Mets 11, Rangers 0

It has become obvious that Steve Phillips was solely responsible for the Mets' offensive ineptitude and mediocre pitching. But seriously, in the wake of Phillips' firing Al Leiter rebounded from his terrible Sunday start with one of his best starts of the season against the potent Rangers lineup. As has often been the case this season, even in giving up no runs, he put a number of men on base and worked out of jams, giving up eight hits and two walks in his six innings of work while striking out six. Graeme Lloyd pitched a pair of scoreless innings of his own and John Franco sealed the shutout in the ninth.

As for the offense, it was the bottom of the lineup providing the spark this time, with Ty Wigginton and Vance Wilson driving in eight of the eleven runs. Wigginton went four for five with two doubles, three runs and three RBI while Wilson went two for four with a home run and five RBI. Reluctant designated hitter Cliff Floyd had another good night, going two for four with a double, a walk and two runs. Eight of the nine Met starters had a hit, and while Jose Reyes went hitless in five at bats in his third major league game, he did get on base on a fielder's choice to score a run, and also had his first major league RBI on a ground out. He did also commit his first major league error at shortstop. Overall, the Mets had sixteen hits and three walks on their way to their highest scoring game of the year. It almost makes you forget Fred Wilpon talking about how the Mets, with their .247 team batting average, need to get some more speed, defense and athleticism.

Tomorrow, it'll apparently be Mike Bacsik (0-1, 14.62, seriously) going up against Aaron Sele (3-3, 6.60) and the World Champion Anaheim Angels. Hopefully the Mets bring their offense west with them.  ¶ joe | 2:21 AM |