Built from Within: A New York Mets dynasty

[tejdog1]

Game 122: Nats @ Mets

Brian Lawrence (10-4, 4.04) vs Steve Trachsel (13-4, 2.48)

Josh Willingham led off the 3rd with a double, and scored on Jose Vidro's infield single, giving the Nats a 1-0 lead.

The Mets answered with a 3 spot in their half of the 3rd. With two down, Jose Reyes doubled and scored on Paul Lo Duca's single. Carlos Beltran followed with a 2 run homer, putting the Mets ahead 3-1.

The Nationals tied it in the 5th. Lawrence walked and Royce Clayton doubled, putting two on with one out. Vidro singled the pair in, tying it 3-3. They took the lead in the 7th, on 3 walks and a single. Willingham walked, Clayton singled and Marlon Byrd walked to load the bases. Jonathan Broxton came on and walked Jose Vidro before retiring Jose Guillen, putting the Nationals ahead 4-3.

Matthew LeCroy and Ryan Church hit back to back 1 out doubles in the 8th off Broxton to extend to a 5-3 lead. Victor Diaz pinch hit for Broxton leading off the bottom of the inning. Diaz grounded out, but Paul Lo Duca homered to pull the Mets within 1, at 5-4. Billy Wagner came on to pitch the 9th. Wagner pitched a scoreless 9th, but so did Chad Cordero, and the Mets fell, 5-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 123: Nats @ Mets

Ramon Ortiz (6-10, 5.22) vs Scott Kazmir (12-9, 3.41)

Jose Guillen singled to lead off the 2nd, moved to second on Ryan Zimmerman's grounder, and scored on Ryan Church's single, to give the Nats a 1-0 lead.

The Nats added 3 in the 4th to extend the lead to 4-0. Zimmerman doubled with one down, Matt LeCroy singled to put runners on the corners, and Ryan Church singled one in. Ortiz reached on an error by second baseman Jeff Keppinger, and Royce Clayton made the Mets pay, stroking a 2 run single to give Washington a 4-0 lead.

The Mets cut the lead in half in their half of the 4th inning. Carlos Beltran doubled to lead off the inning and scored on David Wright's 1 out single. Victor Diaz stroked a 2 out double to score Wright, pulling the Mets within 2, at 4-2.

However, this was not destined to be Kazmir's night, as he gave those runs right back in the top of the 5th. Alfonso Soriano led off with a single, and was erased on Guillen's fielder's choice. Zimmerman was hit by a pitch and LeCroy walked to load the bases. Church then hit a 2 run single to end Kazmir's night. Jonathan Broxton escaped further trouble, and the Nats settled for a 6-2 lead.

Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch the 6th inning. Sturtze went 2 scoreless, and Matthew Lindstrom came on to pitch the 8th. The Mets loaded the bases with no out in the bottom of the 8th, but only managed one run, and lost, 6-3. Lindstrom pitched 2 scoreless innings.

"Our pen did a fantastic job today. We can take solace in that." Tejesh said. "Everyone has these types of starts."

[tejdog1]

Game 124: Mets @ Diamondbacks

Aaron Heilman (12-4, 3.92) vs Enrique Gonzalez (6-13, 4.36)

The Mets jumped out to an early lead in the first. Jose Reyes doubled leading off, and scored on Paul Lo Duca's homer, to put New York ahead 2-0.

The Met extended to a 5-0 lead in the 2nd. Victor Diaz singled, and with one down, Heilman doubled to put two in scoring position. Back to back 2 out doubles by Lo Duca and Carlos Beltran plated 3.

The D'Backs got 2 runs back in their half of the 2nd. Luis Gonzalez led off with a homer. Shawn Hairston doubled, and J Brown singled, to cut the Met lead to 5-2. The Mets got those runs right back. David Wright singled, Cliff Floyd doubled, and Victor Diaz singled the pair in, extending to a 7-2 lead.

The D'Backs got a run closer in the 4th, to make it 7-3. The two teams traded runs, and Heilman went 5 shaky innings, before leaving after allowing a leadoff triple to Shawn Hairston.

"Not Heilman's best performance, that's for sure." Tejesh said. "But he battled through 5 innings and left with a 4 run lead." Broxton allowed the inherited runner to score, but didn't allow anymore damage, and Henry Owens came on to pitch the 7th. Owens pitched a scoreless 7th, and Octavio Dotel came on to pitch a scoreless 8th. In the top of the 9th, the Mets added to their lead. Paul Lo Duca doubled to leadoff, Carlos Delgado walked, and Cliff Floyd hit a 2 out 3 run shot to give the Mets an 11-5 lead. Dotel struck the side out in the 9th, giving the Mets an 11-5 win.

[tejdog1]

Game 125: Mets @ Diamondbacks

Brian Bannister (3-1, 3.00) vs Juan Cruz (5-11, 5.64)

The Mets today rested Jose Reyes, Paul Lo Duca and Jeff Keppinger, playing Chris Woodward at short, Ramon Castro behind the play, Victor Diaz at second, and Endy Chavez in right.

"We have room with the big lead to rest people, and we'll take full advantage of that." Tejesh said. The rest led to an unusual lineup. Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez, David Wright, Carlos Delgado, Victor Diaz, Cliff Floyd, Chris Woodward, Ramon Castro filled out the lineup today.

The lineup paid early dividends. Beltran led off with a homer, and Chavez followed with a triple. Wright grounded out to score Chavez, making it 2-0 Mets.

The Mets added a run in the 2nd. Cliff Floyd reached on Wilson Betemit's error, went to second on Woodward's groundout, and scored on Castro's single, extending to a 3-0 lead.

The DBacks got a run back in their half of the 2nd. Shawn Hairston and Orlando Hudson singled with one down, putting runners on the corners, and Juan Cruz singled to plate Hairston.

With two down in the 3rd, Delgado doubled and Diaz homered, extending to a 5-1 lead.

The DBacks tied it with 3 homers in their half of the 3rd. Betemit singled and Conor Jackson hit a 2 run shot. Luis Gonzalez followed with a solo shot to pull the DBacks within 1. With one out, Shawn Hairston grounded out, and Carlos Delgado was injured on the play, and will be reevaluated tomorrow.

"We have the luxury of the lead, we'll let Carlos heal fully before bringing him back, whenever that may be." Tejesh said. Julio Franco took over for Delgado at first.

Orlando Hudson capped the homer barrage with a 2 out solo shot to tie the game 5-5.

Eli Marrero pinch hit for Bannister in the top of the 4th, and Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. Sturtze walked 2 with 2 out, and Gonzalez made him pay, singling to plate Betemit and giving the DBacks a 6-5 lead.

The Mets regained the lead in their half of the 5th. Carlos Beltran walked, stole second and scored on Chavez' single, who promptly stole second, moved to third on Wright's fly out, and scored on Julio Franco's grounder, putting New York back on top, 7-6.

The Mets added to their lead in the top of the 6th. Woodward led off with a double, and scored on Beltran's 2 out single. Beltran then stole second and scored on Chavez' single. Chavez stole second and Wright walked, but Franco fouled out to end the inning. The Mets regained their 3 run lead at 9-6. Jonathan Broxton came on to relieve Sturtze.

The Mets extended the lead to 11-6 in the 8th inning, and Henry Owens came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. Owens was easily the most dominating pitcher of the day, stiriking out 3 in his 2 innings of work and only allowing 1 baserunner.

"Games like this, you get scared because you don't want to blow out your bullpen, but you also want to win the game." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Before Game 126, the Mets placed Carlos Delgado on the 15 day DL and recalled top pitching prospect Mike Pelfrey.

"Figure we'll get him 3 starts and let him get his feet wet before sending him back down." Tejesh said.

Game 126: Mets @ DBacks

Mike Pelfrey (MLB Debut) vs Claudio Vargas (11-6, 4.33)

Shawn Hairston and Orlando Hudson hit back to back homers leading off the second off Pelfrey, giving the DBacks a 2-0 lead. The Mets got a run back in the 3rd. Jose Reyes walked with two down, stole second, and scored on Jeff Keppinger's single.

The two teams traded runs in the bottom of the 3rd and top of the 4th. Luis Gonzalez singled with 2 down, Shawn Green walked and Hairston doubled Gonzo in for the Dback run. Carlos Beltran doubled, moved to third on Floyd's grounder, and scored on Chavez' flyout, to make it 3-2 DBacks. Pelfrey went 5 and was replaced by Octavio Dotel.

The Mets took the lead in the top of the 7th. Paul Lo Duca singled with 2 down, and David Wright homered, giving the Mets a 4-3 lead. Dotel went 2 scoreless innings, and Billy Wagner came on to pitch the 8th and 9th innings. Wagner pitched 2 scoreless innings for the save, and the Mets won 4-3.

"Pelfrey didn't do anything to diminish his star, that's for sure. He had a very solid major league debut today." Tejesh said.

[turma]

Wow, you've been busy on this, seems. Looking good.

[tejdog1]

Thanks :)

[tejdog1]

Game 127: Mets @ DBacks

Pedro Martinez (13-3, 2.99) vs Miguel Batista (7-9, 5.95)

David Wright got the day off today, and that meant Cliff Floyd slid into the cleanup slot for the first time all season.

"This lineup just misses the depth Delgado brings to it. But we have 4 All Star hitters in there, so we're not exactly hurting for offense." Tejesh said. When asked about the temptation to call up his top 1st base prospect, Mike Carp, Tejesh vehmently denied any temptation. "You don't call up an 18 year old hitting .270 in Binghamton. Especially when he's had about 200 ABs in Binghamton. No, there was no temptation. We've got Michael Abreu and Tagg Bozied in Norfolk, if we needed to go long term this season."

The Mets took a 2-0 lead in the 4th inning. Floyd walked, and Carlos Beltran, hitting 5th with Delgado out, singled. Victor Diaz, moved up to the 6 hole with Wright sitting, doubled to drive the pair in.

Beltran added a leadoff homer in the 6th, and Reyes followed an inning later with a solo shot of his own, extending to a 4-0 lead. The Mets added a run on a sac fly by Chris Woodward to make it 5-0.

Pedro spun a gem, going the distance on a 5 hitter, allowing a run in the bottom of the 9th, but otherwise cruising, and the Mets won, 6-1.

[Dom2662]

Lookin good man. Keep it up! :)

[tejdog1]

Game 128: Mets @ Giants

Tom Glavine (11-5, 3.29) vs Matt Morris (7-9, 4.95)

The Giants took an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. With two outs, Barroid walked, and Moises Alou walked to put 2 on. Pedro Feliz followed with a single to score Barroid and make it 1-0.

The Mets tied it in the 2nd. Cliff Floyd reached on a Feliz error, and Endy Chavez, filling in for Carlos Beltran, singled to move Floyd to third. Tom Glavine followed with a one out fielder's choice to score Floyd and tie the game.

The Mets exploded for a 5 run 5th to chase Morris. Jeff Keppinger walked to lead off, and Paul Lo Duca doubled to put two in scoring position. David Wright homered to put the Mets ahead, and they weren't done there. Victor Diaz and Cliff Floyd walked, and Chavez singled Diaz in and Floyd to third. Julio Franco followed with a double play grounder, scoring Chavez and making it 6-1 Mets.

The Giants got to Glavine in the 8th for one run, but Henry Owens came on to put out the fire, and keep it a 6-2 game. Owens pitched a 1-2-3 9th and the Mets won 6-2.

[tejdog1]

Game 129: Mets @ Giants

Steve Trachsel (13-5, 2.61) vs Noah Lowry (11-10, 3.54)

A single by Jose Reyes, a steal of second, a sac fly moving him to third, and a grounder scoring him provided the Mets with a quick 1-0 lead 3 batters into the game.

In the third, Trachsel led off with a double and scored on Jeff Keppinger's groundout, putting the Mets ahead 2-0.

The Giants got the game tied in their half of the 4th. Moises Alou singled leading off, and a 1 out error by Cliff Floyd put runners on 1st and 2nd. Lance Niekro singled to score Alou and Mike Matheny walked to load the bases. Lowry grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing the tying run to score.

Barroid singled with 2 down and Pedro Feliz followed with a homer, putting the Giants ahead 4-2. The Mets got within one in their half of the 5th. Cliff Floyd's double with 2 down led to the run. Eli Marrero, playing in place of the resting Paul Lo Duca, singled to drive Floyd in, making it 4-3.

Trachsel went 6 innings, and Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch the 7th. Sturtze, however, allowed a leadoff double to Omar Visquel, and two groundouts scored him to make it 5-3, Giants.

The Mets got that run back against Arwomando Blowitez, but couldn't push the tying run across and fell, 5-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 130: Mets @ Giants

Scott Kazmir (12-10, 3.54) vs Matt Cain (5-12, 5.75)

The Mets scored in the first inning again. Jeff Keppinger walked, stole second, and David Wright's FC grounder, putting runners on the corners with 2 out. Carlos Beltran singled to score Keppinger, putting the Mets ahead 1-0.

The Mets put up a 4 spot in the 2nd inning to break the game open. Julio Franco singled to start the inning, and Kazmir followed with a triple, scoring Franco. Keppinger walked and Paul Lo Duca singled Kazmir in, making it 3-0. Wright walked to load the bases, and Beltran smacked a 2 run single, extending to a 5-0 lead, and leading to the departure of Lowry. Kevin Correia came in to replace him

The Giants came right back with 2 in their half of the 2nd, cutting it to a 5-2 lead. Pedro Feliz walked and Lance Niekro homered. In the 3rd, they crept closer. Omar Visquel singled and Barroid homered to cut it to a 5-4 game. Niekro hit his second homer of the game to tie it 5-5. Kazmir got through the rest of the 4th without further damage, but that would be all for the young lefty. Brian Bannister came in to pitch the middle innings.

The Mets retook the lead in the top of the 5th. Carlos Beltran walked, stole second, and consecutive walks to Endy Chavez and Victor Diaz loaded the bases with no out. Julio Franco lifted a sac fly to score Beltran and put New York back on top 6-5. Bannister did exactly what he needed to do. He pitched 2 scoreless innings and allowed the Met offense time to recover.

In the 7th, the Mets put up their second 4 run inning. Beltran walked to lead off, and with one out, stole 2 bases. Victor Diaz walked, and Chris Woodward, pinch hitting for Bannister, walked to fill the bases. Back to back infield singles by Reyes and Keppinger plated 2, and the big blow came off the bat of Paul Lo Duca, who doubled in a pair to extend the lead to 10-5. Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch.

Broxton went 3 innings, allowing a run, but nothing more and the Mets won, 10-6.

"You really don't like have 2 games like this in such a short period of time. Luckily, we're going with 7 starters for a couple weeks, so we have some additional flexibility in our bullpen." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 131: Phillies @ Mets

Randy Wolf (9-10, 3.12) vs Aaron Heilman (13-4, 4.10)

The Mets opened the scoring in the 2nd with a 2 spot. David Wright led off with a single and Carlos Beltran homered, giving the Mets the early lead.

The Phils halved the lead in the top of the 5th. Mike Lieberthal singled and Abraham Nunez was hit by a pitch to put the first two on. Consecutive groundouts by Wolf and Bobby Abreu scored Lieberthal.

The Mets extended to a 5-1 lead in the 6th. Jeff Keppinger singled and stole second leading off. Wright walked and Beltran hit his second homer of the game, a 3 run shot, to provide a cushion for Heilman.

However, Heilman, and the bullpen, imploded in the 7th to give it all back. Abraham Nunez singled with one down against Heilman, and Bobby Abreu singled with two down, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. Jimmy Rollins singled to load the bases, and that ended Heilman's night. Henry Owens came on and allowed 3 straight singles to the 3,4,5 hitters, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell, pulling the Phillies within one. Octavio Dotel came in and proved equally ineffective, allowing the 2 run go ahead single to Aaron Rowand, putting the Phillies ahead 6-5.

"That's the definition of a meltdown inning. Luckily, we've not suffered from too many of those." Tejesh said.

The Phillies followed the Mets meltdown by having one of their own. Endy Chavez pinch hit for Dotel leading off the bottom of the 7th and singled. He stole second and moved to third on Jose Reyes' single, who then stole second to put two in scoring position. Lo Duca singled the pair in to give the Mets a 7-6 lead. Wright walked to load the bases and Beltran walked to drive in his 6th run of the game. With two down, Victor Diaz singled to cap the inning and give the Mets a 9-6 lead.

Manager Tejesh Patel then brought Billy Wagner in for a 2 inning save, clearly annoyed at his pitching. Wagner allowed 2 runs in the 9th but secured a shaky 9-8 Mets win.

"We've gone from an underworked pen to an overworked pen in a week." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 132: Phillies @ Mets

Gavin Floyd (6-8, 3.68) vs Brian Bannister (4-1, 3.86)

The Mets look to one of three rookies in their current 7 man rotation to stop the bleeding in the pitching staff as Brian Bannister makes his 5th start for the Mets. Things didn't get off to a good start, though, for the righty. Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins singled to lead off the game, putting runners on the corners with no out. A one out Chase Utley groundout scored Abreu and gave the Phils a 1-0 lead.

Bannister gave the Mets everything they could've hoped for, a quality start. He allowed two more runs in the 6th on a single by Gavin Floyd, a double to Abreu and a 2 run single to Rollins, but had a very solid start, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs.

"After the meltdowns in consecutive games, this was a good way to stop the bleeding." Tejesh said. However, the Mets were still trailing in the game, 3-0, heading to the bottom of the 6th.

They changed that in a big way, scoring 6 runs to take the lead. Jeff Keppinger, Paul Lo Duca and David Wright all singled to load the bases with no out. Carlos Beltran doubled two in and Cliff Floyd walked to reload the bases. Julio Franco drove Wright in with a sac fly, and pinch hitter Endy Chavez blasted a 2 out 3 run homer to put New York ahead 6-3. Henry Owens came on to pitch the 7th.

Owens pitched a scoreless 7th but allowed 2 runs in the 8th, making the score 7-5, and Billy Wagner came on after the homer to put down the rally and pick up his 21st save.

[tejdog1]

Game 133: Phils @ Mets

Brett Myers (8-10, 4.26) vs Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 5.40)

The Mets staked Pelfrey to an early 2-0, after Pelfrey pitched a scoreless top of the 1st. Jeff Keppinger hit a one out single and Paul Lo Duca doubled to put two in scoring position. An error by Pat Burrell on a David Wright fly ball allowed a run to score and put runners on the corners with one down. Carlos Beltran singled in a run, but was thrown out trying to steal second, stalling a bigger inning.

Burrell atoned for his error by hitting a leadoff homer in the 2nd, cutting the Met lead in half. In the third, the Mets got that run back. Lo Duca tripled with one down, Wright walked and Beltran singled Lo Duca in to make it 3-1.

Burrell hit his second solo homer of the game in the 6th to pull the Phillies within 1, but Pelfrey was able to escape further damage and he went 6 strong innings, allowing 2 runs.

In the seventh, the Mets put up a 4 spot to make it 7-2. Beltran homered to start the inning, chasing Myers. Gio Gonzalez came in to pitch and didn't fare better. Cliff Floyd reached on an error by the right fielder, Julio Franco doubled, and Eli Marrero was intentionally walked to load the bases. Jose Reyes drew a walk to force a run in, Keppinger hit a sac fly, and Lo Duca singled, to give the Mets a 7-2 lead. Henry Owens came on to pitch the 7th. Owens pitched a scoreless 7th and Matthew Lindstrom came in to pitch the final 2 innings. Lindstrom pitched 2 scoreless, and the Mets won 8-2, giving Mike Pelfrey his first big league win.

"There were some definite improvements in his second start, compared to his first. He will likely get one more start before going back to Norfolk." Tejesh said.

[aaronuconn]

Pedro is doing wonderful still!!

[tejdog1]

Yep, he is. I love my 7 man rotation, lol. I figure on Pelfrey and Bannister replacing Glavine and Trachsel after the 2006 season, so I'm getting them work now.

[tejdog1]

Game 134: Mets @ Marlins

Pedro Martinez (14-3, 2.87) vs Scott Olsen (6-10, 3.32)

The Mets got off to a fast start versus Olsen in the first. Jose Reyes singled to lead off, Jeff Keppinger walked and with one down, David Wright walked to load the bases. Victor Diaz doubled to score two and put New York ahead 2-0.

The Marlins broke through against Pedro for 4 runs in the 6th inning, aided in part by a Jose Reyes error. Jeremy Hermida walked to lead off, ended up on third with one down, and scored on Wes Helms single, to cut it to a 2-1 Met lead. Jason Stoked reached on the Reyes error to put two on, and it spiralled downhill from there. Reggie Abercrombie doubled to score one, Humberto Quintero singled to score two more, and that ended Pedro's night. Jonathan Broxton came on to put out the fire, byt the damage was done, and the Marlins had themselves a 4-2 lead.

The Mets tied it in their half of the 7th, taking Pedro off the hook. Jose Reyes delievered a one out single, stole second, and scored on Carlos Beltran's 2 run homer, knotting the game at 4-4. Octavio Dotel came on to pitch the bottom of the 7th.

Dotel pitched 2 scoreless innings, and Aaron Heilman came on in relief to pitch the 9th.

"Well, that is the downside of having a 7 man rotation. You've got no real long man to go to." Tejesh said.

Heilman, though, lasted 4 batters before giving up the winning run. Dan Uggla drew a leadoff walk, moved to third on Hermida's double and scored on Miguel Cabrera, giving the Marlins a 5-4 win.

[tejdog1]

Game 135: Mets @ Marlins

Tom Glavine (12-5, 3.23) vs Jason Vargas (6-10, 4.20)

Cliff Floyd and Victor Diaz singled to start the 2nd inning, and Glavine helped himself by lifting a one out sac fly to give himself a 1-0 lead. Jason Stoked tied it in the Marlins half of the 2nd with a leadoff homer.

The Mets grabbed a 4-1 lead in the 3rd. David Wright singled with two down, Carlos Beltran walked, and Cliff Floyd, Victor Diaz, and Julio Franco followed with run scoring singles.

The Mets added a run in the 5th. Floyd singled with 1 down, moved to third on Franco's 2 out single, and scored on Glavine's single to make it 5-1.

The Marlins got that run back quickly in their half of the 5th. Reggie Abercrombie doubled to lead off and Humberto Quintero singled him in to make it 5-2.

Jeremy Hermida homered in the 6th to slice the Met lead to 2. Henry Owens came on to pitch the 7th. Owens pitched 2 scoreless innings, and Billy Wagner allowed a run in the 9th, but picked up his 22nd save, and the Mets won 5-4.

[tejdog1]

Game 136: Mets @ Marlins

Steve Trachsel (13-6, 2.63) vs Dontrelle Willis (11-9, 3.01)

The Mets broke through versus Willis in the 4th for a single run. David Wright singled and Carlos Beltran reached on an error by Jason Stokes, to put the first two on. A groundout by Cliff Floyd and sac fly by Victor Diaz scored Wright to put the Mets ahead 1-0.

The Mets added 2 runs in the 7th to extend to a 3-0 lead. Jose Reyes walked, and Jeff Keppinger doubled him home. Paul Lo Duca singled to put runners on the corners, and David Wright grounded into a FC to score Kepp.

The Mets added a run in the top of the 9th, and Steve Trachsel came out for a chance at his first complete game of the season. He allowed a 2 run homer to Jason Stokes, but nothing more, and went the distance to give the Mets a 4-2 win.

It was announced after the game that Mike Pelfrey will get his 3rd start of the season on September 6th, the day Carlos Delgado is eligible to come off the DL.

[tejdog1]

Game 137: Mets @ Braves

Scott Kazmir (12-10, 3.71) vs Mike Hampton (8-8, 4.70)

Marcus Giles singled to lead off the Braves 1st, and scored on Anreuw Jones single to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. Kazmir escaped bases loaded 2 out trouble later in the inning to keep the game within reach early.

The Mets struck back for 2 in the 3rd to grab the lead. Julio Franco singled, moved to second on Kazmir's bunt, went to third on Jose Reyes' single, and scored on Paul Lo Duca's single. Reyes, who had stolen second prior to Lo Duca's single, also scored to make it 2-1.

The Braves parlayed a leadoff double by Andruw Jones into the tying run. Chipper Jones and Jeff Francouer each grounded out to move Andruw around and tie the game 2 and 2.

Kazmir went 6 innings, and Jonathan Broxton came on to pitch the 7th. Broxton pitched 4 scoreless innings, and Carlos Beltran gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th with a solo shot. Billy Wagner came on to try and nail it down. Wagner, however, blew the save.

Kelly Johnson singled and stole second leading off the inning. Johnny Estrada walked, and consecutive groundouts by Marty McBride and Marcus Giles tied the game 3-3. Henry Owens came on to pitch the 12th, after Chris Woodward pinch hit for Wagner in the top of the inning.

The Mets took a 5-3 lead in the top of the 13th inning. Paul Lo Duca singled to lead off, moved to second on David Wright's groundout, and scored on Carlos Beltran's single. Beltran then stole second and scored on Victor Diaz' double. Octavio Dotel came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. Chad Tracy greeted Dotel with a homer, and that prompted Tejesh to signal for Brian Bannister to begin loosening in the bullpen.

"You don't ever want to be caught flat footed by not having a pitcher ready for the next inning." Tejesh said. Luckily, it didn't come to that, Dotel didn't allow anything else, and the Mets won the game 5-3.

"We got absoultely terrific relief work tonight out of Jonathan Broxton. He did a beautiful job tonight and deserved the win." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 138: Mets @ Braves

Mike Pelfrey (1-0, 4.09) vs Horciao Ramirez (11-12, 4.25)

The Braves took an early 1-0 lead on three singles by Edgar Renteria, Andruw Jones and Jeff Francouer in the first inning. Carlos Beltran tied it in the top of the 4th with a solo shot, making it 1-1. That's the way Pelfrey left the game, knotted at 1.

"Easily his best outing of the season, his second double digit strikeout game, he's going to be really good for us, but he knows his time isn't right now. He'll be going back down to make room for Delgado. But at least he knows he belongs." Tejesh said. "He's got an electric fastball. Having him, Kazmir, and hopefully Humber 1-2-3 in this rotation is going to be wonderful for Met fans."

Tanyon Sturtze came on to pitch the bottom of the 7th inning. Sturtze pitched 3 scoreless innings before the Met defense betrayed him in the 10th. Julio Franco committed an error to allow the leadoff batter, Chad Tracy, to reach. Kelly Johnson singled, and then David Wright committed an error on Johnny Estrada's grounder, loading the bases with no out. Brad Thomas singled to provide the killing blow, giving the Braves a sloppy 2-1 win. The two teams combined for 5 errors.

"Toughest night of Wright's young career, that's for sure. 0 for 5, 2 errors. It doesn't get much worse then that. But I have all the confidence in the world he'll bounce back nicely. Most every regular needs a day off at this point." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 139: Mets @ Braves

Aaron Heilman (13-5, 4.20) vs Kyle Davies (3-2, 5.55)

The Mets punked Aaron Heilman today, going with their B team, leading to an unusual lineup. Endy Chavez played RF and led off, followed by Jeff Keppinger, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, David Wright, Eli Marrero in LF, Chris Woodward at SS and Ramon Castro behind the plate.

However, in the first, it was the Mets punking the Braves. Endy Chavez walked and stole second, went to third on Keppinger's grounder, and after Beltran walked and stole second, both scored on Delgado's single to put the Mets ahead 2-0.

The Mets put up a solo run in the 6th to extend their lead. Marrero doubled to lead off, and scored on Heilman's sqeueze, making it 3-0.

Aaron Heilman went 6 1/3 hitless innings before allowing a 1 out single to Edgar Renteria, denying the Mets their first no hitter in team history.

Meanwhile, in the top of the 8th, the Mets extended to a 5-0 lead. Castro singled, advanced to second on Heilman's sac bunt, and scored on Endy Chavez' homer.

Heilman threw a 3 hit CG shutout, his first CG of the season.

"From the first inning, I knew this was going to be special for Heilman. He did an absoulte stunning job tonight. I couldn't be happier for him." Tejesh said.

[tejdog1]

Game 140: Mets @ Cardinals

Brian Bannister (5-1, 3.95) vs Cris Carpenter (12-10, 3.57)

For the second straight game, the Mets went with their B team. Jose Reyes leading off, followed by Endy Chavez (cf), Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Victor Diaz, Cliff Floyd, Eli Marrero (3b), Chris Woodward (ss).

"Well, we've got the division clinched, so you can expect to see alot of this from here on out." Tejesh said.

Hector Luna singled, stole second, and scored on Albert Pujols' flyout, to give the Cards a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 3-0 in the 2nd inning. Sao Taguchi singled with one out, Yadier Molina followed with a single, and Bannister committed an error allowing Carpenter to reach and Taguchi to score. Hector Luna singled to load the bases and Scott Rolen drew a walk to score Molina, ending the scoring in the inning.

The Mets cut into the lead in the top of the 5th. Woodward led off with a single, moved to second on Bannister's bunt, and scored on Chavez' 2 out single, to make it 3-1.

The Cards extended to a 4-1 lead in the 6th, and David Wright pinch hit for Bannister in the top of the 7th with a runner on second and one down. Nothing came of the threat, and Matthew Lindstrom came on to pitch the 7th.

"You're going to see us using Lindstrom and Broxton in much more important situations down the stretch. We need to find out what we have in them." Tejesh said.

Lindstrom gave up a solo shot to Pujols in the 7th, but nothing more, and the Cards took a 5-1 lead. Carpenter went the distance and the Mets fell 5-1.

[tejdog1]

Game 141: Mets @ Cardinals

Pedro Martinez (14-3, 2.89) vs Jason Marquis (10-4, 3.14)

"Pedro's going to go 6 innings today. Same with all of our starters, except for Bannister. They've done their job, and now, it is time to find out about Lindstrom and Broxton." Tejesh divulged before the game.

The Cardinals got off to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. Back to back walks to David Eckstein and Scott Rolen leading off the inning spelled trouble for Pedro. Jim Edmonds doubled home one, and Juan Encarnacion grounded out to drive in the other, accounting for the runs.

Jose Reyes singled with one down in the 3rd, stole second, and scored on Carlos Beltran's homer, tying the game 2-2.

The Mets grabbed the lead in the next inning. Cliff Floyd singled with one down and Victor Diaz doubled to put runners on second and third. Paul Lo Duca grounded out, scoring Floyd and putting the Mets ahead 3-2. The Mets extended their lead in the 5th. Carlos Beltran singled with one down, stole second, and scored on David Wright's double to make it 4-2.

Pedro went 5 innings, and was pinch hit for by Endy Chavez with a runner on first and no out.

"I understand what Tejesh wants to do, and agree with it." Pedro said after his outing. Jonathan Broxton would pitch the 6th for the Mets. Broxton pitched a scoreless 6th and the Mets exploded for a 5 run 7th to ice the game, making it 9-2. The Mets won, 10-4.