Monday, September 25, 2006
Nationals 3, 6, 5, 7
Mets 2, 12, 1, 3
They're just saving it for the playoffs. In 1973 and 2000, the Mets won eight of their last ten regular season games and failed to win the World Series. They're not going to make that mistake this year. In 1969 and 1986 they, well, they won nine of ten. But they only won five of their last ten in 1999, and that postseason provided some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
The Mets' offense continued to struggle in this series, with the exception of Saturday's explosion. Carlos Beltran missed the first three games, but I'm not sure whether to take that as a good excuse or a reason for further concern. Beltran did return on Monday. He drew three walks. At least David Wright finally hit a home run at home, his first since early July.
It wasn't an encouraging series for the pitchers, either. Orlando Hernandez had a solid game on Friday, allowing three runs in seven innings on six hits and one walk with eight strikeouts. But neither John Maine nor Steve Trachsel distinguished himself in the race for fourth starter. Each lasted five innings with Maine allowing four runs and Trachsel three. Maine struck out seven, but he also walked five, while Trachsel struck out one and walked three. Tom Glavine wasn't at his best on Monday, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings, though he did strike out six.
The Mets (93-63) have six games left to stop playing like this and start playing like World Series Champions. They get to start with three against the thoroughly defeated Atlanta Braves (75-81). Oliver Perez (3-12, 6.53) will start the first game against John Smoltz (14-9, 3.72). ¶ joe | 11:30 PM |
Mets 2, 12, 1, 3
They're just saving it for the playoffs. In 1973 and 2000, the Mets won eight of their last ten regular season games and failed to win the World Series. They're not going to make that mistake this year. In 1969 and 1986 they, well, they won nine of ten. But they only won five of their last ten in 1999, and that postseason provided some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
The Mets' offense continued to struggle in this series, with the exception of Saturday's explosion. Carlos Beltran missed the first three games, but I'm not sure whether to take that as a good excuse or a reason for further concern. Beltran did return on Monday. He drew three walks. At least David Wright finally hit a home run at home, his first since early July.
It wasn't an encouraging series for the pitchers, either. Orlando Hernandez had a solid game on Friday, allowing three runs in seven innings on six hits and one walk with eight strikeouts. But neither John Maine nor Steve Trachsel distinguished himself in the race for fourth starter. Each lasted five innings with Maine allowing four runs and Trachsel three. Maine struck out seven, but he also walked five, while Trachsel struck out one and walked three. Tom Glavine wasn't at his best on Monday, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings, though he did strike out six.
The Mets (93-63) have six games left to stop playing like this and start playing like World Series Champions. They get to start with three against the thoroughly defeated Atlanta Braves (75-81). Oliver Perez (3-12, 6.53) will start the first game against John Smoltz (14-9, 3.72). ¶ joe | 11:30 PM |
