Rays 3 Mets 1

As expected, it was an epic battle between two fierce competitors. Unfortunately for the Mets, James Shields was just a bit better than Johan Santana.

Both starters went 7 innings (Santana went 7 and a third), and both allowed only three hits. However, Shields allowed one run while Santana gave up two, and that was the difference in the ballgame.

Jason Bartlett and Gabe Kapler hit back-to-back doubles in the fifth frame, and Carlos Pena led off the seventh with a solo homer to center to give the Rays the lead. Ben Zobrist hit another solo shot in the ninth off Sean Green to provide the insurance run.

The only Mets score came in the second inning, when Omir Santos doubled in Ryan Church.

Notes

The Mets mustered four hits and did not walk once in 31 trips to the plate.

David Wright saw only nine pitches in four at-bats.

Bobby Parnell allowed one hit and one walk to the only two batters he faced in the game.

The good news was that Santana had some of his velocity back; he hit 93-94 with his fastball.

The game was played in soggy conditions and was delayed for over an hour during the 8th inning.

Those fans who were not near a TV and attempted to watch the game on MLB.com were greeted by a nationwide blackout restriction. Way to go, MLB!

Next Mets Game

The rubber match will be played at 1:10 PM on Sunday afternoon, weather permitting. Mike Pelfrey goes against Jeff Niemann in a battle of giants.