Game 84: Mets vs. Rockies @ Coors Field

After dropping the first two games of the series to the Rockies, El Duque looks to turn the tide for the Mets on July 4th, 2007.

The Good: Jose Reyes led the game off by forcing an error on a bunt and stealing his 42nd base of the year. A few batters later, Carlos Beltran would draw a walk and David Wright would clobber one out to left center field for an early three run lead. Carlos Delgado then hit a double over Corey Sullivan's head but was stranded on second when Jose Valentin and Shawn Green both failed to get a hit. However, El Duque would still get off to a good start in the bottom of the inning. Leading off the game, he took a shot off of his inner calf which resulted in a ricochet towards Delgado. Delgado would then return the favor with a nifty play of his own in which he stretched down the line and fired to El Duque for the out. That's where most of the good ended. The Mets scored enough runs to win. With that said, you don't expect to win many games where the other team scores 15+ runs.

The Bad: Although Hernandez escaped the first inning unscathed, the Mets squandered the lead much like they have done in recent times and the game was tied by the 3rd inning. By the fourth inning, the hounds were released and the Mets were in store for a long night.

Overall: Another El Duque walk-a-thon.

Notes: Pedro Martinez seems to be making excellent progress considering he pitched in a simulated game on Tuesday night. In other news, Paul Lo Duca's hearing has been scheduled for Friday. Prior to the game, the Mets called up Sandy Alomar Jr. and demoted Claudio Vargas. Tonight's loss marked the third time the Mets have been swept this month.

2 Cents: This has got to stop.

3 Cents: I thought it was interesting to see Paul Lo Duca lead off the bottom of the ninth with a thirteen pitch at-bat with the score being 17-6. After Beltran scored in the ninth, the bench still gave him high fives. It's got to be a good sign, if anything.

Other News: Joey Chestnut finally defeated Kobayashi in the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest. Simply put, nothing went right today.

Final Score: Mets 7, Rockies 17. Record: 46-37.