Game 80: Mets vs. Phillies @ Citizens Bank Park

After sweeping yesterday's day-night doubleheader, the Mets send Jorge Sosa to the mound to take the series for the Mets.

The Good: After a serious scare in his first at-bat, in which he seemed to injured his right shoulder (while trying to avoid a bunt), Jose Reyes got the Met offense going with a base hit to center field. On the next pitch, Paul Lo Duca poked one over the left field wall for a quick two run lead. Shortly thereafter, Carlos Beltran would strike out but showed signs of his comfort level by waiting for his pitch, taking some tempting balls, and working a full count. David Wright followed by crushing a curveball to left center field on a monstrous home run. After that, Carlos Delgado dumped a double down the left field line and the Mets were set to break the game open. However, after a Damion Easley bloop, Shawn Green and Carlos Gomez would strike out to end the first inning. In the fifth inning, Carlos Beltran would go back to his power stroke by hitting another home run to left field for a 5-3 Met lead. A couple of innings later, Beltran would knock one out from the righ side of the plate for a 6-3 Met lead. For the second time in two games, Beltran collected two home runs. Finally, in the ninth inning, the Mets broke the game open. A Carlos Beltran single would force a Chase Utley error and also another run. An out later, David Wright would hit a sac fly to score Beltran for the tenth and final run of the game.

The Bad: Jorge Sosa looks shaky and came out of the game after his at bat in the sixth inning. After a hard bunt, he was forced to run out of the box to avoid being doubled up and pulled up with an apparent hamstring injury.

Overall: Good baseball.

Notes: Carlos Beltran made a key defensive play leading off the third inning when he went to deep center field to leap for a long drive by Jimmy Rollins. On Carlos Beltran's second home run, Aaron Rowand nearly made a touchdown-style catch by extending as far as he could over the center field wall; the ball caromed off of his glove.

2 Cents: In a disturbing, yet interesting, statistic provided by FOX, Scott Schoeneweis' e.r.a. at home is over nine while his e.r.a. on the road is zero. Carlos Beltran finished with four hits, tying a career high, and also homered from both sides of the plate for the fifth time in his career. He is proving to be the catalyst in the Met offense during this recent win streak.

Memories of the Month: The Mets June swoon, Roger Clemens' comeback, the Mets back-to-back-to-back jacks (in the Mets "turning point game"), the Mets walkoff wins, Reyes' forced balks, Carlos Gomez's first homer, the Zambrano-Barrett melee, Ken Griffey Jr's 2007 resurrection (leading All-Star vote getter), Sammy Sosa's 600th home run, the night that included Frank Thomas' 500th homerun; Craig Biggio's 3,000th hit; and three crazy walk-off wins, Barry Bonds inching closer to 755 (while making the All-Star squad), the unfortunate Chris Benoit incident, and the end of the Greg Oden-Kevin Durant draft pick status.

Final Score: Mets 10, Phillies 2. Record: 46-33.

Game 79: Mets vs. Phillies @ Citizens Bank Park

With a win already in their pocket, the Mets look to sweep the day-night doubleheader with John Maine on the mound.

The Good: John Maine pitched 8+ innings and looked spectacular yet again. After getting on the board with Shawn Green scoring on a wild pitch, Carlos Beltran provided a spark by hitting home runs in the third and fifth innings. In the seventh inning, Damion Easley would drive in David Wright with a two run homer of his own. Shawn Green, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Gomez all stole a base in tonight's game. Lastly, although Wagner wasn't as effective his second time around, he still got the job done and recorded his second save of the day.

The Bad: Delgado couldn't carry his first game performance into the night cap but still drew two walks. Also, John Maine could not close out the game for the second time this season.

Overall: The Mets came through with a win against Cole Hamels and you really couldn't ask for a better performance.

Notes: Billy Wagner recorded two saves in today's doubleheader sweep. The two Met wins give them a five game lead in the NL East standings.

2 Cents: John Maine continues to rev himself up for big games and pitched another gem tonight. With his latest performance, the only thing preventing him from going to this years All-Star Game may be the team representation rule. After being swept by the Phillies earlier this month, today's sweep may prove to be a statement game for the Mets.

Final Score: Mets 5, Phillies 2. Record: 45-33.

Game 78: Mets vs. Phillies @ Citizens Bank Park

Time to get some payback against the Phillies. El Duque on the mound in the first game of the doubleheader.

The Good: In the second inning, Carlos Delgado got the Mets going with a flick of the wrists that sent a two run homer over the center field wall. Jose Reyes then opened a 3-1 lead on the Phils by homering over the right center field wall. With two outs in the fourth inning, Ramon Castro drove in a run with a double to left and that was followed by an El Duque single to left field. Castro would chug around the bases and would score by belly flopping onto home plate. Ricky Ledee would then score the fifth run for the Mets on a wild pitch. After the bullpen made it interesting from the sixth inning on, Billy Wagner came on in the ninth inning to ice the game for his sixteenth save.

The Bad: Jose Reyes gets caught stealing for the eleventh time this season. Aaron Heilman continues with his shaky performances. Guillermo Mota has also been unimpressive since his return.

Overall: What a way to show grit and perserverance. One down, one to go.

Notes: David Wright continues to rack up stolen bases with his seventeenth theft of the year. Pat Burrell kills the Mets yet again.

Final Score: Mets 6, Phillies 5. Record: 44-33.

Game 77: Mets vs. Cardinals @ Shea Stadium

The Mets/Cards finale gets rained out due to tonight's severe thunderstorms. The game has yet to be rescheduled. From here, the Mets head to Philadelphia for a four game set with the Phillies. Tomorrow's matinee includes a day-night doubleheader with El Duque and John Maine going for the Mets.

Game 76: Mets vs. Cardinals @ Shea Stadium

Tom Glavine looks for win 297 in tonight's start vs. the Cardinals.

The Good: The Mets get a rained-out win, Glavine gets win #297, David Wright provides the offense with a homer off the scoreboard, and Carlos Gomez caps the highlight reel with a full speed leaping grab against the wall in left field.

The Bad: Not much.

Overall: Take it.

Notes: Tom Glavine recorded the first Met "complete game" of the year and almost threw the first Met *no-hitter* in history.

2 Cents: Some good luck is finally on the Mets side with tonight's win. How sweet would it be for Carlos Beltran to hit Adam Wainwright's curveball tomorrow night?

Final Score: Mets 2, Cardinals 0. Record: 43-33.

Game 75: Mets vs. Cardinals @ Shea Stadium

Oliver Perez looks for win number eight in tonight's game against the Cards.

The Good: After falling behind early, Carlos Beltran would drive in Jose Reyes with a double in the first inning. However, they would not get anything else until the eighth inning when Paul Lo Duca would hit his fourth home run of the season to lead off the inning. That home run brought the Mets within a run heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. The former Met, Jason Isringhausen, would come on to close the game for the Cardinals and was throwing filthy stuff to the first two batters. However, Shawn Green would battle to get on base and would draw a walk to bring the game-winning run to the plate. Down to their last strike, Willie Randolph would put Shawn Green in motion and Jose Valentin would lace a double down the right field line. With Green already on the go and the right fielder (Juan Encarnacion) bobbling the ball, the Mets had risen from the dead to tie the game. Jose Valentin would get caught up in between second and third but would make it to third on another Cardinal bobble. Ricky Ledee would pinch hit for Carlos Gomez and would draw a walk. Unfortunately for the Mets, Julio Franco has begun to look his age and would fail to score the game winning run.

The Bad: Scott Schoeneweis continues to be terrible and cost the Mets the game tonight. At least he didn't walk Brandan Ryan to lead off the eleventh inning. Ryan would turn a 3-2 fastball around for his first career home run. Even so, I'm inclined to think that if you asked Jose Valentin about tonight's game, he would take full responsibility for the loss (two more key mistakes)

Overall: Heartbreaker.

2 Cents: What's up with Valentin lately? Schoeneweis sucks. At least Valentin's hit took Oliver Perez off the hook.

Final Score: Mets 3, Cardinals 5. Record: 42-33.

Game 74: Mets vs. Cardinals @ Shea Stadium

The Cards are back in town in a rematch of last season's NLCS.

The Good: Jorge Sosa pitched six great innings of one run ball. Carlos Gomez provided an early run for the Mets with his second home run of the year during the third inning. Heading into the eleventh inning, the game would remain scoreless as Shawn Green stepped to the plate. After taking a pitch right down the middle, Shawn Green would crush a mammoth home run off of the right field scoreboard to give the Mets a thrilling walkoff win.

The Bad: David Wright is finally caught stealing, Jorge Sosa doesn't earn the win, and the Mets don't score/hit much off of the new Cardinal Mike Maroth.

Overall: Another great walkoff win.

Notes: Prior to the game, Willie Randolph announced that he will not participate as a coach in next month's All-Star Game because of shoulder surgery on his throwing arm. After Gomez watched his home run travel over the fence, Willie Randolph was seen whispering in his ear in what was most likely some instruction of attitude. He also confronted David Wright over Wright's first caught stealing of the season during the eighth inning. Wright and Randolph would go back and forth in what was an apparent showcase of differing opinions.

2 Cents: The bullpen looked good again with Billy Wagner holding the fort down with his two innings pitched. It's good to see the Mets turning things around with this recent winning streak. It has also been good to see Shawn Green resurrect his career and is so far proving those early-season doubters wrong. His home run tonight seemed like his longest as a Met and was a great peice of hitting to prove he still has some game left.

Final Score: Mets 2, Cardinals 1. Record: 42-32.

Game 73: Mets vs. Athletics @ Shea Stadium

Time to look for a sweep as the Mets send this season's ace to the mound in John Maine.

The Good: After Maine set the side down in order in the first, Jose Reyes would drop a double down the right field line and would take third after Jack Cust's error would sail into left field. From there on, Reyes got on his horse and would come around to score the first run of the ball game. The Mets would add another run in the bottom of the second as John Maine collected his first career rbi by driving in Jose Valentin with a sacrifice fly. Thereafter, in the third inning, Damion Easley would tack on a few more runs by doubling to deep center field to score Paul Lo Duca and David Wright. Much like the first three innings, the Mets would add another run in the fourth when Carlos Gomez scored on a Jose Reyes single. Things would remain quiet until the bottom of the seventh inning when Jose Valentin hit a three run home run, his third of the season, to score Shawn Green and Carlos Beltran. The Mets would then score their tenth run in the eighth inning when Carlos Beltran singled to left to score Julio Franco and Jose Reyes.

The Bad: John Maine got a little careless after he was given a lead but he buckled down to earn his eighth win of the game.

Overall: Great performance during the weekend sweep. Hopefully, a sign of things to come.

2 Cents: Great sweep. Good to see Reyes and Beltran showcasing their speed. Beltran seems to be settling into a good groove at the plate.

Final Score: Mets 10, A's 2. Record: 41-32.

Game 72: Mets vs. Athletics @ Shea Stadium

On a beautiful saturday night made for baseball, the Mets seek their first win streak in quite some time. El Duque must beat Joe Blanton in order to do so.

The Good: Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez pitched a great game and dug himself out of trouble when he needed to. Taking five extra minutes to leave the bullpen, Hernandez started a bit slow and gave up some bloop hits before settling down. He would pitch seven innings and threw the most pitches he has thrown all season. However, he had a no decision to show for his effort. The highlight of the game occurred when he struck out Eric Chavez on a 3-2, 53 mph Eephus pitch in the sixth inning. With the go-ahead run on second in the bottom half of the inning, Paul Lo Duca absolutely lost it on a called second strike and ended up being ejected for his actions. He would furiously confront the umpires with the "crazy eye" look and ended up tossing his equipment onto the field before leaving the field. Following the confrontation, Carlos Beltran finally got a big two out hit on a 3-2 fastball, but the Athletics Travis Buck gunned Ricky Ledee at the plate to preserve the scoreless tie. The game would remain tied through eighth and a half innings and the Mets had a chance to win it in their half of the inning. As it always seems to occur, the player who wasn't even supposed to be in the game came would come through. Ramon Castro, filling in for Lo Duca, led off the ninth inning with a double and then Beltran would be intentionally walked to bring David Wright to the plate. Wright would hit a soft liner to right and the A's right fielder, Travis Buck, would allow the ball to roll by him on a failed diving attempt. The dive would also allow Castro to score from second and the Mets finally won a series for the first time in seven tries.

The Bad: The Mets didn't score but Blanton pitched a great ballgame. Carlos Delgado continues to look terrible at the plate.

Overall: Another Met win. Good pitching and great entertainment for a second staight night. For the first time since last August, the Yankees and every team in the NL East lost on the same night the Mets won.

Two Cents: Even with Mike Piazza in the opposing dugout, the more I see of Lo Duca, the more I love the guy. Reyes and Lo Duca seem to bleed Mets baseball and play the game with an unmatched passion. Tonight's eruption of emotion only proved to me how bad Lo Duca wants to win.

Final Score: Mets 1, A's 0. Record: 40-32.

Game 71: Mets vs. Athletics @ Shea Stadium

After a much needed day off, the Mets send Tom Glavine to the mound as he searches for win number 296. They leave spring behind with a 4-14 record and now look to turn into the boys of summer yet again.

The Good: The Mets got things going in the top of the first when Carlos Gomez gunned Nick Swisher at third base to end the inning. Jose Reyes got the Mets off to a quick start by leading the game off with a bunt. An Eric Chavez error ensued and Carlos Beltran drove Reyes in with a single to left. Tom Glavine would lead the second inning off with a double and would score on a two strike sac fly by Paul Lo Duca. In the fifth inning, Shawn Green would add another Met run with a sweet-swing homer to left field. Soon thereafter, Glavine would record his first 1-2-3 inning in three starts. In the bottom half of the sixth, Carlos Delgado would line a hit to left center field after Beltran and Wright had reached base. Beltran would score and the Mets were ahead 4-1 at that point. A few batters later, Green would turn on a 95 mph fastball and drive it to the right field wall for two rbi. However, the fun would not end there as Tom Glavine would collect another hit down the left field line for two more rbi. Jose Reyes would cap the inning by lacing a triple over Mark Kotsay in center field, but the inning would end when Tom Glavine was barely tagged out at home. Due to that fact, Reyes was awarded a double and not a triple. In the seventh, Beltran would add to his recent success with a bomb that almost cleared the left field bleachers. Aaron Heilman would come on in the ninth after Glavine allowed a leadoff hit and would close out the game to grant Tommy his 296th win.

The Bad: Glavine gave the Mets early run right back when he allowed a Shannon Stewart home run during the second inning. After a few nice plays, Damion Easley botched a grounder in the second inning and would end the third by grounding into a double play. Glavine had a chance to record the first Met complete game of 2007 but allowed a leadoff hit in the ninth inning to end his night.

Notes: During yesterday's off-day, it was announced that Willie Randolph would represent the National League in next month's all star game. Glavine was helped out by a beautiful Jose Reyes pick that started a key double play. Glavine also extended his hit streak to four games with his extra-base hit tonight. A balk was called in the bottom of the sixth inning when Colby Lewis simply dropped the ball. Glavine had a nice catch on a liner back through the box during the seventh inning.

2 Cents: Great start to the summer season. Good pitching, hitting, and defense. The Mets have played good in series openers lately. So, hopefully, this isn't just another teaser.

Final Score: Mets 9, Athletics 1. Record: 39-32.

Game 70: Mets vs. Twins @ Shea Stadium

It's Oliver Perez's turn to try to turn the Met fortunes around yet again.

The Good: Same old, same old. The Mets scored early (on rbi hits by Carlos Beltran and David Wright), things looked good, and then blew the lead.

The Bad: Another series, another loss.

Overall: Bad times continue in Queens. Hopefully, the summer brings better times to Shea.

2 Cents: Oliver struggled a bit but pitched well enough to win if the Mets had hit. Joe Smith keeps on taking the brunt of these losses by allowing meaningless hits. Scott Schoeneweis HAS GOT TO GO! Twins just looked like they wanted it more. They played excellent defense throught the entire series.

Final Score: Mets 2, Twins 6. Record: 38-32.

Game 69: Mets vs. Twins @ Shea Stadium

Jorge Sosa takes the mound tonight as the Mets try for their first winning streak in quite some time. However, it won't be easy as the Mets are up against Twins ace Johan Santana.

The Good: N/A.

The Bad: Jorge Sosa was roughed up for his second consecutive start. The Mets recorded four errors through the first five innings and played terrible defense. Granted, they couldn't catch a break all night long.

Overall: Back on the losing side. The Mets can still salvage the series finale in tomorrow nights game.

2 Cents: The Mets seemed to have teased us with last nights performance. Tonight was a perfect example of how things have gone of late.

Final Score: Mets 0 , Twins 9. Record: 38-31.

Game 68: Mets vs. Twins @ Shea Stadium

John Maine seeks to regain his early-season form in tonights series opener vs. Minnesota.

The Good: John Maine was great tonight as he pitched 7+ innings for his seventh win of the season. Carlos Delgado hit his eleventh homer and Ricky Ledee collected a two out rbi to put the Mets ahead early on. With the bases loaded in the sixth inning, Paul Lo Duca would get the first clutch hit by the Mets in what seemed like ages. The Mets would go up 4-0 on his two rbi single and would never look back. In the eighth inning Ricky Ledee would step to the plate and crush a home run to deep right center field. Carlos Beltran (double), David Wright (double), and Carlos Gomez (sac fly) would all tack on to the score and the Mets had scored eight runs just like that.

The Bad: After the Mets recent play, there are absolutely no complaints.

Overall: For one night at least, the Mets played up to their potential.

Notes: Jose Reyes added to his stolen base lead by swiping his 39th bag tonight.

Final Score: Mets 8, Twins 1. Record: 39-30.

Game 67: Mets vs. Yankees @ Yankee Stadium

The Mets toughest part of their schedule continues in their season final vs. the Yankees.

The Good: Minimal offense with signs here and there, nice Shawn Green play, Beltran actually laced a hit.

The Bad: What isn't bad right now?

Overall: Bad times continue as the Mets pass up opportunity to take season series against the Yanks.

Notes: Paul Lo Duca left the game after being hit by a pitch on his elbow. The Mets have now lost five straight series'.

Final Score: Mets 2, Yankees 8. Record: 37-30.

Game 66: Mets vs. Yankees @ Yankee Stadium

The Mets look to take the season series against the Yankees in today's day game.

The Good: For the third time in recent games, the Mets jumped out to an early and aggressive lead, score 7+ runs, and still manage to lose the game. Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran seem to be challenging each other in a game of "who sucks more?" while Jose Reyes, Carlos Gomez, and Ruben Gotay seem to be the only ones playing with some fire. Give the Mets credit for not quitting on the game as they came within one swing of taking the lead in the ninth. Jose Reyes even batted right handed against Mariano Rivera and singled up the middle before Beltran popped up on a first pitch fastball. It seemed to be the 12th time he popped out weakly in today's game.

The Bad: Tom Glavine sucked again, Scott Schoeneweis sucked, Guillermo Mota sucked, Aaron Sele sucked, Carlos Delgado sucked, but most of all, Carlos Beltran continues to suck.

Overall: Very reminiscent of the 1999 "Matt Franco game," but the Mets fell just short.

Notes: Reyes bailed out the Met offense again by forcing another two out balk from third base. Carlos Delgado also committed an error that would have prevented a run from scoring during a cutoff play. David Wright extended his hit streak to seventeen games while Ruben Gotay and Ramon Castro both hit deep flys in today's exchange-of-leads early on in the game. Jose Reyes stole two more bases, Wright added to his 15-0 streak, Gotay stole one, and Gomez swiped one as well. Ultimately, the Yanks didn't let up and won the game. They scored in every inning but the first and seventh; that's how you win a seesaw battle.

Two Cents: Stupid baseball. How do the Mets want to win if they keep giving outs away? At least people can now stop begging Willie Randolph to plug Beltran into the two hole. Just face it, the Mets can't buy a hit with risp, a clutch hit, or a two out hit.

Final Score: Mets 8, Yankees 11. Record: 37-29.

Game 65: Mets vs. Yankees @ Yankee Stadium

Riding a 1-9 streak, the Mets send Oliver Perez to the mound seeking a much-needed win.

The Good: Oliver Perez dominated again by pitching into the eighth inning without allowing a run. Jose Reyes added three hits (a monster home run to right off of the upper deck facade), three stolen bases, and a key defensive play early in the game (picking Perez's low throw). Carlos Gomez also contributed with two bunt singles, a stolen base, and a home run robbing web gem in left that resulted in a double play. David Wright also added another stolen base to run his uncaught streak to 15, no pun intended. Billy Wagner would close out the ninth inning with a 1-2-3 outing for his 15th save.

The Bad: Only scored two runs, but it was a well-played game.

Overall: It's good to get back in the win column and take the opener against the cross-town rivals. Now, with the Phillies and Braves on the Mets coattails, it's the perfect time to get on a hot streak.

Two Cents: That's three of four against the Yanks. One more and call it a season win. In tomorrow's battle, the Mets turn to Tom Glavine to get the job done against Tyler Clippard. Last time the Mets faced him, they made him look like Cy Young. Knowing when to be patient and aggressive is key at this point in the Mets fortunes.

Final Score: Mets 2, Yankees 0. Record: 37-28.

Game 64: Mets vs. Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium

The Mets look to avoid the sweep in their first early-season slump.

The Good: The Mets came out aggressive but lost it during the eighth. The Mets also had eight hits but couldn't piece anything together. Jose Reyes stole his 32nd base.

The Bad: Their best pitcher as of late, Jorge Sosa, got roughed up and took his second loss.

Notes: The last time the Mets visited L.A., they were doing the sweeping. They took all three games from the Dodgers in last years NLDS.

Quote of the Day: (From Yahoo Sports) We should be very happy being where we're at," said Mets closer Billy Wagner, who gave up a two-run homer to James Loney in the eighth. "I'm sure Omar (Minaya) didn't put this team together expecting this type of play, and Fred Wilpon didn't shell out this type of money for us to go out there and play like this."

Final Score: Mets 1, Dodgers 9. Record: 36-28.

Game 63: Mets vs. Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium

John Maine will be tonight's pitcher and will make an attempt to turn around the Met fortunes.

The Good: Carlos Delgado singled in the first and the Mets jumped out to an early lead. However, things stalled thereafter. David Wright and Carlos Gomez swiped a few bags. The bullpen did not allow a run.

The Bad: Three pitches, three home runs. In the bottom of the second, Maine allows consecutive home runs to Wilson Betemit, Matt Kemp, and Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo shut the Mets down once again, similar to last years performance. Paul Lo Duca made an errant throw in the fourth inning but it wasn't of great significance in hindsight.

Overall: Another series loss.

Final Score: Mets 1, Dodgers 4. Record: 36-27.

Game 62: Mets vs. Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium

The Mets start a brand new series and try to right their wrongs as they head to Chavez Ravine.

The Good: In his first game back, Shawn Green singled to left field and ended up with an rbi as Jose Reyes came around to score. He would then steal a base which only proved that he's healthy. David Wright would follow with a hit and the Mets scored two runs in the first. In the fourth inning, Carlos Gomez would single to right to score Carlos Delgado and the Mets were on their way to a win. Unfortunately, the tied turned in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Bad: After being handed a four run lead, El Duque would allow five runs (four earned) and would take the loss. Paul Lo Duca made a costly error in the sixth inning and the Dodgers would take advantage of it by scoring a run that would contribute to the difference.

Overall: The Mets started strong and fizzled out.

Final Score: Mets 4, Dodgers 6. Record: 36-26.

Game 61: Mets vs. Tigers @ Comerica Park

Tom Glavine and the Mets look to get out of Comerica with a series win.

The Good: The Mets scored seven runs again but it was not good enough to win...again. David Wright got the Mets going with a three-run homer to right in the first, but the lead would evaporate quickly. Nonetheless, Carlos Gomez hit the first home run of his career with a three run bomb to left field in the sixth inning.

The Bad: After Wright's shot, the Tigers would chip away and things fell apart in the fifth inning. When the smoke cleared, Glavine had allowed nine runs and the Tigers had ran the Mets out of town with another series loss. Glavine couldn't buy an out in today's game.

Overall: Tom Glavine seemed to get squeezed on various calls but still gave up numerous hits. The Mets couldn't get a clutch hit or hold the Tigers from scoring. Glavine, Sele, and Smith were all hit hard and nothing clicked.

Notes: Carlos Beltran stole his ninth base of the season. Whenever Beltran runs, it is a good indication about his health.

Final Score: Mets 7, Tigers 15. Record: 36-25.

Game 60: Mets vs. Tigers @ Comerica Park

Oliver Perez looks for a much-needed series win in today's afternoon game.

The Good: The Mets finally hit. Jose Reyes singled in the fifth to tie the game but the Mets had three chances with no one out. Reyes seemed to have gotten Perez off the hook and the Mets back into the game, but Perez would come back to allow two more runs. The wheels would fall off in the fifth and sixth innings when the Tigers scored five times. However, the Mets showed heart by scoring four runs during the seventh and eighth innings. Ultimately though, the Mets would not tie the game against Todd Jones during the ninth inning as Carlos Delgado would ground to first to end the game.

The Bad: Oliver Perez didn't show up and the Mets never recovered from Carlos Guillen's first inning three-run homer.

Overall: Tough loss. The umpire's strike zone was a bit large and inconsistent. The Mets hit a few balls to the deep warning track in left field.

2 Cents: I've never seen a player come around to score after an attempted steal of second, as Beltran did in the first inning. One more hit by the Mets might have won this ballgame. Ricky Ledee looked great at the plate today. Good to see the Mets battle to the finish.

Final Score: Mets 7, Tigers 8. Record: 36-24.

Game 59: Mets vs. Tigers @ Comercica Park

Jorge Sosa and the Mets head to Detroit for the first time since 1997.

The Good: The Mets finally got a win to turn around their recent string of poor performances. Jorge Sosa pitched great, allowing no runs over eight innings. Carlos Delgado and David Wright both homered in tonight's game and continue to look better at the plate. Paul Lo Duca also collected a few hits of his own. In terms of defense, Carlos Gomez supplied all of the highlights with his speed in the outfield. He flashed his quickness with a running catch deep in right center field and a diving catch as well. Billy Wagner also turned things around by getting the Tigers out 1-2-3 in the ninth inning.

The Bad: Still relying on home runs, but definitely good to get into the win column again.

Overall: Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.

Notes: Underperforming Dave Newhan was sent down to the minors for some outfield help in Ricky Ledee.

2 Cents: Jose Valentin was back in the lineup after missing 45 games and ended up with a hit. Shawn Green is scheduled to come back soon and the Mets could use all of the offensive help they can get. The Philadelphia Phillies also continue to struggle after winning big games as they fell to the K.C. Royals in tonight's game. Alfonso Soriano would also power the Cubs over the Braves with three home runs tonight.

Final Score: Mets 3, Tigers 0. Record: 36-23.

Game 58: Mets vs. Phillies @ Shea Stadium

In an attempt to salvage the series, the Mets send their most consistent starter to the mound in John Maine, who will be opposing Cole Hamels in tonight's finale.

The Good: John Maine pitched another great game and left in line for the win. The Mets hit back-to-back-to-back jacks for the first time since 1989 but failed to score any other runs. Delgado, Wright (after review), and Lo Duca all hit shots off of Cole Hamels in the sixth inning.

The Bad: The Mets continue to struggle offensively and players like Ben Johnson, Julio Franco, and Carlos Gomez are not performing as well as many would like them to. The Mets blew a big series against Philly and have now given them the momentum in the NL East. Billy Wagner blew his first save of the season when Pat Burrell hit a 3-2 pitch deep over the left field wall to tie the game. Soon after, Ben Johnson would fail to win the game with runners on base by striking out in the ninth. Scott Schoeneweis would then allow three more runs to score and just like that the Mets had been swept at home for the first time since 2005.

Overall: Not Good, not good at all.

2 Cents: About as bad as the Mets have played in a couple of years. The Phillies played this series like the Mets did during the past year and a half.

Final Score: Mets 3, Phillies 6. Record: 35-23.

Game 57: Mets vs. Phillies @ Shea Stadium.

El Duque looks to get the Mets going against the Phillies tonight as the Mets take on Adam Eaton.

The Good: Carlos Beltran homered to deep left and Carlos Delgado added an rbi groundout. Things looked good until the Jimmy Rollins batted in the seventh. Even in the bottom half of th inning, the Mets had numerous chances to score but ended up without any runs an an apparent Endy Chavez torn hamstring.

The Bad: The Mets waste six shutout innings from El Duque. Jimmy Rollins is walking the walk and Aaron Heilman is sucking. Schoeneweis continues to look terrible as well and allowed more runs during the eighth inning to make any Met comeback seemingly impossible.

Overall: 2 games dropped to the Phillies. The Mets can make things slightly better by taking tomorrow's series finale and limiting the damage.

2 Cents: Gary Cohen said it best: "This just seems like one of those games..." With a blown game, bad offense, and more serious injuries, the Mets seem to be in trouble.

Final Score: Mets 2, Phillies 4. Record: 35-22.

Game 56: Mets vs. Phillies @ Shea Stadium

In the battle of old foes, literally, Tom Glavine looks for a Met win against Jamie Moyer.

The Good: Tom Glavine would pitch six solid innings. He would pitch well enough to win but did not receive enough run support. The Mets would score two runs in the second on a Paul Lo Duca single to center. David Wright also hit the ball well tonight. Damion Easley also got a few hits and walked in tonight's game. In the seventh inning, Jose Reyes would single to right and steal his 31st base. He would promptly get picked off trying to steal third. Carlos Beltran would follow by hitting a fly ball to Pat Burrell in left, forcing him to pin his back against the wall.

The Bad: Tommy Glavine doesn't get win 296 again. Mets choke in the eleventh.

Overall: Tough loss.

Notes: Pedro Feliciano's first home run allowed this season.

Notes: Carlos Beltran returned to the Mets lineup tonight and failed to score some runners. Pat Burrell may have cost the Phillies some runs when he ended up on third at the same time as Chase Utley during the sixth inning. David Wright would run him to the third base bag for the second out of the inning. In the seventh inning, Carlos Delgado would throw out Jimmy Rollins on a pickoff to end the inning.

Final Score: Mets 2, Phillies 4. Record: 35-21.

Game 55: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Shea Stadium

Oliver Perez looks to build on his recent success.

The Good: Oliver Perez had a no-hitter through four innings but got touched up for a few runs in the fifth. The Mets were not able to recover.

The Bad: The Mets couldn't buy a clutch hit. With runners on base, they scored their only run but it should have been more. With the bases loaded late in the game, Damion Easley almost cleared them but the ball was ruled foul. Tip your hat to the soft-tossing Doug Davis.

Overall: First series loss against teams not in the N.L. East.

Final Score: Mets 1, Diamondbacks 4. Record: 35-20.

Game 54: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Shea Stadium

The Mets seek another win out of Jorge Sosa but will rely on a depleted offense.

The Good: Jorge Sosa collected his fifth win with 6+ solid innings. Carlos Delgado popped another homer and had another good game. Dave Newhan also contributed with an rbi hit to score Ramon Castro. Ben Johnson would follow that with a sac fly and the Mets would score three runs in the fourth. In the seventh inning, the Mets lineup would break the game open with a three run homer from Ruben Gotay. Coming from unlikey sources, the Mets would score seven runs on the day. Jose Reyes would triple in the eighth to score Carlos Gomez.

The Bad: Nothing to complain about.

Overall: If the Mets win tomorrow, they will be the first team ever to win its first ten series vs. opponents out of their division.

Final Score: Mets 7, Diamondbacks 1. Record: 35-19.

Game 53: Mets vs. Diamondbacks @ Shea Stadium

John Maine takes on Brandon Webb in tonight's battle of the aces.

The Good: John Maine pitched great but threw one strike too many which cost him two runs. Guillermo Mota also looked great but gave up a three run homer after a bloop and an infield hit. Jose Reyes and Ruben Gotay had the Mets only hits. Carlos Beltran, Moises Alou, and Jose Valentin inch closer to returning.

The Bad: Maine and Mota's lines were blemished. After an Orlando Hudson bloop hit in the eighth inning, Julio Franco showed good range by gonig to his left but stumbled a bit and his throw to second was late. The replay showed it was a tie but Damion Easley did a bad job of receiving the ball by taking it deep at second. The Mets offense never clicked.

Overall: Just another loss. Tip your cap to Brandon Webb.

2 Cents: I understand the Mets are shorthanded and need to give guys some days off, but today's lineup was a joke.

Final Score: Mets 1, Diamondbacks 5. Record: 34-19.