postGame: Phillies 3 Mets 2
The Mets (42–44) lost to the Phillies (48–39) by the score of 3 to 2 in Philadelphia tonight.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.
However, in case you missed it, know that Johan Santana looked great, but, for some bizarre reason, was removed by Jerry Manuel after the eighth inning, despite having thrown just 95 pitches while letting up just two runs and six base runners. Naturally, though he struck out Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell, Duaner Sanchez let up a double to Pedro Feliz and then a walk-off single to Shane Victorino to end the game.
What’s worse, the Phillies were freakishly pumped up following the win, leaving me quite worried right now.
In the fifth, the Mets sent up eight batters, but managed to only score two runs, leaving the bases loaded on a strike out by Carlos Beltran. In the first, Jose Reyes was able to reach third base with just one out, but David Wright and Beltran both popped out. In the ninth, Brad Lidge needed just five pitches to retire Damion Easley, Ryan Church and Marlon Anderson.
Santana has a 2.48 ERA in his last six starts, during which the Mets are 0–6 while averaging just two runs per game.
Honestly, I’m totally confused why Santana was pulled from the game. The only thing I can think of is that Santana struggled against Howard, Burrel and Feliz in their previous time up. But, still, given his pitch count and rhythm, and the fact that he’s ‘the ace,’ he should have remained in the game. That said, the offense should have blown this game wide open in the fifth, and they didn’t, and so they are equally to blame for this loss.
Eventually, Phillies or no Phillies, the Mets will have to win and get over .500 and, again, the clock is ticking.
The Mets continue their four-game series with the Phillies tomorrow in Philadelphia at 7:05 pm, with John Maine (8-6, 3.86 ERA) facing Jamie Moyer (7-6, 4.13 ERA).
