Marlins 16, Mets 5

Well, Dave Williams is apparently still Dave Williams. After a good start to his Mets career, Williams got thoroughly pummelled by the Marlins. He gave up nine runs and recorded just nine outs. Why Willie Randolph sent him out to pitch the fourth after he'd allowed seven runs in the first three when the Mets have seventeen pitchers on their active roster right now is a mystery. Williams gave up one of his two walks and two of his eleven hits in the fourth before being removed. He allowed two home runs and struck out just one in the game.

Roberto Hernandez was not charged with a run in his inning of work, though he did allowed two inherited runners to score. Heath Bell created his own trouble after that, giving up five runs on seven hits including two home runs in two and one-third innings. He did strike out five. Royce Ring gave up the final two runs on a walk and a home run in one and two-thirds innings.

The Mets' offense wasn't exactly shut down. They just couldn't dig their way out of Williams's hole. They had just six hits, but half of them went for extra bases. Cliff Floyd hit his eleventh home run of the season and his first since July 20th. Carlos Beltran hit his fortieth, leaving him just one short of Todd Hundley's record. Lastings Milledge had a pinch hit double.

Tomorrow the Marlins will send out another of their talented rookie pitchers in Josh Johnson (12-7, 3.20). The Mets will counted with a promising youngster of their own. Oliver Perez (3-11, 6.58) was dominant in his last start, pitching a complete game shutout. But it was not the first time he's looked good as a Met. Consistency is what's required from Perez. A good start tomorrow would be a big step in the right direction.  ¶ joe | 10:53 PM |