Game 52: Mets vs. Giants @ Shea Stadium

El Duque pitches tonight in his second game off of the DL.

The Good: After a shaky first inning, El Duque looked great through seven innings and earned the win. The offense also struck early by digging Hernandez out of an early hole and scoring four runs. Jose Reyes continues to show patience, steal bases (29), and deliver clutch hits. After Reyes was caught stealing for the fifth time this season in the second inning, Endy Chavez dropped down a two-out bunt for an rbi. That capped the scoring and Billy Wagner would close the game out for his thirteenth save.

The Bad: Carlos Beltran caught the latest injury bug by leaving the game early after a collision at first base. An MRI is scheduled for tomorrow.

Overall: Another series win. Bring on those Diamondbacks.

Notes: Ben Johnson looks good in the lineup.

Final Score: Mets 4, Giants 2. Record: 34-18.

Game 51: Mets vs. Giants @ Shea Stadium

After a thrilling walk-off win, the Mets send Tommy Glavine to the mound as he looks for win number 296.

The Good: Tom Glavine pitched good enough to win and Guillermo Mota returned from his 50 game suspension and looked great in his two innings of work.

The Bad: Glavine takes another tough loss by allowing three early runs which the Mets weren't able to recover from. It marked the first time all season the Mets have been shut out. The Mets made solid contact numerous times but did not find and open field. Barry Zito beat the Mets for the second time this season.

Overall: Can't win every game. Look for the series win tomorrow.

Final Score: Mets 0, Giants 3. Record: 33-18.

Game 50: Mets vs. Giants @ Shea Stadium

Oliver Perez takes on Giants phenom, Tim Lincecum, in tonight's series opener.

The Good: Oliver Perez overcame early trouble to pitch a gem. Lincecum was also as good as advertised. Down two runs after a Randy Winn leadoff homer and a Bengie Molina shot, Carlos Delgado turned on a two strike, high & tight fastball from Lincecum and deposited it over the right center field wall to tie the game. Carlos Beltran then doubled in Jose Reyes from first to put the Mets ahead by one run in the sixth inning. However, Perez would give that run right back when Dan Ortmeier lined a homer to right field to tie the game yet again. In the bottom of the ninth, David Wright came within a foot of ending the game with a homer to right field. The ball appeared to have bounced between Fred Lewis' glove and the top of the wall for a double. Julio Franco then seemed to win the game with a grounder up the middle but it was not meant to be as Omar Vizquel dove to his left, tossed the ball from his back to the second baseman, and recorded the final out of the inning on a barehanded grab by Kevin Frandsen. The game would remain tied until the twelfth inning when the Giants would score a run off of Joe Smith. With a runner on third and the infield drawn in, Randy Winn chopped a grounder to Carlos Delgado who tagged first base as his momentum sent him towards the foul line. He then spun around and fired home to LoDuca but Omar Vizquel would barely score ahead of the tag.

Finally, leading by one run in the bottom of the twelfth, Armando Benitez would take the mound for the Giants, but first had to hear massive boo's by the New York faithful. Jose Reyes would leadoff the inning with a 3-2 walk and would force Benitez to balk. This moved the runner to second base with Endy Chavez at the plate. Chavez would lay down a beautiful bunt to third and now the tying run was just ninety feet away. Carlos Beltran would then hit a Benitez offering back up the middle to the Giants second baseman and failed to score the runner. Now, the job would be left to Carlos Delgado as he stepped to the plate as the winning run. However, before he ever got a chance to swing the bat, Reyes faked a dash towards the plate and forced Benitez to balk yet again. Then, with the crowd already on their feet, Delgado drove a 2-2 offering from Benitez over the right field wall for another walk-off win. As Gary Cohen put it (quoting John Stearns), perhaps "the monster is now out of the cage."

The Bad: Oliver Perez pitched good enough to win and David Wright barely missed a walk-off of his own. He also failed to get a hit when he lined out with the bases loaded in the tenth inning. However, it was still a great ballgame to watch.

Overall: A great ballgame to watch and win. One of the most exciting games thus far.

2 Cents: That's the first time I've ever seen a run score on a late balk to tie a game. However, Reyes has forced a balk to score from third before, doing so in 2005. Furthermore, it also felt good to get a win off of Armando Benitez after the heartache he is responsible for causing in the past.

Final Score: Mets 5, Giants 4. Record: 33-17.

Game 49: Mets vs. Marlins @ Dolphin Stadium

Jorge Sosa looks to rebound and sweep the Marlins.

The Good: The offense, Beltran, Delgado, and Wright, got the job done once again. Jose Reyes and Damion Easley also added a few hits. Reyes, Wright, and even Delgado all stole a base. Julio Franco also caught a break during his slump by looping a hit for an rbi. Easley started in LF, overruling Paul LoDuca's offering to playing there. He said that Willie Randolph didn't believe he had ever played there. Sosa pitched decent through 5+ innings for the win, and Wagner came on to close for his twelfth save. Feliciano and Smith also continue to pitch well.

The Bad: Playing shorthanded is never fun. The Mets also left the bases loaded a couple of times. David Wright was picked off in the game for his first CS of 2007. However, he was not thrown out so he is still 10-10 in steals.

Overall: How sweep it is. Mets sweep the Marlins in Florida for the first time since 1993. With the Phillies sweep, they also go 4.5 up on Atlanta.

Notes: Wagner's save was his thirtieth successful save, a Mets record. The previous record was held by Armando Benitez at 28.

Final Score: Mets 6, Marlins 4. Record: 32-17.

Game 48: Mets vs. Marlins @ Dolphin Stadium

The Mets look to take the series with a second win against Florida tonight.

The Good: Dropped to the sixth spot in the order, Carlos Delgado smashed two home runs out of the ballpark tonight. Endy Chavez added three hits to the Met offense who scored seven runs. John Maine earned his first win in four starts and tied a career-high in strikeouts with eight. Ambiorix Burgos also pitched two hitless innings. After being hit by a pitch, Paul LoDuca stole his second base of the season.

The Bad: Carlos Gomez, filling in for injured Shawn Green, pulled up lame on his rbi single and left the game with an apparent hamstring strain.

Overall: Delgado and the Mets take the series and look for a sweep tomorrow.

Notes: Marlin shortstop Hanley Ramirez made the final out in the first, third, fifth and seventh innings.

Final Score: Mets 7, Marlins 2. Record: 31-17.

Game 47: Mets vs. Marlins @ Dolphin Stadium

El Duque returns!

The Good: Pedro Martinez is back in the building! He was seen clowning around in the dugout throughout tonight's battle against the Marlins. El Duque looked spectacular through seven innings, as did his counterpart Sergio Mitre. They both pitched seven shutout innings before the Mets scored in the eighth inning. Carlos Gomez came on to pinch run and promptly stole a base. He then scored on an error by Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo. Aaron Heilman would give up a run in the eighth inning but would record the win after the Mets came through in the ninth. Simply put, the Mets would send eleven batters to the plate and capped the scoring with an rbi single from Jose Reyes and a 430 foot triple by Carlos Beltran. However, not all went well in the ninth inning as Shawn Green would fracture his foot; he was later listed as day-to-day. Billy Wagner also came on in the ninth inning and gave up a meaningless run before closing out the win.

The Bad: Shawn Green's fracture and Heilman's inability during clutch situations.

Overall: Clutch win. The Braves loss also gives the Mets some breathing room.

2 Cents: It's great to see Pedro back with the club. He gives the Mets a huge confident boost with his return. El Duque's performance was also a masterpiece although his problems are always health related. Lastly, I hope Green's fracture isn't too serious, but now Carlos Gomez has a chance to grow a bit.

Final Score: Mets 6, Marlins 2. Record: 30-17.

Game 46: Mets vs. Braves @ Turner Field

Smoltz-Glavine III

The Good: The pitching staff gave the Mets a chance to win all night, Jose Reyes finally got a hit, and Paul LoDuca stole a base.

The Bad: The Braves pitched great, played great defense, and received LOTS OF HELP FROM THE UMPIRES! There was lots of "bad" to go around. To begin with, the Mets could not push any runs across or get anything going. With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, David Wright was called out on a third strike check-swing that was clearly not a swing. He would also be caught looking on a high strike in the eighth inning. Tom Glavine alse seemed to be getting squeezed all night long, much to his dismay. Finally, the last bad umpire call was the "safe" call at second base on a clear pickoff by Tom Glavine. The two Brave runs may not have scored had it not been for Carlos Delgado letting a first inning liner travel under his glove. In the ninth inning, the Mets had the tying run in scoring position but could not push it across. Even so, the Mets had their opportunities and the Braves deserve credit where it's due.

Overall: The Mets had plenty of chances but could not capitalize. Even though it was a series loss, the Braves only gain one game and still remain one and a half games back in the standings.

Notes: John Smoltz won tonight for his 200th career victory. With the win, he becomes the first pitcher in major league history to record 200 wins and 150 saves. The Mets got "web-gemmed" about five times tonight. In other news, El Duque is schedule to return to the team and pitch in tomorrow's game against Florida.

Final Score: Mets 1, Braves 2. Record: 29-17.

Game 45: Mets vs. Braves @ Turner Field

Oliver Perez searches for his third defeat of the Braves this season.

The Good: Perez was brilliant through seven innings and David Wright hit his eighth home run of the season. Wright's homers have all come this month. Jose Reyes added a stolen base and Carlos Gomez had a sac fly rbi. Billy Wagner would close the game out for the Mets with his 12th save of the year.

The Bad: Carlos Delgado was dropped down to the sixth spot in the order but that can be seen as a good thing.

Overall: Clean, solid win.

Notes: With tonight's win, Perez is tied for the NL lead.

Final Score: Mets 3, Braves 0. Record: 29-16.

Game 44: Mets vs. Braves @ Turner Field

Jorge Sosa looks to go 4-0 on the season.

The Good: Paul LoDuca's three hits and Ambiorix Burgos' two shutout innings.

Th Bad: Jorge Sosa was hit pretty hard for his first loss of the season. Even Kyle Davies took the Mets deep with a long three-run shot to center.

Overall: Still can't beat the Braves or Kyle Davies.

2 Cents: In my opinion, Delgado's first inning double play really set the tone for the Mets and gave the Braves some confidence. However, I'm not really sure if it would have mattered but it might have given Sosa a boost as well.

Notes: The Mets announced their opening of a new state-of-the-art training academy in the Dominican Republic.

Final Score: Mets 1, Braves 8. Record: 28-16.

Game 43: Mets vs. Yankees @ Shea Stadium

John Maine looks for his sixth win and a Mets sweep against Yankee rookie Tyler Clippard.

The Good: David Wright's rocket home run to right and Damion Easley's homer off of Mariano Rivera. Paul LoDuca also racked up a few hits.

The Bad: The game turned on a bloop hit by Johnny Damon that Shawn Green couldn't catch up to. The Mets had a chance to break the game open on a bases loaded, 3-1 pitch to Reyes but he popped the ball to left. The Mets also made Yankee starter, Tyler Clippard, look like Cy Young.

Overall: Kind of puts a damper on a good weekend, but the Mets still won the series.

2 Cents: Shawn Green has been great with the bat all year but his play in the outfield has really cost the Mets on various occassions. Tough loss but give the Yanks credit for battling.

Notes: El Duque may be able to come back next weekend to face the Marlins if he feels good after a scheduled bullpen session.

Final Score: Mets 2, Yankees 6. Record: 28-15.

Game 42: Mets vs. Yankees @ Shea Stadium

Mets look for the series win with Tom Glavine on the mound.

The Good: The Mets scored plenty of runs to win but almost blew it because of some foolish decisions. David Wright and Endy Chavez highlighted the day - Wright had two home runs, one off of Damon's glove, and Chavez collected four hits. There were also lots of stolen bases.

However, it was an Endy Chavez caught stealing that cost the Mets a run when Beltran hit a ball within a foot of a home run that ended the inning rather than plated a run. Julio Franco would add two insurance runs in the eighth by plating two runs after Robinson Cano went deep into the hole and threw the ball off of his foot for his third error of the game. Leaving Tom Glavine in after 95 pitches was also questionable as well as leaving Schoeneweis in. However, the Mets held on to win the game and give Glavine his 295th win.

The Bad: The few decisions described above and Wagner's first shaky outing.

Overall: Today's win gives the Mets another series win, some ground in the standings, and a chance for a sweep with this season's ace pitching in John Maine.

Notes: Willie Randolph spoke at Fordham University's graduation prior to today's ballgame. Otherwise, concerning today's game, the only real problem I saw was the treatment of David Wright. Although they were smart moves by Joe Torre, it seemed a little unfair based on the "unwritten rules" of baseball to intentionally walk David Wright after his first two homers. If this is the biggest thing you have to complain about, it was a good day.

Final Score: Mets 10, Yankees 7. Record: 28-14.

Game 41: Mets vs. Yankees @ Shea Stadium

Oliver Perez will once again step into a playoff-like atmosphere to take on Andy Pettitte and the Yankees.

The Good: Endy Chavez got the game started with a bang by gunning out Johnny Damon on the first play. Wright also had a nice defensive grab with a full extension leaping grab. Chavez would also cap the offensive production by homering to right in the fifth to take the lead. Paul LoDuca was once again a key component of tonight's win by collecting two timely hits. Joe Smith would come on in the eighth to strike out Derek Jeter and Billy Wagner would shut the door in the ninth for his tenth save.

The Bad: Offense lacking a bit but nothing big to worry about.

Overall: Great game, great win.

Notes: It's looks like Oliver Perez is coming around; big plus for the Mets. If he can find any kind of consistency, it will be a great pick up for Omar Minaya and the Mets. Slowly, but surely, he seems to be coming around. Tonight's win was the eighth in ten games for the Mets.

Final Score: Mets 3, Yankees 2. Record: 27-14.

Game 40: Mets vs. Cubs @ Shea Stadium

Only a few hours after their last game ended, the Mets look to take the four game set from the Cubs. Jason Vargas gets the call from AAA New Orleans.

The Good: Jose Reyes was seen bouncing around in the dugout and Vargas looked great through five. Jose Reyes, Paul LoDuca, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Damion Easley received some much needed rest. Ambiorix Burgos looked good in what seemed to be garbage time. Soon after he finished the Cubs off in the eighth inning, the Mets would get to work. A leadoff hit by Dave Newhan got the Mets started in the ninth. Ramon Castro almost snuck one into right field but Dave Newhan barely got back to first to avoid being doubled off. Carlos Gomez then advanced Newhan to third with a poke into right center. Carlos Beltran would pinch hit and would promptly draw a full-count walk. Thereafter, Endy Chavez would also reach via the free pass and the score was 5-2 with the winning run at the plate. The lefty, Scott Eyre, would come on to pitch for the Cubs and David Wright would deliver a hard single into center field in his first career pinch-hit appearance. With the tying run ninety feet away, the struggling Carlos Delgado stepped to the plate. On a 1-0 pitch, Carlos grounded a slow roller to second JUST past Ryan Theriot into right field. The winning run would come around to score from second and just like that the Mets would steal one from the Cubs. The win was very reminiscent of the five-run outburst against Curt Schilling and the Phillies in 1999 (John Olerud singled to left and Roger Cedeno came around to score as he furiously pimped his fist at home).

The Bad: The Mets never got much going with the bats which really wasn't a surprise. Consider the following lineup:

E. Chavez CF - Leadoff single, stolen base, scored early tying run, walk, and played good defense.
R. Gotay SS - Started at short and made up for early DP with 2 rbi. Scored the game-winning run.
S. Green RF - Racked up a few more hits but could not drive in any important runs; played good defense.
C. Delgado 1B - Continues to look terrible. Killed the only met rally by GIDP.
J. Franco 3B - Is beginning to look his age. However, played good defense at 3b.
D. Newhan 2B - Not the norm at 2b but had a few hits to go along with his ugly error.
R. Castro C - Not a good day with the bat.
C. Gomez LF - Good defense again and an opposite field hit in the ninth.
J. Vargas P - Looked good through five before the wheels fell off.

Overall: Bring on the Yankees.

Notes: Moises Alou was placed on the DL to make room for Vargas. Ramon Castro was basically punched in the head on one of the home plate umpire's strike three calls; Castro laughed it off. Willie Randolph ended up making great moves by leaving Ruben Gotay in the ballgame to bat for himself in the ninth inning. That may turn out to be a major confidence booster for him. Soon thereafter, he inserted David Wright to pinch hit for Shawn Green and he promptly delivered a single. Most importantly, he also managed to give Jose Reyes a full day off. Personally, I thought something bad was bound to happen with Delgado at the plate but he proved me wrong as he delivered in the clutch - as he always does. Basehit to right field "and the Mets win it!!!"

Final Score: Mets 6, Cubs 5. Record: 26-14.

Game 39: Mets vs. Cubs @ Shea Stadium

Trying to fight through the rain, the Mets look for the lead in the series.

The Good: Jorge Sosa had another great outing, pitching seven-plus innings of shutout ball. Once again, the bullpen allowed his runners to score. Damion Easley hit yet another home run while David Wright's hot bat remains productive. He also stole his eighth base of the year, not having been thrown out yet. Carlos Delgado also swiped his first stolen base in five years on the back end of a double steal with Carlos Beltran. Everyone in the lineup seems to have contributed in tonight's win. Carlos Gomez also collected two hits, and it would have been three had he not been robbed on a great play by Aramis Ramirez. Gomez collected the first rbi of his career.

The Bad: Jose Reyes left the game in the eighth inning with what appeared to be a tight hamstring. He was removed immediately and is listed as day-to-day. Without Reyes, the Mets are not the same team.

Overall: After more than a three hour wait, it's good for the Mets to pull this one out and jump back into first place.

Notes: The Mets became the first team in Major League history to start three "Carlos'" in a lineup.

Final Score: Mets 8, Cubs 1. Record: 25-14.

Game 38: Mets vs. Cubs @ Shea Stadium

Mets-Cubs II, Maine vs. Zambrano.

The Good: Not much aside from Shawn Green's homer.

The Bad: John Maine's first loss and a horrible day for the bullpen.

Overall: Take it like a man and move on right along.

Final Score: Mets 1, Cubs 10. Record: 24- 14.

Game 37: Mets vs. Cubs @ Shea Stadium

Fresh off a great matchup vs. Milwaukee, the Mets continue battling the NL Central vs. the Cubs.

The Good: Tom Glavine didn't have his best stuff but battled. The Mets overcame a 4-0 deficit. A D. Wright two-run homer barely over the right field wall, a clutch double down the left field line for Paul LoDuca, and a clutch Damion Easley sac fly scored the four Met runs. Damion Easley also had a nice pick in the 8th inning. Reyes stole two bases, his 22nd and 23rd, respectively, and the bullpen was great. With two outs in the 9th, Jose Reyes singled to center field and stole second on a pitchout. Wright followed with a walk, Beltran was pitched around, and Delgado fought through a ten-pitch at bat for a walkoff walk.

The Bad: A day after I praised the Met outfield, their shotty play put the Mets in a four run hole. Glavine didn't get the win.

Overall: A great comeback win vaults the Mets back into first place.

Fnal Score: Mets 5, Cubs 4. Record: 24-13.

Game 36: Mets vs. Brewers @ Shea Stadium

The Good: Oliver Perez came within two outs of a shutout before allowing a home run. He pitched 8+ innings, struck out six, and delivered a sac bunt, a near-bunt basehit, scored from first on a double, and a two out rbi. Carlos Gomez, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Gomez. The kid played smooth defense, collected a hit in his first at bat, hit the ball the other way, stole a base, and made a diving web gem. Endy Chavez, Carlos Beltran, and Carlos Gomez probably teamed up to be the best fielding outfield in Mets history. Damion Easley hit another home run in the firt inning, David Wright had a couple of hits, and Carlos Beltran hit a home run off the right foul pole in today's beauty of a game. Jose Reyes also stole his 21st base to go along with Wright's three steals (first off Capuano since last year - the Mets had three).

The Bad: The Mets keep struggling to score leadoff doubles. Moises Alou may go on the D.L. after his strained quadricep.

Overall: Even though the Mets have never had a perfect game, they played about as perfect as you can on Mother's Day 2007.

2 Cents: Great start to Carlos Gomez's career. Many questioned his speed, but after today's showing, we can see his natural talent. The kid can also play defense. Hopefully, it pans out to a great career. Oliver Perez also continues to make great strides. Personally, today's outfield was the most flawless I've ever seen in a Mets game. It also feels good to beat the best team in the league, thus far. Winning series' is what makes great teams.

Final Score: Mets 9, Brewers 1. Record: 23-13.

Game 35: Mets vs. Brewers @ Shea Stadium

Ben Sheets opposes struggling Mike Pelfrey in today's 1:10 start.

The Good: In the fifth inning, the Mets got something going against a dominant Ben Sheets. A Shawn Green triple led to three runs which was capped off by Dave Newhan's pinch-hit two run homer. Pedro Feliciano also came on in the seventh inning to relieve Aaron Sele out of a jam. He threw five pitches to record a double play and a strikeout. However, that's as close as the Mets would get as the wheels fell off in the eighth inning when they couldn't score a baserunner and allowed five runs. Three of those were allowed by Joe Smith, his first earned runs allowed in the big leagues.

The Bad: Mike Pelfrey allows early runs again, the Mets do not hit when he starts, shotty defense, and foolish decisions cost the Mets through the first four innings.

Overall: As is often done with prospects, it's beginning to look like Mike Pelfrey was overhyped. Personally, I don't think he'll ever be an elite pitcher but his size, velocity, and track record show promise. I'm not too big on his "stuff," and believe that he, as all young pitchers, has to figure out the strike zone before making progress.

Notes: Paul LoDuca started a day game after a night game for the second time this week and Ruben Gotay started in place of hot-hitting Damion Easley.

Final Score: Mets 3, Brewers 12. Record: 22-13.

Game 34: Mets vs. Brewers @ Shea Stadium

After a successful road trip, the Mets would return home to face the "National League's best team." Play Bald!

The Good: The Mets waited seven months to get their revenge off of Jeff Suppan as they knocked him around tonight. The Met buzzcuts seemed to work like a charm tonight as David Wright, Carlos Delgado, and Damion Easley all smashed the ball out of the park. Paul Lo Duca threw out his tenth runner out of ten tries, and Jose Reyes stole his twentieth base. Jorge Sosa also won his second start of the year with 6.2 innings pitched. Billy Wagner came on for his ninth save of the year - he seems to be fulfilling his goal of throwing fewer pitches this year.

The Bad: The Mets saved their hits for certain innings and Aaron Heilman is back to giving up home runs after retiring 16 straight. Moises Alou missed a home run by less than a foot in the Mets fourth inning scoring surge.

Overall: A good, solid win. Not really a statement for the Mets as many probably see this series more important for Milwaukee.

Notes: Tonight's game only took two hours and 18 minutes to play.

Final Score: Mets 5, Brewers 4. Record: 22-12.

Game 33: Mets vs. Giants @ AT&T Park

John Maine takes to the mound today looking to improve his record to 6-0.

The Good: Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Ruben Gotay hit his first home run as a Met in the thid inning. Carlos Delgado is looking better at the plate - he hit a fourth inning homer into McCovey Cove and later drove in the tying run in the 8th inning (a perfect hit into the shift that allowed Beltran to score from first). Aaron Heilman took a much-needed win which will hopefully boost his confidence. Julio Franco delivered another pinch-hit in the seventh inning. David Wright also seems to be getting better at the plate as he drove in the game-winning runs with a bases loaded double in the ninth inning off formet Met Armando Benitez. Billy Wagner then saved his 8th game of the season.

The Bad: Not much to dwell on. Maine wasn't as sharp but pitched well enough to win. Would rather see dominant wins, but good teams come back.

Overall: After losing the opener of the series, the Mets came back to win the series.

Final Score: Mets 5, Giants 3. Record: 21-12.

Game 32: Mets vs. Giants @ AT&T Park

Battle of the aces tonight as Tom Glavine faces Matt Cain.

The Good: Glavine good again as he notched his 294th win, allowing only a home run to Barry Bonds. The Mets got on the board quickly in the first inning by scoring three runs on hits by David Wright and Carlos Beltran. Alou would add a sac fly. Paul LoDuca would add three hits from the seventh spot in the order and Reyes would triple in the second to score him as the Mets fourth run. Billy Wagner came on to close out the game for his 7th save of the year.

The Bad: Bats kind of shut off after the first inning but they won anyway.

Overall: Good win to right the ship. Also good to see Moises Alou back in the lineup.

Notes: Most of the team, except for Jose Reyes and Aaron Sele, got their heads buzzed by Carlos Beltran before the game. John Maine turned 26. The Pirates beat the Cubs in 15 innings.

Final Score: Mets 4, Giants 1. Record: 20-12.

Game 31: Mets vs. Giants @ AT&T Park

Oliver Perez would look to build upon his recent success as he took the mound to face the Giants.

The Good: Perez looked great through four innings. Then, an arguable ball four, a questionable home run call, and two inning ending errors by Damion Easley and Shawn Green cost him the game. Regardless of the deficit, the Mets pushed some runs across on hits by Shawn Green and Ruben Gotay. Too little, too late.

The Bad: The Met blunders would cost them greatly as the Giants would score nine runs in the fifth inning. Bengie Molina would highlight the inning with two home runs. Omar Vizquel also chose a good night to be a thief as he robbed the Mets of multiple hits.

Overall: A promising start turned bad. Tough break. It was also annoying to see Barry Zito dominate the Mets.

Final Score: Mets 4, Giants 9. Record: 19-12.

Game 30: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Chase Field

The 0-3 Mike Pelfrey would try to turn things around against Livan Hernandez.

The Good: Mike Pelfrey pitched well enough to win. Jose Reyes would steal his major-league leading 19th base.

The Bad: Mike Pelfrey lost once again, dropping his record to 0-4. If he can only find a way to keep the opposing team off the scoreboard early, it would do him wonders. Ruben Gotay probably tried a bit too hard to get on the highlight reel tonight. The Mets were without Paul LoDuca, Carlos Beltran, and Moises Alou.

Overall: The Mets had to lose sooner or later in Arizona. The Met loss ending their 13-game winning streak at Chase Field. Tip your hat to Livan Hernandez, who pitched a heck of a ballgame.

Final Score: Mets 1, Diamondbacks 4. Record: 19-11.

Game 29: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Chase Field

Recent minor-league addition, Jorge Sosa, would try to showcase some of his untapped talent.

The Good: Sosa pitched a great ballgame, allowing only two runs after he had been taken out of the game. Shawn Green continued to thrive in Arizona by hitting another home run and driving in three runs. Carlos Delgado also continuss to fight his early season slump - he collected two hits, two walks, and scored two runs.

The Bad: Not much to complain about - would have liked to see Sosa's inherited runners get stranded, but a great start nonetheless.

Overall: Fourth straight win, 13th consecutive at Chase Field. Mets back in first.

Notes: Ambiorix Burgos was demoted to AAA New Orleans to make room for Sosa.

Final Score: Mets 6, Arizona 2. Record: 19-10.

Game 28: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Chase Field

Johnny Maine on the mound tonight looking for his 5th win. The opponent: Randy Johnson.

The Good: Julio Franco is just too good. Inserted for Carlos Delgado against the Big Unit, Franco would hit a two-run home run to spark the Mets. Paul Lo Duca would also hit his second home run of the season. Ambiorix Burgos and Billy Wagner would come on to close out the last three innings of the game. John Maine would strike out seven over six innings as he improved to 5-0 on the season.

The Bad: Moises Alou sat out this game but is expected back soon. Endy Chavez, his replacement, almost made a catch similar to the one he made last year in the NLCS vs. the Cardinals. This time, however, it was called a home run, although it was clear he brought the ball back. He also injured his ankle on the play but remained in the game.

Notes: Franco became the oldest player to hit a home run and also steal a base, breaking his own records.

Overall: The Mets win their 12th straight game in Arizona. The Mets remain tied for first place in the NL East.

Final Score: Mets 5, Diamondbacks 3. Record: 18-10.

Game 27: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Chase Field

Glavine's quest continues.

The Good: Glavine solid again. Carlos Beltran hit a moonshot to right center field in this game, depositing the ball into the Diamondback diamond club. Good defense once again. Damion Easley is showing why Minaya added him to the Met bench this season. A few games after his game-tying ninth inning homer vs. Colorado, Easley hit a three-run shot to put the Mets up 5-4 in this game. The inning started with an out and was followed by a Tony Clark error and a Lo Duca walk. On 0-2 to Easley, the "hit man" mashed the Jose Valverde offering to deep center field. David Wright would go on to hit another three-run jack in the inning, his second this week.

The Bad: Aaron Heilman. Moises Alou also left the game with swelling in his left knee.

Notes: Glavine struck out the 2,500th hitter of his career for 28th all-time. Chan Ho Park was sent back to the minor leagues.

Overall: Great game to steal. The Mets continue to dominate in Arizona.

Final Score: Mets 9, Diamondbacks 4. Record: 17-10.

Game 26: Mets vs. Marlins @ Shea Stadium

Oliver Perez would try to start a win streak for the Mets in the series finale.

The Good: The Mets finally got some clutch hits for a win. Ruben Gotay would drive in a run in his first at bat as a Met with a hit to right field. Carlos Beltran and Endy Chavez would also contribute with the bat. Oliver Perez continued to show shades of 2004 as he struck out 10 batter over 5+ innings for the win. Billy Wagner would come on for the save.

The Bad: At-em' balls.

Overall: Feels good to get back in the win column. On to the west coast!

Notes (as written on Yahoo): "Reyes was chosen NL player of the month for April, and Mets RHP John Maine got the honors for NL pitchers. Reyes hit .356 with 26 runs and led the majors with 17 steals entering Wednesday. Maine went 4-0, and his 1.35 ERA led the majors for the month. The tandem became the first Mets teammates to win the awards since Dwight Gooden and Gary Carter in September 1985. "It's even better to share this with a teammate," Reyes said."

Final Score: Mets 6, Marlins 3. Record: 16-10.

Game 25: Mets vs. Marlins @ Shea Stadium

Mike Pelfrey on the hill tonight as he looks for some consistency.

The Good: Aside from the three-run first inning, Pelfrey looked great. Joe Smith continues to dominate. David Wright finally showed signs of life by hitting his first home run of the season. He collected three hits and barely missed a second homer.

The Bad: Heilman continues to struggle and cost the Mets games, . The Mets tried to cut a three run deficit but could not tie the game. Heilman would blow any chance of a comeback by allowing two runs to score. Carlos Beltran was robbed of a deep drive to center and the Mets had two runs gunned down at the plate.

Overall: In their last five home games against the Marlins, the Mets are 0-5.

Final Score: Mets 5, Marlins 2. Record: 15-10.

Game 24: Mets vs. Marlins @ Shea Stadium

On a day of mourning Cardinal pitcher Josh Hancock's death, MLB would play ball.

The Good: The Mets battled real hard but could not get a hit to put them over the hump.

The Bad: A week after winning a game for us, Damion Easley used this one to give it right back. After Jose Valentin was placed on the DL, Easley opened the floodgates by not catching a two-out line drive to him that started the scoring. He also struck out in a key spot. David Wright continues to struggle with the bat. Chan Ho Park pitched better than it looked but shotty defense cost the Mets the game.

Overall: Take the good with the bad and go get 'em tomorrow.

Final Score: Mets 6, Marlins 9. Record: 15-9.