Game 123: Mets vs. Nationals @ RFK Stadium

After his recent struggles, Oliver Perez looks to renew his first-half success.

The Good: After putting on a show in a pre-game home run contest, Luis Castillo broke his long homerless streak by hitting one over the left-field fence in the first inning. He also drove in Reyes in the third after he beat out Felipe Lopez's throw that was wide right. In the fifth, after the Nationals played sloppy ball, David Wright would bloop one down the right field line to score Reyes from second and Castillo from first. Castillo hustled, never stopped running, and showed emotion with Reyes after he scored. Mike DiFelice and Moises Alou would tack on more runs with doubles of their own in the later innings. Lastings Milledge also got in on the fun by hitting a two out rbi in the ninth inning to score Moises Alou. After seeing him battle the flu for a few days, it was another big hit for Milledge. Mota got Perez out of trouble, Sosa & Heilman were decent, and Wagner earned his 29th save.

The Bad: Oliver Perez struggled a bit, focused after Randolph's verbal challenges, and then had to be removed to preserve a Met win. He wasn't great, but won anyway. In the sixth inning, the Mets probably lost Damion Easley for the season when he sprained his ankle pretty badly.

Other News: Micah Owings completely manhandled the Braves tonight by striking out seven batters over seven innings, hitting two home runs (one measure at 440+ ft.), collecting four hits, ten total bases, and four rbi. While being the first person to do so since A-Rod's three-hr, ten rbi game in 2005, he also set numerous records along the way. Why is this guy not starting in the outfield when he's not pitching?

Overall: Scrappy win, tough to lose Easley, and the Mets have now taken five out of their last six.

Notes: The Mets have scored 45 runs in their last six games. With tonight's steal, Reyes is one stolen base short of tying his career-high of 64; he remains three away from tying Roger Cedeno's club mark of 66. Prior to the game, the Mets placed Ramon Castro on the 15-day DL. Sandy Alomar Jr. was called up to be the backup.

Two Cents: The more I see Castillo play, the more I like what I see. He is hitting .328 since joining the Mets. Reyes, Wright, and Alou continue to rake. It's terrible to see someone like Easley go down in such a meaningless spot. He has been great all year and was having a good game as well.

Final Score: Mets 7, Nationals 4. Record: 69-53.