9/24/08

Thank you, Johan's broken bat

That broken bat may have changed the season.

One out, in the bottom of the fifth inning, Nick Evans on first and Johan Santana at the plate.

Santana swings at a pitch from Sean Marshall, breaks his bat, and knocks the ball past the pitcher and toward second base. Ronny Cedeno moves over to cover, but the bat and ball are traveling together towards second base.

Just as Cedeno seems ready to field the ball, and attempt to avoid the bat, the two object connect again, changing the direction of the ball, and making is nearly impossible for Cedeno to field it cleanly. Everybody is safe, Evans at second and Santana at first.

Jose Reyes then struck out for the second out of the inning. Luis Castillo worked a walk to load the bases, bringing David Wright to the plate with the bases loaded. He then punched a single into left field, driving in two runs and tying up the game.

Lucky? Yes. It's about time a little luck went the Mets way. It's not a black cat, but it may do.

Thank you, physics. Thank you, black bat. Thank you, baseball. Let's go Mets.