The Mets lost a see-saw battle in 10 innings on an RBI single by Derrek Lee and a two-run homer by Aramis Ramirez off Luis Ayala.
The Mets had great momentum with a grand slam by Carlos Delgado in the 3rd inning and coming back to tie the game in the eighth on a bases loaded walk by Ramon Martinez. Martinez had a really nice game in the field and at the plate.
The Mets end up tied for the Wild Card lead with the Brewers and only have four games left. That was a really tough loss.
Chicago Cubs (95-61 Road: 40-35) at New York Mets (87-70 Home: 46-30) 7:10pm
Carlos Zambrano (14-6 3.77) vs. Oliver Perez (10-7 4.10)
What to watch: The Mets may run into a buzz saw tonight going up against Zambrano. He’s a big-time star in baseball, but got smoked in his last start for eight runs in less than two innings. Let’s hope he’s still having trouble tonight.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
Johan Santana went eight innings throwing more pitches than he ever has in his career. The 125 pitch effort, giving up only two runs, is exactly what the Mets needed to get the monkey off their backs of a three game losing streak.
The big offense came from a three run triple by Jose Reyes in the sixth inning that solidified the Mets lead over the Cubs.
The Phillies lost tonight so the Mets move to 1.5 games back in the NL East.
Chicago Cubs (95-60 Road: 40-34) at New York Mets (86-70 Home: 45-30) 7:10pm
Sean Marshall (3-4 3.62) vs. Johan Santana (14-7 2.65)
What to watch: It’s getting down to do-or-die time for the Mets and they’ve got the right guy on the mound tonight. The Cubs switched up their starters in preparation for the playoffs so Marshall gets the start instead of Ted Lilly.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
The Mets lost their third straight game after starter Jon Niese got rocked for six runs over three plus innings. The ultimate embarrassment was giving up a grand slam to the opposing pitcher Jason Marquis. It was the second opposing pitcher to hit a grand slam off the Mets this season.
The shaky bullpen went on to give up three more runs over the final six innings.
The Mets had 11 hits on the night but it was all for naught again as the Mets continue another late season slide.
Carlos Beltran was shaken up when he hit the wall hard making a catch. He did stay in the game despite the nay-sayers that have called him “soft” for the past four seasons.
Chicago Cubs (94-60 Road: 39-34) at New York Mets (86-69 Home: 45-29)
Jason Marquis (10-9 4.39) vs. Jon Niese (1-0 4.09)
What to watch: The Mets are desperate for wins as they start a four game series at home with the Cubs. Niese is coming off eight shutout innings in his last start against Atlanta. Marquis has been up and down for the Cubs this season. The Cubs have already clinched the NL Central so they’ll be playing not to get anybody hurt before the playoffs.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
New York Mets (10-7) at Chicago Cubs (12-6) 7:05pm
John Maine (1-1) vs. Carlos Zambrano (2-0)
TV: ESPN Radio: WFAN
What to watch: Zambrano’s a great pitcher, so this could be a real pitchers duel. Maine looks like he’s getting his spring training form back. The Mets begin their two game series in Chicago with a national TV game and then head to Washington on Wednesday.
The Mets Report 