Mets Game 76: Win Over Cardinals

Mets 2 Cardinals 0

The Mets are so good these days, it took them only six innings to beat the Cardinals.

In reality, it was the rain that washed out the last three innings of the ballgame, but we’ll take it.

As per the script, the Mets jumped ahead in the first inning on a two-run homer by David Wright that bounced off the Lincoln-Mercury sign beyond centerfield.

Following along with their typical M.O., they did not score again, but Tom Glavine shut out the Cardinals through six innings, allowing just one hit and two walks in earning his 297th career win before the rain returned and soaked the field into a swamplike condition.

Notes

Interestingly, had Glavine not given up an infield hit to Scott Rolen, he would have thrown the first no-hitter in New York Mets history. Rolen smacked a hard grounder down the third base line that David Wright snatched in a remarkable show of range, but his off-balance throw to first was way off target; it was amazing he even got the ball over there.

Carlos Gomez — who is challenging Endy Chavez for the Dominique Wilkins Human Highlight Film award for defense — is making great strides at the plate. He had an excellent at-bat in the fifth against Anthony Reyes, taking several close pitches to draw a walk and put runners on first and second with none out for Glavine. (Glavine successfully bunted the runners to second and third, but Jose Reyes struck out and LoDuca grounded to second to end the threat.) With each game, Gomez makes advancements, gets more comfortable, and gains more confidence. As much as the Mets need Moises Alou’s bat in the lineup, I wouldn’t be so quick to sit Gomez — who is developing at a fine rate “on the job”.

Tony LaRussa made a fascinating decision prior to the game, starting Brendan Ryan at second base after going 3-for-4 with a homerun the previous evening. LaRussa obviously does not subscribe to Willie’s Law, which states that a young second baseman must sit for two weeks after such a game. Obviously, the youngster expended all his energy in one game, and could not possibly have the strength to compete for at least a fortnight.

Every time he comes to New York, Albert Pujols shows what a butt-head he can be. In the first inning, he immediately barked in Bondslike style at the home plate umpire for calling a low borderline pitch a strike, and a few minutes later argued with Angel Hernandez for being called out on a steal attempt. (For the record, Paul LoDuca made a great throw from his knees, and the ball beat Pujols to the bag by a good five feet.) It’s as if Sir Albert believes the game revolves around him (it doesn’t — it revolves around Barroid), and all the calls should go his way. Lip it, buddy.

Next Game

The Mets play the Cardinals in the fourth and final game of the series. Orlando Hernandez goes to the mound against Adam Wainwright at 7:10 PM.