postGame: Mets 7 Marlins 6
The Mets (25–26) defeated the Marlins (30–22) by the score of 7 to 6 at Shea Stadium tonight, thanks to a walk-off, two-run hit by Fernando Tatis in the 12th inning.
For a full recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.
It was only fitting that Tatis would walk to the plate with the theme to Superman playing from the stadium’s speakers. He turned on a fastball, pulled it in to the left field corner, and David Wright and Carlos Beltran ran home to score two runs and give the Mets an outstanding, much-needed, come-from-behind win in the 12th inning. Amazin. Did you keep believing? Or did you give up? I hope you stayed tuned. It was worth it.- Well, like I said last week, any time Luis Castillo hits a home run, you know it’s going to be a wild night.
- Oliver Perez looked great, when he was not facing Cody Ross, who hit two home runs against Perez, accounting for four of the five runs he allowed.
- Perez owes Carlos Beltran a steak dinner for making a fancy catch to end the fifth inning with two runners on base. If that ball had gone by Beltran, I can only imagine how Perez would have reacted.
- Fortunately, the Mets have Endy Chavez, who hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth, just like old times. Seriously, Endy to the rescue, just like the good old days. I hope this is a sign of things to come. It just feels right, when Endy is making an impact. Everything just falls in to place, it seems.
- Unfortunately, with the bases loaded in the ninth, and two outs, David Wright popped out. Later in the 11th, Luis Castillo ripped a line drive to center, with two runners on, but it was caught to end the inning.
- I love that Johan Santana was wearing batting gloves in extra innings, knowing he could be called upon to be a pinch hitter. I mean, he does have four doubles.
- Cut a game ball in to quarters, and give it to Scott Schoeneweis, Aaron Heilman, Billy Wagner and Duaner Sanchez for pitching six innings of relief. Especially Heilman, who pitched two scoreless innings in a one-run game, during which most fans probably kept their breath on hold. Good for you, Aaron.
- In fact, Mets pitchers struck out 16 batters during the 12-inning game. Outstanding.
- Speaking of Duaner, the boy has wheels. He hustled down the line on a sac bunt in the 10th, and I had no idea he had it in him. Good to know. On the mound, he had a bit extra attitude going, and it was working for him, until Alfredo Amezaga homerd to right in the 11th inning on a hard, inside fastball, which Amezaga swung through on the previous pitch. Sometimes, the batter just wins out.
- This was a game that the Mets could not afford to lose, given the state of the team, who they were playing and how they battled back to tie it up in the ninth, being able to come back and win it was huge. Huge. There has been a significant difference in the life, energy, attitude and performance from this team during the last two games. What’s more, I have been on the edge of my seat, smiling, clapping and having fun, and I hope you are as well.
- In the end, I hope the Mets are starting to believe in themselves, because that’s what has been missing.
- Jay Horwitz, keep that orange jacket on, buddy. Sleep in it if you have to, just don’t take it off.
The Mets take on the Dodgers in the first game of a four-game series at Shea Stadium tomorrow, with Claudio Vargas facing Brad Penny, starting at 7:10 pm.
