Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[tejdog1]

Game 46: Mets @ Braves

Tom Glavine (2-2, 4.42) vs Kyle Davies (1-0, 6.08)

Tom Glavine looks to rebound from an absoultely dreadful, nightmarish start vs the Reds where he only lasted 2/3 of an inning, giving up 7 runs. The Mets try to actually win a game at Turner Field, which is their personal Graveyard.

The game got off to a promising start, as Jose Reyes singled and stole second. Paul Lo Duca drew a walk, and Carlos Beltran drove Reyes in with a single. A Carlos Delgado double play dashed hopes for a big inning, and the Mets settled for one run.

The Braves tied it in the bottom of the 1st. Wilson Betemit was walked, and he moved to second on Edgar Renteria's grounder. Chipper Jones was hit by a pitch, and Jeff Francouer followed with a single, tying the game at 1.

The Mets regained the lead in the 4th inning. With one out, Cliff Floyd doubled, and moved to 3rd on Endy Chavez' grounder. Jose Valentin singled to score Floyd, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. They extended their lead in the 5th. Carlos Beltran singled with two out, and stole 2nd and 3rd, scoring on Carlos Delgado's triple.

"We've seen triples by Ramon Castro and now Carlos Delgado. I'm convinced it's a sign. Of what, I'm not sure, but it is a sign." Tejesh said, smiling afterwards.

A leadoff homer by Todd Pratt brought the Braves to within 1 at 3-2 in the 6th inning. Tom Glavine went 6 innings, allowing 2 runs.

"Great bounceback effort from Tommy." Tejesh said. Henry Owens came on to pitch the bottom of the 7th. Owens, however, allowed 2 hits and 2 runs. Ryan Langerhans and Todd Pratt singled to start the inning. Chris Reitsma and Wilson Betemit each grounded out, plating the tying run, and then an error by Delgado on Edgar Renteria's grounder allowed the go ahead run to score.

The Mets tied it in the top of the 8th. Carlos Beltran led off with a single and stole two bases. With one out, David Wright was intentionally walked and Cliff Floyd grounded into a fielder's choice, tying the game. Henry Owens pitched a scoreless 8th, and was pinch hit for by Eli Marrero. The Mets went down 1-2-3 in the 9th, and Octavio Dotel came in to pitch.

The Mets exploded for 3 runs in the top of the 11th inning against the Braves bullpen. Endy Chavez singled and stole 2nd. Jose Valentin struck out, and Julio Franco was sent to pinch hit for Octavio Dotel. Franco doubled, driving in the go ahead run. Jose Reyes followed with a single and stole 2nd, Paul Lo Duca singled Franco and Reyes in, giving the Mets a 7-4 lead. Billy Wagner came on and pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the 11th, giving the Mets a 7-4 win.

[tejdog1]

Game 47: Mets @ Braves

Steve Trachsel (6-1, 2.29) vs John Smoltz (1-3, 2.78)

The Braves got on the board first in the bottom of the first. Edgar Renteria hit a one out double, and scored on Chipper Jones two out single, giving Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

The Mets scored a pair in the top of the 5th, giving Trachsel a 2-1 lead. With one out, Victor Diaz and Jose Valentin drew back to back walks. After Trachsel bunted them over, Jose Reyes drove them in with a single. Reyes stole 2 bases, and Paul Lo Duca walked, but Carlos Beltran couldn't get any more runs in.

The Braves grabbed the lead right back in their half of the 5th. Adam LaRoche walked, and with one out, Brian McCann walked. A Smoltz sac bunt moved two into scoring position, and Marcus Giles infield single scored one. Renteria singled to drive in the 2nd run of the inning, giving the Braves a 3-2 lead.

Steve Trachsel threw 6 innings, and was pinch hit for by Endy Chavez, who singled and stole 2 bases. Jose Reyes then walked and stole 2nd, putting two in scoring position. Lo Duca and Beltran, however, failed to deliver. Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch the bottom of the 7th.

The Mets loaded the bases with no out in the top of the 8th on a walk to Delgado and 2 singles by Wright and Floyd. Marty McBride came in to relieve Smoltz at that point, and induced a pop up by Diaz. Jose Valentin, however, singled home a pair, and Eli Marrero pinch hit for Tanyon Sturtze. Marrero singled in a run, and Reyes tripled in two. Lo Duca singled Reyes in, capping a 6 run inning. Anderson Garcia came in to relieve Sturtze. Garcia pitched 2 perfect innings, capping off the Mets 8-3 win.

[tejdog1]

Game 48: Mets @ Marlins

Scott Kazmir (5-1, 3.02) vs Dontrelle Willis (3-3, 2.67)

The Marlins scored first in their half of the 1st inning. Hanley Ramirez hit a one out single, and scored on Miguel Cabrera's double. Mike Jacobs walked, and Wes Helms doubled Cabrera in, giving the Marlins a 2-0 lead. They added to their lead in the 5th. Cabrera walked, and Jacobs hit a 2 run homer, putting Florida ahead 4-0.

The Mets looked poised to do some damage in the top of the 6th, loading the bases with no out, but Victor Diaz hit into a 3-4-1 double play, dashing hopes for a bigger inning. Kazmir went 6, allowing 4 runs, before being relieved by Pedro Feliciano, who threw up 2 scoreless innings. The Mets rallied for 2 in the 9th, but Cliff Floyd struck out with the bases loaded, stranding the tying run on 3rd, ending the game.

[TheProdigy]

7 walks, lord almighty

[tejdog1]

Not a good line, that's for sure. But he finished strong. I like the CG But I also like trying out relievers. Something I did earlier with Henry Owens. I would've done the same with Anderson Garcia, but I had to throw him into the fire. And now I'm doing it with Jonathan Broxton.

The *plan* was Keppinger at 2nd and either Bannister or Pelfrey in the #5 for the rotation, but Trachsel and Valentin had other ideas. So Kepp and Banny stay in Norfolk, and Pelfrey stays in Binghamton!

[tejdog1]

Game 49: Mets @ Marlins

Aaron Heilman (4-2, 4.68) vs Jason Vargas (3-5, 4.00)

The Mets put up a 3 spot in the top of the 1st inning. Jose Reyes led off with a double, stole 3rd and scored on Eli Marrero's grounder. Marrero, making his first start behind the plate, was giving Paul Lo Duca the day off. Carlos Beltran hit a solo homer, and Carlos Delgado followed with a double. David Wright singled him to third, and Cliff Floyd drove him in with a sac fly.

The Marlins got 2 runs right back in the bottom of the 2nd. Jason Stokes singled with one out, and then back to back triples by Jeremy Hermida and Dan Uggla plated the two runs, pulling Florida to within 1 at 3-2.

The Marlins pulled ahead with a 4 run 6th inning, headlined by a homer off the bat of Calvin Pickering, subbing for Mike Jacobs.

[TheProdigy]

Not a good line, that's for sure. But he finished strong. I like the CG But I also like trying out relievers. Something I did earlier with Henry Owens. I would've done the same with Anderson Garcia, but I had to throw him into the fire. And now I'm doing it with Jonathan Broxton.

The *plan* was Keppinger at 2nd and either Bannister or Pelfrey in the #5 for the rotation, but Trachsel and Valentin had other ideas. So Kepp and Banny stay in Norfolk, and Pelfrey stays in Binghamton!

Sounds good, will you do the Keppinger for Gotay trade?

[tejdog1]

Before the previous game with the Marlins, the Mets made another minor move in their pen, trading Pedro Feliciano to the Royals for Luke Hudson.

Game 50: Mets @ Marlins

Pedro Martinez (5-2, 3.67) vs Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 2.30)

"We're going to try and limit Pedro tonight to 5 innings. With Henry Owens and Octavio Dotel rested, we can afford to do that." Tejesh said before the start of the game. With that in mind, Pedro threw 5 shutout innings, and the Mets got him all the runs he'd need early, building a 7-0 lead.

A one out homer in the 4th by Victor Diaz gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. The Mets exploded for 6 in the 5th, icing the game. Jose Reyes led off with a single and stole 2 bases. Paul Lo Duca followed with a walk, and Carlos Beltran singled Reyes in. David Wright's one out single loaded the bases, and Cliff Floyd was hit by a pitch, forcing in a run. Victor Diaz cleared the bases with a triple, and that was the end of Nolasco. Sergio Mitre came on and surrendered a sac fly to Jose Valentin. Pedro Martinez grounded out to end the barrage. The Mets batted around and scored 6 runs on 4 hits, putting them up 7-0. Pedro pitched a 1-2-3 5th, and was replaced by Anderson Garcia.

Garcia, however, reverted in his development, allowing 4 runs in 2/3 of an inning. Henry Owens came on to induce a grounder by Dan Uggla, who represented the tying run. Owens allowed a run in the 8th, but the Mets scored 2 in the 9th, winning the game 9-5.

"Anderson Garcia put a big time scare into all of us, that's for sure. Henry Owens did his usual job of settling things down." Tejesh said. "That's what happens when you have to minimize your starter's innings like we do."

[tejdog1]

Sounds good, will you do the Keppinger for Gotay trade?

No, that is a horrible trade. I'm thinking of cutting Woodward and bringing Kepp up to platoon with Valentin, actually.

[tejdog1]

Game 51: Mets @ Marlins

Tom Glavine (2-2, 4.29) vs Scott Olsen (4-4, 2.20)

The Mets gave a rare day off to Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado, and went to an unconventional lineup for Game 4 between the Mets and Marlins. Carlos Beltran batting lead off, followed by Paul Lo Duca, David Wright, Victor Diaz, Julio Franco, Cliff Floyd, Chris Woodward and Jose Valentin hitting 8th.

The Mets broke through in the 5th inning of a scoreless game. With one out, Floyd and Woodward hit singles, and Valentin's grounder plated the first run of the game. In the 6th with one out, Wright walked, moved to second on Diaz' grounder and scored on Franco's single, making it 2-0 Mets.

The Marlins got a run back on a one out triple by Jeremy Hermida and a ground out by Dan Uggla. Glavine went 7 strong, and Wagner pitched 2 scoreless innings for the save.

Edit: I had to rush this game and recap, as my computer was on the verge of a crash. Luckily, I managed to get the game in ;)

[tejdog1]

Game 52: D'Backs @ Mets

Juan Cruz (2-4, 5.67) vs Steve Trachsel (6-1, 2.48)

The Mets scored first in the bottom of the 1st inning. Jose Reyes led off with a single and stole 2 bases, scoring on Carlos Beltran's 1 out single. Victor Diaz' 2 out solo homer extended the Met lead to 2-0, in the 2nd inning.

The Mets exploded for a 6 run 4th inning, making it 8-0. David Wright led off with a single, and Cliff Floyd followed with a double, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Victor Diaz singled them in, and Jose Valentin followed with a double, putting 2 in scoring position. An error by 3rd baseman Chad Tracy led to another run, as Trachsel reached safely, putting runners on the corners. Jose Reyes walked to load the bases, and Paul Lo Duca walked to force in a run, ending the night for Cruz. Edgar Gonzalez came on to relieve Cruz and walked Beltran, forcing in another run. Delgado grounded to third, plating the 6th run of the inning. David Wright and Cliff Floyd struck out and popped out, ending the inning. The Mets sent 11 men to the plate, scoring 6, and opening up an 8-0 lead.

Steve Trachsel was pulled after 6 innings, and Anderson Garcia was brought in.

"Right back out there for Garcia. Just a matter of getting him some regular work and confidence." Tejesh said.

However, not much confidence could be gained from Anderson Garcia going 2 2/3 innings, surrendering 6 runs. Octavio Dotel came on to strike out the final batter of the game, with the tying run in the on deck circle.

"At this point, I'd say it's obvious we rushed Garcia to the majors. However, with the team winning, we can afford to carry a project. But we do have options in Norfolk." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 53: D'Backs @ Mets

Claudio Vargas (3-2, 7.65) vs Scott Kazmir (5-2, 3.69)

The Mets broke a 4th inning scoreless tie, plating a single run. Paul Lo Duca led off with a double, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single, making it 1-0 Mets.

The dreaded leadoff walk plagued Kazmir in the top of the 7th inning. Kazmir walked Lino Garcia, and an error by Reyes further complicated matters, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with no out. Kazmir got back to back flyouts by Shawn Green and Conor Jackson, but that was enough to produce the tying run. Kazmir got Luis Gonzalez to ground out, ending the inning.

Kazmir cracked in the 8th, allowing 3 runs. Scott Hairston singled with one out, and Orlando Hudson walked. Johnny Estrada doubled, scoring two. An error by Carlos Delgado and a single by Eric Byrnes produced the 3rd run of the inning. Tanyon Sturtze came on to induce a double play, ending the nightmare inning. Arizona took a 4-1 lead. The Mets went out meekly, and suffered a disappointing 4-1 loss.

"Kazmir ran into a wall and I failed to remove him. My fault." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 54: D'backs @ Mets

Miguel Batista (4-3, 5.00) vs Aaron Heilman (4-3, 5.60)

A 2 out single by Conor Jackson and two run homer by Luis Gonzalez in the first opened the scoring in the game, giving Arizona a 2-0 lead. The Mets answered with a one out triple by Paul Lo Duca and 2 run shot by Carlos Beltran, tying the game 2-2.

The Mets took a 3-2 lead in the 2nd. Cliff Floyd walked, and Victor Diaz singled. A double play grounder by Jose Valentin brought Floyd in. Eric Byrnes singled with one out, and Conor Jackson doubled with two out, plating Arizona's 3rd run, tying the game 3-3.

The Mets exploded for 5 runs in the 6th inning. David Wright drew a leadoff walk, and Floyd doubled him to third. Victor Diaz singled the pair home, givng the Mets a 5-3 lead. Jose Valentin doubled off reliever B. Murphy, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Aaron Heilman squeezed home a run, and Jose Reyes walked and stole 2nd. Carlos Beltran capped the scoring by doubling home Valentin and Reyes, giving the Mets an 8-3 lead.

Heilman went 7 strong, and Billy Wagner came in to pitch the 8th. Jonathan Broxton came on in the 9th to finish it out, and the Mets won 8-3.

[tejdog1]

The Mets hit the 1/3 mark in the season with a 36-18 record, and owners of a 10.5 game lead over 2nd place Atlanta. Jose Reyes had definetly been the catalyst, with a .333/.432/.530 line, 6 HR and 25 RBI, with 82 SB in 53 games.

The two biggest surprises have definetly come from the pitching side of things, as Steve Trachsel has emerged as the best pitcher on the staff, and relief pitcher Henry Owens has been a diamond in the rough find. Owens, a long relief pitcher early in the season, has cemented the backend of the bullpen, allowing Aaron Heilman to deage the pitching rotation.

"We've had a few disappointments, and a few surprises, so far this season. Jose Valentin has definetly been a surprise. No one expected him to come in here and hit .350+ and keep Jeff Keppinger stranded in Norfolk, that's for sure. Henry Owens has been a tremendous surprise for us, here we have an heir apparent to Wags." Tejesh said.

All in all, a very good first third of the season. The Mets hope to cruise to the playoffs.

"Yeah, that would be nice. We could rest the vets and tryout the kids. Needless to say, our first goal is winning the division, and we'll be going pedal to the metal, but after clinching, we'll go into neutral." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 55: Giants @ Mets

Noah Lowry (5-3, 3.55) vs Pedro Martinez (6-2, 3.36)

The Mets put up a 2 spot in the 2nd inning. David Wright led off with a walk, and scored on Cliff Floyd's double. Victor Diaz flew out, advancing Floyd to 3rd, and Jose Valentin singled him in.

The Mets exploded for 5 runs in the 5th. Jose Reyes singled and stole two bases. Paul Lo Duca walked and Carlos Beltran singled to score Reyes and put runners on 1st and 2nd. Carlos Delgado singled, scoring Lo Duca and moving Beltran to 3rd. Wright grounded out scoring Beltran and moving Delgado to 2nd. Floyd's double scored Delgado and ended Noah Lowry's night. Kris Correlia came in and gave up a run scoring single to Victor Diaz. Jose Valentin grounded out, moving Diaz to 2nd, but Pedro Martinez flew out ending the inning. 9 men came to the plate and 5 scored, making it 7-0 Mets.

The Giants put a scare into the Mets in the 7th when they put up their own 5 spot. Moises Alou drew a 1 out walk. Pedro Feliz singled, and Steve Finley walked to load the bases. Mike Matheny walked to force home a run and Justin Knoedler singled to plate another run. Ray Durham doubled, clearing the bases, and that ended Pedro's night. Henry Owens came on and got Omar Visquel to fly out, ending the inning. But the Giants were right back into the game, at 7-5.

The Mets responded in the 8th with a 4 spot. Reyes walked and stole 2 bases. Lo Duca and Beltran walked, loading the bases. Carlos Delgado singled home 2 runs, and David Wright doubled home two runs, extending the Met lead to 11-5. Octavio Dotel came in to pitch a 1-2-3 9th inning, giving Pedro his 7th win.

[tejdog1]

The Mets made a deal before Game 56, trading AAA SP Jeriome Robertson, RP Anderson Garcia, AA SS Corey Ragsdale to ARI for AAA SS Stephen Drew and AA SS Justin Upton.

"This move allows us to accomplish two things we've wanted to do for a while. We can move Mike Pelfrey to Norfolk, and we can call up Jeff Keppinger to platoon with Jose Valentin." Tejesh said.

Game 56: Giants @ Mets

Matt Cain (3-4, 5.30) vs Tom Glavine (3-2, 4.00)

Jeff Keppinger got his first start of 2005, giving Jose Valentin the day off. Kepp batted 8th.

The Giants got on the board first, in the 3rd inning. Mike Matheny singled to lead off, and wound up on third base with one out, where he scored on a Ray Durham double, making it 1-0 Giants. Jose Reyes tied it with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the 4th, the rookies tag teamed to give the Mets a 3-1 lead. Victor Diaz doubled and Jeff Keppinger homered. In the 5th, the Mets scored two runs, the first of which was produced by 4 straight walks to start the inning. A Cliff Floyd double play ball produced the second run, making it 5-1 Mets.

Armed with the lead, Tom Glavine spun a gem, going the distance surrendering 2 runs, and Jeff Keppinger had a banner reintroduction to the majors, going 4 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

"Kepp was everything I knew he could be, and more. He is a pure contact hitter who will find ways to get on base. He is an on base machine, and we feel extremely comfortable with Valentin and Kepp platooning for the rest of the season." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 57: Giants @ Mets

Brad Hennessey (0-1, 6.23) vs Steve Trachsel (7-1, 2.28)

Paul Lo Duca and Victor Diaz got the day off, and Ramon Castro and Jeff Keppinger filled in for them.

"We're looking to get Kepp some regular at bats, right off the bat." Tejesh said.

Barry Bonds hit a 2 out solo homer, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead. Jose Valentin tied it with a solo shot leading off the bottom of the 3rd.

In the 5th, Steve Finley singled, and Mike Matheny hit a 2 run shot, giving San Fran a 3-1 lead.

The Mets pinch hit for Trachsel in the 6th, and Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch for Trachsel in the 7th.

Barry Bonds hit another solo shot in the 9th, giving the Giants an insurance run, and Armando Blowitez came on to save the game, and the Mets lost, 4-1.

[tejdog1]

Game 58: Astros @ Mets

Roger Clemens (4-6, 2.63) vs Scott Kazmir (5-3, 3.21)

Craig Biggio hit a leadoff double, and Lance Berkman hit a 2 run homer with 1 out, giving the Astros an instant 2-0 lead. The Mets tied it in the bottom of the inning. Carlos Beltran singled and stole second, scoring on Carlos Delgado's 2 run homer. Mike Lamb homered in the 3rd to give Houston a 3-2 lead.

Houston broke the game open in the 5th inning, scoring 6 runs. Clemens and Biggio led off with back to back singles, and both scored on Berkman's 1 out double. Morgan Ensberg singled Berkman in, and that signalled the end for Kazmir. Luke Hudson came on, and he couldnt do much better. Jason Lane and Preston Wilson singled to load the bases. Adam Everett grounded out to force in a run, and Brad Ausmus singled home 2. Clemens followed with a single, and Biggio walked, reloading the bases. Mercifully, Lamb grounded out to second to end the nightmare inning.

The Mets emptied the bench in the 8th and 9th innings, and got blown out for one of the few times this season, losing 11-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 59: Astros @ Mets

Andy Pettite (2-7, 5.10) vs Aaron Heilman (5-3, 5.32)

Lance Berkman hit a 2 out solo shot, giving the Stros a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Houston got 2 more in the 2nd inning. Jason Lane singled to lead off, and Adam Everett hit a one out single. Brad Ausmus doubled to drive in 2, giving Houston a 3-0 lead.

New York tied it in the 3rd. Aaron Heilman hit a one out double, and with two down, Paul Lo Duca and Carlos Beltran walked to load the bases. Carlos Delgado and David Wright followed with run scoring singles, and Cliff Floyd walked to produce the tying run.

The Mets took a 4-3 lead in the 7th when Jose Reyes hit a solo shot. Aaron Heilman went 7 strong innings, and Henry Owens pitched a 1-2-3 8th, setting it up for Billy Wagner. Wagner went 1-2-walk-3 to get his 10th save of the season.

[tejdog1]

Game 60: Astros @ Mets

Brandon Backe (3-1, 3.92) vs Tanyon Sturtze (3-0, 0.37)

The Mets decided to skip Pedro Martinez' turn in the rotation and go with Tanyon Sturtze.

"No reason for it, we just need to keep Pedro fresh for the playoff run. He's been tiring in the middle innings, and we need to keep an eye on his innings." Tejesh said. "I hope to get 5 innings out of Sturtze. With a well rested pen, we felt this was the perfect time do to this."

Sturtze helped his own cause in the 3rd, singling to help build a run. With Sturtze on first, Jose Reyes followed with a walk, and Paul Lo Duca singled to load the bases. Carlos Beltran hit into a DP, forcing in a run.

Back to back walks to Lo Duca and Beltran were disasterous for Backe, as Delgado cranked a 3 run homer, giving the Mets a 4-0 lead. Sturtze went 6 terrific innings, before being lifted for a pinch hitter.

"That, was outstanding. Everything we could've hoped for and more. He did a stellar job. We've gotten huge lifts like that from everyone in the pen, at times." Tejesh said. Octavio Dotel came on to pitch the 7th, and promptly allowed a leadoff homer by Adam Everett. He settled down and retired the next 3 in order.

3 straight walks to Reyes (who stole 2nd), Lo Duca and Beltran loaded the bases with no out in the 7th. Delgado grounded out and Wright walked to force home two runs. Cliff Floyd singled home a pair, and the Mets opened up a 7-1 lead. The Stros scored a run off Dotel in the 8th, and the Mets responded with 2 of their own. Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch a 1-2-3 9th, and the Mets won 9-2.

"I have always felt that the starts you save in June and July, you get back in October. And this team looks ready to play in October. Don't be shocked if you see Henry Owens starting a game or two in the next 2 1/2 months. Or Sturtze getting 2 or 3 more starts." Tejesh said.

[D-Unit]

Just letting you know that Justin Upton has been moved to center field.

[silencer813]

So it seems that you are enjoying Manager Mode. I have never used it. It really does not have any graphics, correct. Do you feel that it is similiar to some of the no graphic games out there, i.e. Puresim, OOTP, baseball mogul? Thanks. I have really been enjoying your posts and may try this myself.

[tejdog1]

I know Justin's been moved to CF, but I have Carlos Gomez, Ambiorix Concepcion and Joe Holden in the OF in Binghamton, and need a SS. Chances are neither Upton or Drew will ever play a game in the majors for me. But we'll see.

I love manager mode, it's light on graphics, but I really enjoy the GM and manager roles more then playing the games. I have never used Puresim, OOTP and BB Mogul. Posting dynasties is really hard work. Much tougher then I thought it would be, but it's fun.

[tejdog1]

Game 61: Angels @ Mets

Jered Weaver (0-2, 4.15) vs Tom Glavine (4-2, 3.78)

The Mets got 2 in the 1st. With one out, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado singled, with Delgado's single driving Lo Duca in. David Wright followed with a ground out, driving Beltran in from 3rd. The Mets extended their lead in the 3rd inning. With one out, Paul Lo Duca doubled, and with two down, Delgado doubled him in, making it 3-0.

The Mets chased the young Angels phenom in the 4th inning with a 4 spot. Cliff Floyd and Victor Diaz walked to start the inning. Jose Valentin singled Floyd home, and Tom Glavine squeezed Diaz home. Jose Reyes walked, and Carlos Beltran singled to load the bases with one out. Delgado singled in a pair, and Hideo Nomo came on to relieve Weaver and struck out David Wright. The Mets put together a 4 run rally, sending 9 men to the plate, and took a 7-0 lead.

Glavine went 7 innings, allowing 2 runs. Luke Hudson and Jonathan Broxton each pitched an inning of scoreless relief, and the Mets won, 7-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 62: Halos @ Mets

Bartolo Colon (3-6, 2.86) vs Steve Trachsel (7-2, 2.44)

The Mets scored 5 in the 4th, chasing Bartolo Colon, to open the scoring. Carlos Beltran walked and stole two bases. Carlos Delgado singled Beltran in, David Wright doubled, and Cliff Floyd singled a pair in, making it 3-0. Victor Diaz followed with a double, and Jose Valentin's sac fly scored Floyd. Steve Trachsel squeezed Diaz home with the 5th run of the inning. The Angels got a run back in the top of the 5th to make it 5-1. The Mets put up 3 more in the bottom of the inning, making it 8-1.

Steve Trachsel went 7 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs.

"If you'd told me before the season began that Steve would be pitching to a sub 2.5, I would've told you I had premium beachfront property in Kansas up for sale." Tejesh said. "He's amazing me. And he is giving us the length we need with Pedro being a little fragile, and two rookies at the back end of the rotation."

Henry Owens got the final 5 outs, and the Mets won 9-2.