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.