Mets 5, Giants 4

Aaron Heilman's ninth major league start wasn't anything spectacular, but it was an encouraging performance for the struggling rookie that earned him his second win. Heilman went five innings and tied a season high with seven strikeouts, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks. He allowed one home run, to that Bonds fellow you may have heard of. Heilman still gave up more hits and walks than I'd like to see in a relatively short outing, throwing just 84 pitches, but the strikeouts are nice to see and perhaps he can build on this success and settle in at the major league level against a team with fewer superhuman left fielders.

Offensively, Jason Phillips had another big game, going two for three with a double, a home run and a walk. Phillips' power numbers haven't been anything special this year, but he continues to do a great job getting on base, hitting .326/.397/.475. Phillips has definitely shown that he deserves to continue to play every day upon Mike Piazza's impending return. Even if Piazza does make a transition to a full-time first baseman, Phillips has proven far more valuable as an every day player than the slumping Vance Wilson (.241/.288/.378). Jose Reyes' hitting streak is now at eleven, as he went two for four with an RBI double.

Tomorrow, Steve Trachsel (10-7, 4.58) takes on Jerome Williams (5-2, 2.96).  ¶ joe | 1:17 AM |