @ Dodgers

Aaron Heilman (11-1, 3.84) vs Derek Lowe (10-8, 3.51)

Heilman was victimized by his defense in the 3rd, leading to an early shower for the righty. That's not to say he wasn't without fault, he did walk Bill Mueller, the leadoff man. Lance Nix grounded into a force play, Lowe grounded out, advancing Nix to 2nd, and Raffy Furcal singled him home, putting LA ahead, 1-0. Cesar Izturis then walked, and Nomar Garciaparra reached on Jeff Keppinger's critical error. JD Drew followed with a 2 run single, Jason Worth singled in one, JD Closser walked to reload the bases, and Mueller walked to force in the 5th run of the inning. Tanyon Sturtze came in at that point to put out the fire, but the damage had been done.

Furcal reached on an error by Carlos Delgado in the 4th, and scored on Nomar's double, extending to a 6-0 LA lead.

Sturtze absorbed 3 1/3 innings in relief, allowing 2 runs. Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the 7th, in an 8-2 game. Brox went 2 scoreless innings, doing his job and saving the rest of the pen. The Mets lost, 8 to 2.

[tejdog1]

Game 124: Mets @ Dodgers

Brian Bannister (9-7, 3.58) vs Brad Penny (12-5, 3.19)

David Wright singled to lead off the 2nd and Victor Diaz followed with a fielder's choice. Paul Lo Duca, hitting 6th, singled to put runners on the corners. Ty Wiggington, playing in place of Carlos Delgado and hitting 7th, grounded to third, driving Diaz in and giving NY a 1-0 lead.

Lo Duca led off the 4th with a homer, and Wiggy followed with a double. Chris Woodward, hitting 8th and playing 2nd, grounded out, advancing Wiggy to third. Banny's squeeze drove him in, extending to a 3-0 lead.

Once more, bad defense victimized a Met starter, this time it was David Wright who committed the 2 out error. Bill Mueller singled with 2 down in the 5th, and Lance Nix hit the grounder which Wright booted. Penny followed with a double, and Raffy Furcal singled, plating a pair and bringing LA to within 1, at 3-2.

Banny went 6, allowing just those 2 unearned runs, and Henry Owens came in for the 7th. Owens pitched 2 scoreless innings, and Billy Wagner came in for a save chance. Wagner allowed a 2 out single, but nothing came of it, and the Mets won, 3-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 125: Mets @ Padres

Mike Pelfrey (10-4, 5.40) vs Dewon Brazelton (11-9, 3.25)

Pelfrey and Brazelton matched 0s into the 6th, when Pelf cracked first, and allowed a pair. Ryan Klesko walked to lead off, and he was tripled home by Josh Barfield. Bill Hall singled Barfield in, giving San Diego a 2-0 lead.

Pelfrey was pinch hit for in the top of the 7th, with runners on 1st and 2nd, and two down.

"I really didn't want to do that to him. I wanted him to get a chance for a win." Tejesh said afterwards. "But we needed to score there." However, Victor Diaz grounded out, ending the threat. Matt Lindstrom came in to pitch the 7th for NY.

The Mets halved the lead in the 8th. Endy Chavez singled with one down, and Lastings Milledge followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Carlos Delgado drew a 2 out walk, and Carlos Beltran, dropped down to 6th for the first time this season, singled to drive Chavez in, cutting the Padre lead to 2-1.

Lindstrom went 2 scoreless, but the Mets couldn't push the tying run across in the 9th, losing 2 to 1.

[tejdog1]

Game 126: Mets @ Padres

Pedro Martinez (10-3, 3.15) vs Tim Stauffer (6-10, 3.69)

Mike Cameron singled with one down in the 3rd, advanced to 2nd on Stauffer's groundout, and scored on Bill Hall's 2 out single, giving the Padres a 1-0 lead.

Lastings Milledge singled with one down in the 4th, stole 2 bases, and scored on Carlos Beltran's grounder, tying the game at 1.

Jeff Keppinger singled with 2 down in the 5th, stole 2nd, and scored on Paul Lo Duca's single, giving NY a 2-1 lead. Milledge tripled to lead off the 6th, Beltran walked and stole 2nd, putting 2 in scoring position. David Wright singled one home, extending the lead to 2, at 3-1.

Brian Giles homered in the bottom of the 6th, bringing the Pads back within 1, 3-2.

The Mets put up a 2 spot in the 7th to take a 3 run lead. Jeff Keppinger singled to lead off, and with one down, pinch hitter Endy Chavez blasted a 2 run homer, giving NY a 5-2 lead. Octavio Dotel came in to pitch for the Mets.

Carlos Delgado hit a 2 out solo shot in the 8th to put NY on top by 4, making it a non-save situation for Billy Wagner. Dotel, however, did enter during a save situation, and he finished out the game, going the final 3 innings for his 2nd save, striking out 5.

[tejdog1]

Game 127: Mets @ Padres

Tom Glavine (14-1, 3.72) vs Chris Young (7-11, 4.25)

The Mets come to the end of the most brutal part of their schedule today, ending a stretch of 20 games in 20 days, including 2 road trips. Tom Glavine gets the getaway day start, looking for his 15th victory. Joe Hieptas and Ty Wigginton are giving regulars Paul Lo Duca and David Wright the day off.

The two teams locked into a pitchers duel thru 6, with the lone run courtesy of Josh Barfield's leadoff 6th inning homer. Glavine went 6 innings, and was replaced by Matt Lindstrom for the 7th.

Lindstrom allowed a run in the 7th, on three hits. Khalil Greene singled with one down, Ryan Klesko singled him to third, and Mike Cameron singled him in, giving the Padres a 2-0 cushion.

The Mets got a run closer in the top of the 8th. Jeff Keppinger doubled to lead off, advanced to third on Lastings Milledge's grounder, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single, making it a 1 run game.

In the 9th, the Mets got a leadoff single, and David Wright was sent in to pinch run, and he stole second. Jose Reyes walked, and Jeff Keppinger bunted them over. Milledge successfully executed a squeeze, driving Wright in and tying the game at 2. Carlos Delgado walked, and Beltran singled, driving Reyes in and putting NY on top, 3 to 2.

Billy Wagner came in for the save opportunity, and blew it. With one down, Cameron singled. With two down, Josh Barfield singled, Bill Hall walked, and Brian Giles stroked a 2 out walk off single, giving the Padres a 4-3 victory.

(My mouse was acting funky, which is why Lindstrom got an AB in the 9th).

[tejdog1]

Game 128: Diamondbacks @ Mets

Edgar Gonzalez (5-3, 4.39) vs Scott Kazmir (8-6, 4.11)

The Mets erupted for a 7 run 2nd inning, chasing Gonzalez. David Wright doubled to lead off and scored on Carlos Delgado's single. Victor Diaz followed with a 2 run homer, opening up a 3 run lead. Jeff Keppinger doubled, Paul Lo Duca walked, and after a Kazmir bunt advanced them, Lastings Milledge stroked a 2 out double, plating a pair. Carlos Beltran singled Milledge in, Wright and Delgado followed with singles, Delgado's single knocking Beltran in, and putting NY ahead, 7-0.

The Mets emptied the bench in the 8th inning, leading 10-1. Jonathan Broxton came in to pitch the final 2 innings. Brox allowed a run, but pitched much better then in recent outings.

[tejdog1]

Game 129: DBacks @ Mets

Juan Cruz (10-11, 4.18) vs Aaron Heilman (11-2, 3.89)

The Mets put up a pair in the opening inning to grab an early 2-0 lead. Carlos Beltran singled and stole 2nd with two down, and David Wright followed with a 2 run homer.

The DBacks tied it in the 3rd inning. Orlando Hudson homered with two down to kick off the scoring. Ryan Howard walked, Conor Jackson was hit by a pitch, and Luis Garcia doubled home Howard, tying the game at 2.

Jose Reyes homered with one down in the bottom of the 3rd, putting the Mets back out in front, 3-2.

In the 6th, the DBacks took the lead off Heilman. Luis Garcia singled, stole second, and scored on Antonio Perez' single, tying the game at 3. Humberto Quintero followed with a double, ending Heilman's night. Octavio Dotel came in and allowed a Justin Upton ground out, plating Perez and putting Arizona ahead, 4 to 3.

The Mets came right back and grabbed the lead in the bottom of the 6th. Lastings Milledge singled and stole second to lead off, and with one down, David Wright was intentionally walked to set up a double play. That backfired when Carlos Delgado singled Milledge home. Victor Diaz followed with an RBI double, plating Wright and putting NY back on top, 5 to 4.

The Mets added a couple of insurance runs in the 7th, extending to a 7-4 lead. Endy Chavez, pinch hitting for Dotel, singled and stole second. With two down, Carlos Beltran doubled him home, and David Wright singled Beltran in, giving Henry Owens a 3 run lead to work with.

The Mets added a run in the 8th, and Billy Wagner went through Arizona 1-2-3 in the 9th, giving NY an 8-4 victory.

[tejdog1]

Game 130: DBacks @ Mets

Enrique Gonzalez (8-7, 4.14) vs Brian Bannister (10-7, 3.43)

David Wright doubled to lead off the 2nd, advanced to third on Carlos Delgado's single, and scored on Victor Diaz' double play grounder, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.

The DBacks got 3 extra-base hits in the 3rd inning, leading to 2 runs. 18 year old phenom Justin Upton tripled to lead off, and then the pitcher doubled him home. With one down, Ryan Howard doubled Gonzalez in, putting Arizona on top, 2 to 1.

Wright doubled with two down in the 4th, and scored on Delgado's single, tying the score at 2.

Upton singled to lead off the 5th, Orlando Hudson walked with one down, and Ryan Howard singled to load the bases. Conor Jackson's grand slam put Arizona on top, 6 to 2.

The Mets got a run back in the bottom of the 5th, but should've had more. Jeff Keppinger and Joe Hieptas singled to lead off, and pinch hitter Endy Chavez singled Kepp in, cutting it to a 3 run deficit. However, Jose Reyes, Lastings Milledge, and Carlos Beltran could not push across anymore runs, so the Mets had to settle for one. Tanyon Sturtze came in for the 6th.

Sturtze went 2 scoreless innings, and Matt Lindstrom came in for the 8th, the Mets still trailing 6 to 3. Lindstrom allowed a run in the 8th, but the Mets lost, 7 to 3.