Mets (47-44) vs.Giants (39-52)
John Maine (8-6, 3.91) vs. Barry Zito (4-12, 5.73)
The Mets extended their winning streak to five straight games yesterday with their second straight shutout of the Giants. But as the Mets look to go for number six and the sweep they learned they will continue to be with out Moises Alou, who left his rehab start with a cramping hamstring.
Another Met who experienced cramping was John Maine left his last start with cramping in his left forearm after allowing three runs and one hit over 5 2/3 innings against the Phillies. It was the second time this season Maine has had cramping issues He had them in his right arm on April 26 in Atlanta. Maine has not pitched past the seventh inning since May 7.
Barry Zito won his previous start by dominating for most of seven innings. He allowed two runs in the first inning, and cruised from there, winning his first home start of 2008. Zito retired 13 consecutive Dodgers at one point and has had quality starts in two of his past three outings.
Joseph Staszewski takes you through today's afternoon affair as the Mets look to inch closer to first place in the NL East.
Top of the First: Maine retires the first two batters, walks the next two, but gets out of the inning.
Bottom of the First: Mets get just a walk by David Wright.
Top of the Second: Maine strikes out the side and Giants strand a one out walk.
Bottom of the Second: Mets leave Tatis at second after a lead-off double.
Top of the Third: Maine retires the Giants in order.
Bottom of the Third: A. Reyes and Wright hit back to back singles. Beltran drives in Reyes with bloop over short. Tatis hits a two-run double into the gap in right center. Mets 3, Giants 0
Top of the Fourth: A wild pitch by Maine allows the Giants to score its first run of the series. John Bowker, who had doubled, scores from third. Mets 3, Giants 1
Bottom of the Fourth: Three walks help the Mets load the bases with two outs, but Beltran grounds out to third to end the inning.
Top of the Fifth: Maine walks two, including Zito, and Randy Winn scores both with a double down the left field line. Carlos Muniz comes in for Maine and gets the final out. Mets 3, Giants 3.
Bottom of the Fifth: Mets go in order.
Top of the Sixth: Muniz gets the next three Giants after a lead-off walk.
Bottom of the Sixth: Schneider walks. Pitcher Sergio Romo in with Ray Durham in a double switch. Aguila bunts Schneider to second. J. Reyes and A. Reyes both fly out.
Top of the Seventh: Scott Schoeneweis in and gets the Giants 1-2-3.
Bottom of the Sixth: Wright doubles down the left field line and Tatis hits a two-run homer to left center. Jack Taschner relieves Romo for the Giants. With two men on, Easley pinch hits for Schoeneweis and ground ones sharply to third, but the throw to first gets away. Evans scores. J. Reyes singles to center to score Schneider. Mets 7, Giants 3
Top of the Eight: Sanchez comes in. Giants get runners to second and third with two outs, but Alfonso hits into a double play.
Bottom of the Eight: Wright doubles with one out, but is left at third.
Top of the Ninth: Wagner pitches an easy 1-2-3 inning.
METS WIN 7-3
Comments (2)
Nice win today boys.....Hey Omar....Alou out for the year....More money well spent....A GM in a small mkt would be canned in a second for the Castillo and Alou signing alone.
Again, nothing but negative. So sick of it. Get off this site.