New York Mets (84-67 Road: 39-38) at Washington Nationals (58-94 Home: 33-41)7:10pm
Johan Santana (13-7 2.70) vs. Tim Redding (10-9 4.54)
What to watch: The Mets go for the split of the series in DC. Santana is a quality start machine and the Mets could really use a complete game to keep the failing bullpen off the field.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
The Mets lost the first game of today’s single admission double header in the eighth inning. Johan Santana pitched into the eighth but left after giving up two straight singles to lead off the inning. He pitched a superb game through seven giving up no runs but ran out of gas in the eighth after throwing 113 pitches in the game.
Scott Schoenweiss and Brian Stokes were the problem in the eighth allowing three runs to score including the inherited runners from Santana. It’s incredible how many games that Santana has left with a lead only to end up as a Mets loss.
Carlos Delgado continued his torrid hitting going 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and one double. His average is up to .266 now.
The Phillies won today so the Mets lead is down to two games and the Mets magic number holds at 14.
Atlanta Braves (64-82 Road: 24-48) at New York Mets (82-63 Home: 44-27)
Mike Hampton (2-2 5.60) vs. Johan Santana (13-7 2.70) 3:55pm
Jo-Jo Reyes (3-10 5.26) vs. Jon Niese (0-0 15.00) approx. 7:30pm
What to watch: If the weather holds up today we’ll have an old fashioned double header. The Braves are just playing out the string now that they’re eliminated from post season play. The Mets are looking to keep the pressure on the Phillies by taking this home series from the down-trodden Braves.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
Atlanta Braves (64-82 Road: 24-48) at New York Mets (82-63 Home: 44-27) 7:10pm
Mike Hampton (2-2 5.60) vs. Johan Santana (13-7 2.70)
What to watch: The Braves are just playing out the string on a lost season. The Mets have to keep their lead in the NL East as the Phillies start a tough series with the Brewers in Philly. Santana is “the man” having won six straight decisions and hasn’t lost a game since June.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
Carlos Delgado went on a tear in the second game of the double header against the Phillies. He ripped Cole Hamels for two homers and four RBI’s.
Johan Santana did his usual 7.1 innings and allowing two runs. He’s a machine at producing very good starts. It’s amazing how consistent he is.
Luis Ayala allowed a run in the ninth but it wasn’t enough for the Phillies to mount a comeback. Ayala is going to be a “cross your fingers” closer possibly for the rest of the season. That’s not a good feeling.
Philadelphia Phillies (77-64 Road: 38-35) at New York Mets (79-62 Home: 41-26)
Jamie Moyer (12-7 3.80) vs. Pedro Martinez (5-3 5.07) 2:15pm
Cole Hamels (12-8 3.01) vs. Johan Santana (12-7 2.71) 8:05pm
TV: SNY (2:15pm) ESPN (8:05pm Radio: WFAN
What to watch: With the tropical storm out of the way the Mets and Phillies can resume their rivalry. The second game is a tremendous pitching match up for national TV. The Mets need to take both games to win this important home series and avoid a tie atop the NL East.
Join The Mets Report live game chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
Eric Gagne blew another game for the Brewers by giving up three runs in the eighth including a two-run homer to Carlos Delgado. The resurgent Delgado went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s. Carlos Beltran, Daniel Murphy, and Jose Reyes also had two hits each today.
Beltran left the game in the ninth inning after sliding into home safely and running into home plate umpire Ed Rapuano. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. But it didn’t look like a serious injury.
Mets pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts today including 10 by starter Johan Santana. He went six innings giving up two runs including one on a balk with Prince Fielder on third base.
It was an unusual game for the Mets: scoring big runs late in the game, and the bullpen working through three innings cleanly.
The Mets Report 