postGame: Mets 4 Nationals 3
The Mets (63–56) defeated the Nationals (44–76) by the score of 4 to 3 in Washington, D.C., tonight.
For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.
Go ahead, you can exhale now.
The Mets took a one-run lead in the top of the eighth, at which point, I swear, I could hear the wheels in Jerry Manuel’s head actually turning. But, Jose Smith retired three straight batters, after having let the first hitter of the inning reach base, and Pedro Feliciano set Washington down in order for the save, all while Manuel and Dan Warthen watched on with focused eyes, and Eddie Kunz warmed up in the bullpen. Well done, gentlemen. Way to ‘step up,’ as they say.
In the eighth, with the game tied, and the bases loaded, Damion Easley was grazed on the top of his helmet by a pitch, which brought home David Wright as the deciding run. It hit him, but, even if it hadn’t, Wright would have scored on what would have certainly been a wild pitch to the back stop.
Johan Santana did not look sharp, yet brilliantly managed to navigate through most of the game giving up just three runs in seven innings, despite letting 10 runners reach base.
Carlos Beltran was 3 for 4 with a run scored, and is looking much better, and smaller, at the plate.
L’Millz be the President.
Initially, I was a bit confused when I saw Dan Murphy out of the starting lineup, but, to his credit, Nick Evans was 1 for 3 with a walk, and he would have had a double had Willie Harris not made a sensational catch in left field.
The Mets continue their three-game series against the Nationals tomorrow night in DC, with John Maine (9-7, 4.13 ERA) taking on Jason Bergmann (2-8, 4.13 ERA).
