Great Eight- Mets Over Rockies Again 3-0

Video Highlights

The Mets are on fire! They won their eighth in a row today behind astounding three hit pitching by five pitchers. Pedro Martinez started the game but left after four innings giving up only one hit due to injury. There’s some confusion about exactly what the nature of the injury is. Some reports state the he left because of a stiff shoulder, which appeared to be the case by his attempts to loosen the shoulder on the mound. Manager Jerry Manuel said that Pedro suffered a groin/hip strain running the bases in a prior start. I’m sure we’ll hear more in coming days, but the injury doesn’t appear to be serious.

The offense came from Fernando Tatis (again) with an RBI single in the fourth inning scoring Carlos Beltran. Beltran doubled, stole third, then scored on Tatis’ single. Tatis is constantly in the thick of the Mets scoring innings.

Jose Reyes hit a solo homer in the fifth off the scoreboard in right-center. Brian Schneider hit an RBI double in the sixth to score Carlos Delgado.

The Mets move to .5 game behind the Phillies after the D-Backs beat the Phils 10-4. The Mets could take over first place by the end of the day tomorrow.

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On Deck: July 12- Rockies At Mets Game 2

Colorado Rockies (39-55 Road: 14-34) at New York Mets (49-44 Home: 26-18) 3:55pm

Ubaldo Jimenez (4-8 4.21) vs. Pedro Martinez (3-2 6.86)

TV: Fox  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets try to extend their winning streak to eight games on national TV this afternoon. Pedro had a pretty good start on Monday in Philadelphia, it was probably his best of the season so far. Pedro has really been the one starter that hasn’t lifted his game significantly over the last three weeks. Jimenez completely dominated the Mets on June 21 going eight innings and giving up only one run.

Mets Roster News- Aguila Designated, Cancel Called Up

Catcher Robinson Cancel was called up again prior to yesterday’s game to be the third catcher on the Mets roster. He replaced Chris Aguila, who was designated for assignment.

It’s hard to understand the Mets proclivity for having three catchers. It’s especially difficult to understand when they don’t use them as you would expect. The only reason that they would do this is to use Ramon Castro as a pinch hitter but that hasn’t been the strategy when Cancel was on the roster earlier this season. The Mets did use Nick Evans to pinch run for Brian Schneider last night, so I guess that’s what the plan is.

Easley’s HR Lifts Mets Over Rockies 2-1

Video Highlights

Damion Easley’s eighth inning solo home run extended the Mets winning streak to seven games. That’s the longest streak for the franchise in nearly two years.

Oliver Perez only allowed one run over six innings but he did yield six walks. The only run he allowed was a solo homer by Brad Hawpe in the top of the fifth inning. His velocity was consistently in the mid-90’s. He’s responded so well to new pitching coach Dan Warthen.

Once again, the bullpen got through the final three innings without allowing a run. Generally speaking, the pitching staff has been sensational since Dan Warthen took over the coaching duties. Four relievers combined on the final three innings.

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On Deck- July 11- Rockies At Mets Game 1

Colorado Rockies (39-54 Road: 14-33) at New York Mets (48-44 Home: 25-18) 7:10pm

Aaron Cook (11-6 3.66) vs. Oliver Perez (6-5 4.62)

TV: CW11   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets carry a six game win streak into the series against the Rockies. Colorado just split a four game series in Milwaukee. This could turn out to be a scouting opportunity for the Mets to see what Matt Holliday can do outside of Coors Field. The Mets want at least two out of three to go into the All-Star break strong.