Mets Report – Clayton Caldwell wonders why Jerry Manuel seems to be platooning Josh Thole and Ike Davis.

Mets Gazette – Matthew Blaszka counts down the Top 5 Moments that killed the Mets. The birth of Jeff Wilpon is not listed, so I assume this list is for 2011.

MetsMerized Online – Another Mets fan wants to fire Omar Minaya.

The Daily Stache – Ray Maldonado wonders when the Wilpons will win. Hah! Maybe when Jeff Wilpon stops lying about knowing anything about pro baseball?

OnTheBlack – Kerel Cooper discusses last night’s loss and Johan Santana’s bad luck.

Fire Wayne Hagin Already – Another Hagin-esque Hagin-ism. Definitely worth reading if you like a good, quick laugh.

And here are Ron Darling’s thoughts on Brooklyn Cyclones manager Wally Backman from Playin for Peanuts:

Astros 4 Mets 3

Ace starter Johan Santana pitched another complete game, but hurled less than 9 frames, allowed 4 runs, and was saddled with a loss.

Does anyone care?

Game Notes

All 4 runs Santana gave up were earned, as he allowed 9 hits, one walk, and struck out 7. Not a bad appearance by any means, but not nearly good enough to win when your offense comes from Flushing. Johan was bit by the longball, as he allowed two homers by Hunter Pence — a three-run job in the first frame, and a solo shot in the 8th. Had Pence sat out, the Mets might’ve won this one.

Meanwhile, David Wright looks to be out of his slump, as he blasted his 18th homer of the season.

Jose Reyes and Josh Thole each went 2-for-4, and Santana stroked one of the Mets’ 8 hits.

Former Met Nelson Figueroa went five frames and allowed only one earned run on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4. The Houston bullpen took over from there and former Yankee prospect Mark Melancon was the recipient of the victory after blowing a 3-2 lead by allowing Wright’s tater in the top of the 8th. Sometimes there isn’t any justice in this system of wins and losses.

The Mets are now one game under .500. To put that into perspective, the Wild Card-leading Phillies are 16 games over .500. There are 43 games left in the season. You do the math.

Next Mets Game

Game three begins at 8:05 PM on Wednesday night. R.A. Dickey faces Brett Myers.