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.