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.