Mets 7 Phillies 3

Too bad Chase Utley couldn’t slide into a Mets infielder back in April.

Game Notes

As manager Jerry Manuel astutely pointed out in the postgame interview, Carlos Beltran is finally hitting his stride. Beltran was spectacular on both sides of the ball, enjoying his best performance of the year. Beltran hit two homers — one from each side — drove in 3 runs, scored twice, and made a spectacular diving grab in centerfield to rob Ross Gload of an extra-base hit and save at least one run from scoring. The Mets will be sure to send a videotape of this game to other teams when they shop him this winter for prospects.

Beltran gets the game ball, but Nick Evans also had a nice day. Like Beltran, Evans also made a sliding catch in the outfield, and also went 3-for-5. He drove in two and scored once, lashing a double.

David Wright hit his 26th homerun of the season. Seemed like only a week ago he was stuck around 18 … time flies I guess.

Pat Misch had a rough start, allowing 8 baserunners and 3 runs in 4 2/3 innings. However, the remainder of the the Mets moundsmen shut out the Phillies from there, with Manny Acosta picking up his third victory of the season.

The Mets offense beat up on Cole Hamels, which was surprising considering that Hamels has looked like Sandy Koufax of late. Hamels left the ballgame after allowing 5 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks in four frames.

Seriously, where was this all-out effort 4-5 months ago? A year ago? Two years ago? Maybe the Mets finally are getting on board with Jerry Manuel’s philosophy of playing hard every time out, in which case I recommend they pick up Manuel’s option and extend his contract another three years.

Yeah right.

By winning, the Mets kept the Phillies from clinching the NL East crown. However, the Braves lost to the Nationals, so the Phillies are guaranteed of at least a tie for first place.

Off topic: The Phillies sold out all 81 games at CBP in 2010, and have sold out 123 consecutive games. They set a franchise record this year with a total attendance of 3,647,249.

Next Mets Game

The Mets return to The Field at Shea Bridge to host the Brewers in Flushing at 7:10 PM on Monday night. Mike Pelfrey faces Dave Bush. More importantly, the Mets will also host their canine friends, as it is “Bark in the Park“. Tickets for barkers can be purchased by visiting mets.com/dogs.