Here's the new recap style. Enjoy.
Johan Santana earned his 10th win as the Mets barely squeaked by the lowly Nationals by a score of 4-3.
Pitching Performance
Santana threw another solid start, and this time around, the bullpen actually help and saved a win for him and the Mets. Johan was on the bump for seven strong innings, even though he lacked his A-game tonight. He allowed eight hits and three earned runs, walked two and struck out six. Two runs came in the first against Santana, and the other came on a pinch-hit solo home run in the seventh inning.
Overall, a very good effort from Santana, who let runners on but limited damage and kept his team in the game.
Joe Smith needed only 10 pitches to get through the 8th inning, even though he let up a lead off single. Smith got Lastings Milledge and Jesus Flores to strikes out on three straight pitches, and needed only another three to finish off Ronnie Belliard on a ground out to second
When Austin Kearns singled to lead off the second, I thought it was all over, but Smith bounced back admirably. Well done.
Pedro Feliciano was the man called upon to close out the game for the Mets, and he did a spectacular job. Feliciano retired the side in order, striking out the last two batters to face him.
I thought Feliciano would only pitch to the first batter, but he stayed in and Eddie Kunz stayed in the bullpen. It worked and that's all that matters.
Offensive Output
The Mets got multiple hits from Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran.
Beltran picked up three hits, leading the team, doubling twice in his first two at bats. Wright also picked up a two-bagger, scoring twice.
Carlos Delgado had the big hit, driving in two runs in the top of the first inning.
Damion Easley was the hero, as he was the lucky man to get plunked in the head, which drove in the eventual winning run in the top of the 8th inning.
Nothing spectacular from the Mets tonight, but they did just enough to scrape by the terrible Nationals.
The Rest Of The Story
Fernando Tatis looks to be coming back down to Earth...in a hurry. 0-3, 2 K's.
Ramon Castro doesn't seem to be totally healed, and it's showing at the plate. Still manages to call a great game from behind the dish.
The first three runs for the Mets all came with two outs. How surprising is that??
Game Ball: Johan Santana
