Mets 9, Phillies 3

Even the elements cannot stop the Mets' march toward October. This game was delayed by rain for sixty-five minutes, leading to the removal of starter Orlando Hernandez after just three innings pitched. But the Mets didn't let a damp field stop them from hitting and extending their lead over the Phillies to eight and a half games.

Hernandez gave up two runs on four hits while striking out three. But the Mets already had a six-run lead when he gave up those runs in the bottom of the third inning. They had sixteen hits in total including nine for extra bases. Jose Reyes had four of those hits, one of which was a triple that Bobby Abreu probably should have caught rather than letting it bounce of the outside of his glove. Every Met starter had a hit and all but Hernandez and Lastings Milledge had an extra base hit. David Wright hit his twelfth home run. Carlos Beltran had two doubles and drew two walks.

All that's left now is for the Mets to try to sweep this series. They'll take a shot at it tomorrow afternoon with Steve Trachsel (3-4, 4.70) on the hill. Hopefully they can score nine runs again. Cory Lidle (4-5, 4.68) will try to stop them.  ¶ joe | 11:28 PM |