Game 155: Loss

Nationals 5 Mets 1

Steve Trachsel gave up only three runs, but it seemed like a lot more. Trax labored through his usual five innings, adding fodder to the mirage some paid sportswriters call “gutsy” and “keeping his team in the game”. That’s OK, the rest of us know better. The frightening thing, though, is that Willie Randolph buys into this baloney…

Well, Trax didn’t win, as the Mets irregulars could muster only five hits against Tony Armas, Jr. and three nondescript relievers (including former Met phenom Billy Traber). Jose Valentin was the only potency in the lineup, blasting his 18th homer, a solo shot.

A loss at this point is no big deal … the game means zilch.

Notes

Chad Bradford got two outs via one strikeout and 7 pitches, six for strikes. Talk about efficiency.

Darren Oliver got rocked for the second time in as many appearances. I wonder if Willie Randolph is reconsidering his leftiness for the postseason roster.

Speaking of lefties, Royce Ring through another shutout inning, his second positive outing in as many appearances. It took him only 13 pitches — 8 for strikes — to set down the Nats in the eighth. Included were two strikeouts. Maybe it isn’t too late to make the postseason roster.

Philip Humber made his big-league debut, and looked a little nervous — which is to be expected. Luckily, Jose Reyes and Cliff Floyd made fantastic plays to get the two outs, making his debut that much easier. If not for those web gems, it could have been a long inning. Instead, it turned out to be an impressive performance. I can’t wait to see this kid without the jitters, as he looks to have perfect mechanics and a potentially nasty 12-6 curveball.