On the Mets beat

Good afternoon everyone. Marc Jimenez here as the Mets conclude their three-game series with Florida and try to erase the memory of Saturday’s heartbreaking 4-3 loss. The bullpen has been a big problem for the Mets (75-61) and yesterday was no different as Aaron Heilman walked in the winning run. With Pedro Martinez (4-3, 5.22 ERA) going today, the ‘pen will most likely have to pitch a few innings in relief.

In his last start, Martinez allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings in an 8-7 loss in 13 innings to Philadelphia on Tuesday. Martinez is just 6-6 against the Marlins (69-67). Scott Olson (6-8, 4.19), who is 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in his last four starts, will be on the hill for the Fish.

By the way, David Lennon reported: Jon Niese is starting Tuesday against the Brewers at Miller Park. The Mets will call up: catcher Gustavo Molina, infielders Argenis Reyes and Ramon Martinez, along with pitchers Al Reyes, Ricardo Rincon and Bobby Parnell. Marlon Anderson will also be reinstated from the DL.

Be back in a few...

Top 1st: The Mets have done a good job scoring in the first inning all season long. This time, however, they didn’t as Jose Reyes, Nick Evans and David Wright went down in order.

Bottom 1st: The Marlins touched up Pedro for two early runs. Hanley Ramirez led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Luis Gonzalez’ double. Two batters later, Mike Jacobs lifted a sacrifice fly. Marlins 2, Mets 0.

Top 2nd: The Mets cut the lead in half on Carlos Beltran’s 21st homer. Marlins 2, Mets 1.

Bottom 2nd: The Marlins had two on with one out following back-to-back one-out singles by Cody Ross and John Baker, but Pedro didn’t allow a run. The hit by Baker should have been an error. It was hit to Wright, who thought about going to second before going to first. But by then, it was too late.

Top 3rd: Evans and Wright hit back-to-back homers to move ahead of the Fish. For Evans, it was his first Major League homer. Mets 3, Marlins 2.

Bottom 3rd: Pedro got in some trouble after walking Jacobs with two outs and giving up a double to Dan Uggla, before fanning Jeremy Hermida on a 3-2 pitch.

Top 4th: The Mets went down in order.

Bottom 4th: Pedro issued a one-out single to John Baker, but nothing else. Olsen struck out trying to get down a sacrifice bunt and Ramirez hit a little bloop to Reyes for the final out.

Top 5th: Reyes reached on a two-out bunt single and stole third following a single by Evans, but the Mets could not add to their lead as Wright grounded out.

Bottom 5th: 1-2-3 inning for Pedro.

Top 6th: Beltran, Delgado and Tatis were set down in order.

Bottom 6th: Another 1-2-3 inning for Pedro, who has retired eight Marlins in a row. Damion Easley made a nice play, reaching to his right, on a ball hit by Jeremy Hermida.

Top 7th: Big inning for the Mets! Easley got it started with a leadoff single. Robinson Cancel moved him to second with a sacrifice bunt. Daniel Murphy, who hit for Pedro Martinez, walked. Reyes followed with an RBI single as Olsen was lifted for Doug Waechter. Ryan Church, who hit for Evans, laced an RBI single to make it 5-2. Then following Wright’s single to load the bases, Beltran hit a sacrifice fly. Mets 6, Marlins 2.

Bottom 7th: Scott Schoenweis started the inning and allowed a two-out single to Ramirez and a walk to Gonzalez. Aaron Heillman, who took the loss last night, came on. He uncorked a wild pitch, as the runners moved up to second and third, then retired Cantu.

Top 8th: Easley and Endy Chavez each had base hits.

Bottom 8th: Pedro Peliciano started the inning and fanned Jacobs. Jose Smith came on, fanned Uggla and got Ross to ground out.

Top 9th: Wright hit a one-out single before Beltran hit into an inning-ending DP. Three more outs to go. Can the bullpen hold it?

Bottom 9th: Brian Stokes came on and allowed singles to Baker and Gonzalez, but nothing else. Cantu lined out to Reyes, who made a nice diving catch, to end the game. Final: Mets 6, Marlins 2.

The Mets just made it official: Jon Niese is indeed starting Tuesday against the Brewers at Miller Park.They also released this list of minor-league callups, who will join the team tomorrow in Milwaukee: catcher Gustavo Molina, infielders Argenis Reyes and Ramon Martinez, along with pitchers Al Reyes, Ricardo Rincon, Carlos Muniz and Bobby Parnell. Marlon Anderson will also be reinstated from the DL.

Here's the lineup for today's game vs. the Marlins. Hopefully the rain will hold off. It appears that Hurricane Gustav is dragging some significant storms toward Miami and we're right on the fringe of it.

Reyes (ss)
Evans (lf)
Wright (3b)
Beltran (cf)
Delgado (1b)
Tatis (rf)
Easley (2b)
Cancel (c)
Martinez (rhp)

Adam Ronis here to moderate tonight's game. A good pitching matchup as Mike Pelfrey (13-8, 3.70 ERA) takes on Ricky Nolasco (13-7, 3.62 ERA). Pelfrey has pitched two straight complete games, but has struggled tremendously against the Marlins this season. He is 0-3 and has allowed 15 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings against them this season.

Bottom 9: Heilman pitching. Ramirez walks. Amezaga puts down a successful sac bunt. Ramirez to throw on a wild pitch as Cantu swings and misses. Cantu and Jacobs intentionally walked to load the bases. Willingham walks on a 3-and-1 pitch to force home the winning run. Mets lose, 4-3

Top 9: Murphy singles. Schneider puts down a successful sac bunt. Lindstrom into pitch. Chavez runs for Murphy. Easley flies to center. Reyes fouls out. Mets 3, Marlins 3

Bottom 8: Jacobs homers to lead off. Willingham strikes out. Uggla walks. Stokes now pitching. Ross singles. Baker strikes out. Gonzalez strikes out. Mets 3, Marlins 3

Top 8: Hendrickson pitching. Beltran walks with two outs, but that's it. Mets 3, Marlins 2

Bottom 7: Baker singles. Gonzalez grounds into a 3-6-3 double play. Ramirez walks with two outs. Pelfrey leaves after throwing 115 pitches. Feliciano comes in. Helms singles. Sanchez now pitching. Cantu strikes out. Mets 3, Marlins 2

Top 7: Kensing now pitching. Reyes walks with two outs and steals second. Castillo strikes out looking. Mets 3, Marlins 2

Bottom 6: Uggla hits a two-run single with two outs. Pelfrey gets Ross to fly out to end the inning. Mets 3, Marlins 2

Top 6: Mets don't score. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Bottom 5: Pelfrey retired the side in order. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Top 5: Mets go down 1-2-3. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Bottom 4:Cantu gets hit with one out and Jacobs singles. Willingham flies to right. Cantu to third. Uggla grounds into a fielder's choice. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Top 4: Murphy singles with one out and gets caught stealing. Schneider follows with a double. Pelfrey strikes out to end it. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Bottom 3: Pelfrey retired the side 1-2-3. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Top 3: Reyes triple with one out. Castillo singles through a drawn in infield to score Reyes. Mets 3, Marlins 0

Bottom 2: Ross gets hits with a 2-and-2 pitch with two outs and the benches empty. Nothing happens after that. Ross gets picked off to end the inning. Mets 2, Marlins 0

Top 2: Mets go in order. Mets 2, Marlins 0

Bottom 1: Ramirez strikes out. Hermida grounds out to short. Cantu doubles as Murphy loses the ball and it drops in leftfield. Jacobs grounds out. Mets 2, Marlins 0

Top 1: Luis Castillo singles with one out and David Wright hits a two-run homer to left. Mets 2, Marlins 0

Staying on top of the NL East was not going to be easy for the Mets. That much they knew.

But does it have to be as difficult as it was during Friday night's 5-4 victory over the Marlins?

Carlos Beltran was the only member of the Mets' offense who showed up ready for work, considering that he was the man responsible for all five RBI, which matched his top single-game output since signing with the Mets in 2005.

And the later it gets, the more Beltran seems to heat up. In the last week, Beltran is batting .375 (9-for-24) with three HRs and eight RBI. Last September, with the Mets crumbling around him, Beltran batted .282 and led the team that month with eight homers and 27 RBI.

While that's a positive sign, not so good is the fact that Luis Ayala was complaining of a tight right hamstring after his roller-coaster ride in the ninth inning. After throwing 32 pitches, Ayala isn't available tonight anyway -- Jerry Manuel said Aaron Heilman will assume the closer's role (getcha popcorn ready for that one).

A team official pretty much confirmed last night that Jon Niese will start Tuesday against the Brewers after he was lifted from Friday's game in New Orleans after 2 2/3 innings. The 65-pitch tuneup for the Zephyrs puts him on schedule to take the mound in Milwaukee four days later.

Good evening everyone. Marc Jimenez with you as the Mets open a three-game series against the Florida Marlins. Oliver Perez (9-7, 4.00 ERA), who is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four starts against the Marlins this season, will be going for the Mets (74-60). In his last outing, Perez allowed four runs on four hits with eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings during a 6-4, 10-inning loss to Houston on Sunday. Chris Volstad (4-3, 3.42), who is looking for his first win in three starts, will be on the hill for the Marlins (68-66).

Stat of the day: Carlos Delgado is 6-for-13 with four homers and nine RBIs in the last three games.

Top 1st: The Mets scored a run on Carlos Beltran’s sacrifice fly. Jose Reyes led off with an infield single and later stole second. Luis Castillo reached on a bunt single and also stole second to set up second and third with no one out. After David Wright struck out, Carlos Delgado walked before Beltran lifted his sacrifice fly. Ryan Church followed and flied out to Wes Helms, who made a great catch near the bullpen. Mets 1, Marlins 0.

Bottom 1st: Perez allowed an infield single to Hanley Ramirez, but nothing else. Paul Lo Duca popped out to Delgado, who made a nice catch in foul territory. Jorge Cantu flied out and Wes Helms grounded out.

Top 2nd: Not much for the Mets this inning. After Daniel Murphy flied out, Brian Schneider struck out and Perez, oddly enough, drew a walk. Reyes followed and made good contact, but hit it right to Cantu at first for the final out.

Bottom 2nd: Perez gave up a towering homer to Josh Willingham, his 10th , before striking out Cody Ross, getting Dan Uggla to ground out and fanning Jeremy Hermida. Mets 1, Marlins 1.

Top 3rd: Wright and Beltran each singled in the inning, but the Mets could not take the lead as Church struck out looking to end the inning.

Bottom 3rd: The Marlins went ahead this inning. Starter Chris Volstad reached on an error by Reyes, moved to second on Ramirez’s walk, took third on Lo Duca’s sacrifice bunt and scored on a Cantu’s sacrifice fly. Marlins 2, Mets 1.

Top 4th: The Mets went down in order as Murphy struck out and Schneider and Perez grounded out.

Bottom 4th: Perez allowed two walks in the inning, but he benefited from the pitcher’s best friend: a double play. Ross hit it right to Delgado for an unassisted DP.

Top 5th: Second straight hitless inning for the Mets. Reyes struck out looking. (He argued with the ump, but to no avail.) Castillo grounded out and Wright flied out.

Bottom 5th: Perez got out of the inning without allowing a run, but he looked a little out of it. He issued a one-out walk to Ramirez before getting Lo Duca to fly out and Cantu to ground out.

Top 6th: 10 straight Mets have been retired. This time, Delgado, Beltran and Church grounded out.

Bottom 6th: Perez gave up a stand-up, two-out triple to Ross before getting Hermida to ground out two batters later. Perez is likely done. He has thrown over 110 pitches.

Top 7th: The Mets wasted a golden opportunity to tie the game (or take the lead). With the bases loaded and one out, Castillo grounded into a fielder’s choice and Wright struck out.

Bottom 7th: Brian Stokes came on for Perez and worked a 1-2-3 inning.

Top 8th: Another eventful inning for the Mets, but sadly for them, no runs were scored. Arthur Rhodes started the inning. Delgado fanned and Beltran reached on a E3. (Beltran hit a weak grounded to Cantu, who could not pick up the ball cleanly.) Two batters later, Murphy singled Beltran to third to end Rhodes’ night. Matt Lindstrom came on and got Endy Chavez to ground back to him for an easy out.

Bottom 8th: It wasn’t pretty, but Joe Smith worked a scoreless inning. Top of the order will come up for the Mets. Will they tie the game?

Top 9th: The Mets were down to their final out before they made an incredible come back. After Robinson Cancel popped out and Reyes grounded out, Castillo, Wright and Delgado reached before Beltran belted a grand slam. Mets 5, Marlins 2.

Bottom 9th: Luis Ayala came on and was VERY shaky. Hermida hit a one-out single and moved to second two batters later on a two-out single by Ramirez. Former Met Mike Jacobs followed with an RBI single and Cantu laced a run-scoring double to make it 5-4. But with second and third, Helms grounded out. Final: Mets 5, Marlins 4.

Reyes (ss)
Castillo (2b)
Wright (3b)
Delgado (1b)
Beltran (cf)
Church (rf)
Murphy (lf)
Schneider (c)
Perez (lhp)

Actually, that's not true. I have no idea what you did last summer. But I used the movie title in today's Mets Insider about dealing with the "demons" of the 2007 collapse, so I thought I'd do it again for the blog. Maybe that's being a little lazy, but sometimes thinking up a headline is more difficult that it looks.

Right now the Dolphin Stadium grounds crew is feverishly trying to get the field playable for tonight. Seems that the U. had a football game here last night and the grass is a little chewed up. I can still see the sprayed-on remnants for the 10-yard line clearly between the mound and third base.

The Mets have announced that special "pennant race packs" are on sale now at mets.com through Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Here is the team's official release and ticket info:

Limited Time Offer Guarantees Fans Tickets to Final 15 Regular Season Games at Shea, Opportunity to Purchase Tickets for Potential 2008 Postseason Games, and Priority for Purchase of Season Tickets in Citi Field for 2009.

FLUSHING, N.Y., August 27, 2008 - The New York Mets tonight announced the sale
of Pennant Race Packs, available online at Mets.com through Tuesday, September
2. Pennant Race Packs start at $497 per Upper Box seat, and include:

* Tickets to the Final 15 Regular Season Home Games at Shea Stadium.
* The opportunity to purchase the same seats for all potential 2008 Postseason games at Shea.
* Priority in purchasing Full Season Tickets in Citi Field for the 2009 Season.

The Mets in September will host the Philadelphia Phillies (September 5-7), Washington Nationals (September 9-10), Atlanta Braves (September 12-14), Chicago Cubs (September 22-25) and for the final three regular season games at Shea, the Florida Marlins (September 26-28), including five promotion dates.

Pennant Race Packs and tickets for single games for the remainder of the 2008 Regular Season are on sale at Mets.com, LosMets.com, or by phone at (718) 507-TIXX. There is a limit of eight seats per Pennant Race Pack customer and account.

The Mets previously announced that the club has surpassed four million tickets
sold for the first time in franchise history.

Wow. I can't believe I just typed that.

But with all the MVP debate focused on David Wright or Jose Reyes lately, look who just entered the discussion after smacking home runs No. 29 and 30 in last night's 6-3 comeback win over the Phillies. Take a look at the numbers:

Delgado .. .263 BA ... .504 SLG ... .348 OBP ... 30 HR ... 93 RBI ... 74 R

Wright .... .291 BA ... .517 SLG ... .385 OBP ... 25 HR ... 100 RBI .. 93 R

Reyes .... .306 BA ... .489 SLG ... .365 OBP ... 13 HR ... 55 RBI .... 95 R

Here's another thing to consider -- no one has been more instrumental in the Mets' turnaround than Delgado. Since June 27, when the Mets began the day four games out of first place, Delgado leads the NL with 19 homers and 58 RBI.

Just something to chew on for those who wanted to RELEASE Delgado back in early June and replace him with Mike Carp. You know who you are. For more on Delgado, here's an entertaining look at his resurgence from our own Wallace Matthews. I especially enjoyed the elevator scene.

On another subject, I like Jimmy Rollins. He's a big-game player and a fun guy to interview. But he really has to stop with the whole "Mets celebrate too much" schtick. It's getting old. I'm happy to publish his quotes because they're amusing, but it's really no big deal if the Mets wants to have a little fun. They've definitely toned it down since last season, anyway.

Loved Jerry Manuel's quotes on the "demons" from last September. Hey Omar, extend Jerry now. He's already shown he's the right guy for this job.

Adam Ronis here to take you through tonight's game. Johan Santana (12-7, 2.64 ERA) has won his last three starts and has pitched at least seven innings in four straight. The Mets will need a similar performance tonight after a 13-inning lost last night in which Aaron Heilman threw three innings and is unavailable tonight. Kyle Kendrick (11-7, 4.87 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies. He actually warmed up in the bullpen last night, so keep an eye on how he fares early in this game.

Bottom 9:Ayala pitching. Feliz grounds out to short. Coste grounds out to shortstop. Taguchi grounds out to short. Mets win, 6-3.

Top 9:Reyes singles to left. Castillo sacrifices Reyes to second. Wright strikes out, Reyes goes to third on ball in the dirt. Delgado gets an intentional walk. Beltran flies out to left. Mets 6, Phillies 3

Bottom 8: Feliciano pitching. Howard flies out to left. Victorino grounds out to Wright, who makes a great throw from foul territory. Smith comes into pitch. Werth grounds out to short. Mets 6, Phillies 3

Top 8: Seanez pitching. Castillo grounds out to first. Wright strikes out. Delgado homers to leftfield. Beltran reaches on an infield single. Lidge now pitching. Beltran steals second. Church gets an intentional walk. Murphy hits an RBI double to rightfield. Schneider hits a two-run single. Easley grounds into a fielder's choice. Mets 6, Phillies 3

Bottom 7: Stokes pitching. Coste singles to left. Dobbs pinch hits and grounds into a 4-6-3 double play. Rollins walks and steals second. Utley gets an intentional walk. Burrell grounds out to third. Phillies 3, Mets 2

Top 7: Schneider strikes out. Nick Evans pinch hits for Santana and strikes out. Reyes fouls out to first. Phillies 3, Mets 2

Bottom 6: Burrell doubles to left. Howard walks. Victorino strikes out. Werth fouls out to first. Feliz strikes out. Phillies 3, Mets 2

Top 6: Delgado homers to right. Beltran reaches on an infield single. Kendrick is taken out. Scott Eyre is in. Chruch strikes out. Murphy grounds into 3-6-3 double play. Phillies 3, Mets 2

Bottom 5:Feliz singles. Coste flies out to left. Kendrick strikes out. Rollins walks. Utley grounds out to second. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Top 5: Santana fouls out to third. Reyes grounded out to second. Castillo singles. Wright pops up to second. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Bottom 4:Howard walks. Victorino grounds into a 4-6-3 double play. Werth flies out to left. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Top 4: Delgado lines out to first. Beltran singles to right-center. Church walks. Murphy lines to center. Schneider grounds out. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Bottom 3: Rollins pops up to short. Utley flies to center. Burrell ground out to third. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Top 3: Reyes singles. Castillo lines to center and with Reyes running on the pitch, gets doubled off first base. Wright pops up to first. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Bottom 2: Werth homers to left. Feliz grounded out to short. Coste grounds out. Kendrick strikes out looking. Phillies 3, Mets 1

Top 2:Chruch singles to left and steals second. Murphy strikes out looking. Schneider grounds out to second, Church to third. Santana grounds out to second. Phillies 2, Mets 1

Bottom 1:Rollins bloops a single to left. Utley flies out to right. Burrell strikes out. Rollins gets picked off, but makes it safely to second. Howard hits a two-run homer down the leftfield line for his 36th of the season. Victorino strikes out. Phillies 2, Mets 1

Top 1: Reyes singles. Castillo flies to shallow left. Wright grounds to third, Reyes to second. Delgado singles to right scoring Reyes. Beltran grounds out. Mets 1, Phillies 0

Few additions to the earlier post:

-- Argenis Reyes was indeed the player sent to Triple-A New Orleans to make room for Nelson Figueroa, who was summoned to help out a weary bullpen after Tuesday's 13-inning loss.

-- The Mets have Ricardo Rincon back after loaning him to the Mexican League. He'll report to Triple-A New Orleans and join the Mets when rosters expand.

-- Jerry Manuel said he is sticking with Luis Ayala as closer despite Tuesday's blown save. As for the man he replaced, Billy Wagner played long toss at Shea today after visiting with the doctor on Tuesday. GM Omar Minaya said the elbow swelling is down, but he has no timetable for a return to the mound. Only then will the Mets know for sure if he will make it back this season.

Tonight's lineup:

Reyes (ss)
Castillo (2b)
Wright (3b)
Delgado (1b)
Beltran (cf)
Church (rf)
Murphy (lf)
Schneider (c)
Santana (lhp)

-- BTW, I'll be talking about the Mets later at 6:40 p.m. during the Baseball Tonight segment on ESPN 1050 AM. Tune in.

Ramon Castro was placed on the DL with a strained right quad. Robinson Cancel and Nelson Figueroa have been called up.

The Mets have not announced who will be demoted for Figueroa.

David Lennon is live in Philadelphia and will answer your Mets questions in a live chat today at 11 a.m.

Mets (73-59) vs. Phillies (72-59)

Pedro Martinez (3-4, 4.97) vs. Jaimie Moyer (11-7, 3.54)

It's Old-Timers day on the mound tonight as the Mets and Phillies meet with just a half game between them in the NL East standings.

Pedro Martinez, 37, gave one of his best performances of the season when he gave up four runs over seven innings against the Braves at Shea. He struck out six, threw over 100 pitches and even started the eighth inning. In his last start against the Phillies, Martinez allowed two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a win. It will be tough to get a comparable performance tonight against a potent Phillies line up and a small Citizens Bank Park.

Moyer, 22-year veteran, ran his streak of allowing three runs or fewer to 14 with a fine effort against Washington. He surrendered one earned run in 6 2/3 innings, but he received a no-decision. In 18 career starts against the Mets the lefty is 7-4 with a 2.85 ERA. He has faced them four times this season, giving up three, two, two and one run in those outings.

Joseph Staszewski is here to take you through all the action.

Bottom of the Thirteenth: Scott Schoenewis comes in. Victorino leads off the inning with a triple. The Mets walk the bases loaded. Brett Myers strikes out looking. Chris Coste singles to center to win it for the Phillies.

PHILLIES 8, METS 7

Top of the Thirteenth: Mets go 1-2-3.

Bottom of the Twelfth: Heilman get the Phillies in order in his third inning of relief. He strikes out Utley and Howard.

Top of the Twelfth: J. C. Romero in for the Phillies. Mets get just a walk by Tatis.

Bottom of the Eleventh: Worth walks with one out. Bruntlett singles to left. Cole Hamels pinch hits because the Phillies have no more bench players. He strikes out looking. Coste hits a ball down to Wright, who cannot find his footing. Rollins pops out with the bases loaded.

Top of the Eleventh: Wright is thrown out by Jason Werth trying to go to second on a ball hit down the right field line to end the inning.

Bottom of the Tenth: Aaron Heilman takes over on the mound. Chris Coste doubles right down the left field line. Rollins flies out to left and Utley is walked intentionally. Burrell strikes out looking. Delgado field a bullet from Howard and takes it to the bag to end the inning.

Top of the Tenth: Ryan Madson comes on in relief for the Phillies. Schneider singles with one out, but A. Reyes hits into a double play.

Bottom of the Ninth: Luis Ayala enters the game and gets the first two out. Werth singles and Brunlett double to right center to score Werth. Reyes makes a great diving stop and throw to throw out Ruiz and send the game to the 10th. METS 7, PHILLIES 7

Top of the Ninth: Brad Lidge comes in to get the Mets 1-2-3.

Bottom of the Eighth: Sanchez comes in to start the inning. He gets the first out, but then gives up a single to Ruiz. Pedro Feliciano is the next pitcher out of the pen and he gives up a single to Dobbs. Rollins single to right to score Ruiz. Felciano strikes out Utley for the second out. Joe Smith is then brought in to face Burrell. Rollins steals second, but Burrell flies out deep to left to end the inning. METS 7 PHILLIES 6

Top of the Eighth: Chad Durbin comes in for the Phillies. Reyes walks and steals second. Easley walks, but Wright ground into a double play to end the inning.

Bottom of the Seventh: Phillies go 1-2-3.

Top of the Seventh: Mets go in order.

Bottom of the Sixth: Brian Stokes comes on in relief. Rollins singles with two outs and is moves to third on an Utley single to center.

Top of the Sixth: Reyes singles and then Easley bunts for a hit. Wright pops out. Scott Eyre comes in and hits Beltran in the foot and then gets Delgado to hit into a double play to end the inning.

Bottom of the Fifth: Condrey, a relief pitcher, singles to lead off the inning. Rollins hits a two-run homer to right. Howard then smacks a two-run homer to left field with one out. Pedro strikes out Feliz with the tying run on second to end an inning that saw five Phillies' hits. METS 7, PHILLIES 5

Top of the Fifth: Castro pulls his hamstring running safe to first when Howard could not scoop a Rollins throw. Schneider replaces him.

Bottom of the Fourth: Pedro Feliz hits a sac fly to center to score Victorino. METS 7, PHILLIES 1

Top of the Fourth: Clay Condrey comes in to pitch. Easley lead off with a triple to put him just a double away from the cycle. He then scores on a ground out to second by Wright. The RBI is Wright's 100th of the season. METS 7, PHILLIES 0

Bottom of the Third: Phillies get just a single and a stolen base from Rollins.

Top of the Third: The Carlos and Carlo get back to back singles to start the inning. Beltran steals third. The Mets get a break when Beltran is hit in fair territory on a ground ball to third, but the ball is called fouls. Tatis hits a three-run homer to left. METS 6, PHILLIES 0

Bottom of the Second: Pedro gets the Phillies in order.

Top of the Second: Easley smacks a homer to left center. METS 3, PHILLIES 0

Bottom of the First: Rollins leads off with a double and Utley is then hit on the foot with a pitch. After Burrell flies out, Howard strikes out, but runners moves to second and third on a double steal. Pedro then strikes out Victorino to end the inning.

Top of the First: Reyes leads off with a triple off the left center field wall. Easely drives him in with a double down the left field line to give the Mets another first inning run. Tatis later singles with the bases loaded and one out to score Easley. METS 2, PHILLIES 0

NYM

Reyes (ss)
Easley (2b)
Wright (3b)
Beltran (cf)
Delgado (1b)
Tatis (lf)
Church (rf)
Castro (c)
Martinez (rhp)

There's a debate going on at The Final Score. Tell us what you think, please.

It's not often that I quote Keyshawn in this space, but kind of fits today. Listened to some talk radio on the drive down to Philly, specifically 1050 ESPN, and I had to say I was a little surprised by the backlash over Mike Pelfrey's complete game on Monday night. The bottom line is this: the Mets never should have publicly expressed concern over his innings in the first place.

Pelfrey is only 24, is fine physically, and two more innings Monday were not going to kill him He threw just 108 pitches. I know what the studies say about a young pitcher exceeding his previous year's total by 30 or more innings. I know there is plenty of evidence to prove it. But Jerry Manuel has been talking about pushing Pelfrey deeper into games since May, and now that he actually has a chance to do so, I say why not?

Pelfrey, a first-round draft pick, is obviously very talented. The Mets' goal now is to develop that mental edge, to transform him into the type of elite pitcher than can dominate a game every time out. That comes from pitching deep into games, from throwing back-to-back CG victories. There's a reason why Pelfrey was the first Met to do it in 13 years, since Bret Saberhagen -- because only special pitchers are capable of doing it.

I'm sure Manuel was feeling a little nervous in the eighth inning when Pelfrey had to score from first base or risk getting run over by Jose Reyes. But Pelfrey is not fragile like Pedro Martinez. He's young and can handle some degree of physical exertion. And if there was a play at the plate, Pelfrey could have just given himself up, which he already was prepared to do.

If the Mets keep worrying Pelfrey with pitch counts, inning totals, etc., etc. that could backfire and make him too cautious. Keep giving him the ball and take the training wheels off. The way Pelfrey is pitching now, it looks like the sky's the limit.

My colleague Ken Davidoff tackles the same topic in today's Newsday while Anthony Rieber details the John Maine saga and the wrecking ball that is Carlos Delgado.

Good evening everyone. Marc here with you as the Mets conclude a four-game series with the Houston Astros. Mike Pelfrey (12-8, 3.86 ERA) will be going tonight. In his last start he tossed a three-hitter for his first career complete game in a 6-3 win over the Braves on Wednesday. With John Maine placed on the disabled list today and the bullpen struggling as of late, the Mets (72-59) could really use another big outing from Pelfrey. And there’s no reason to think Pelfrey can’t give the Mets another solid start -- he is 10-2 since May 31. Brian Moehler (9-4, 3.87 ERA), who has won four road starts in a row, will be on the mound for the Astros (66-64).

Top 1st: 1-2-3 inning for Pelfrey, who got Darin Erstad to line out while inducing ground outs from former Met Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada.

Bottom 1st: Carlos Delgado belted a three-run homer to give the Mets an early lead. Jose Reyes singled and later stole second. Following Luis Castillo’s strike out, David Wright walked before Delgado stepped up to the plate. After the three-run bomb, Carlos Beltran struck out and Ryan Church grounded out. Mets 3, Astros 0.

Top 2nd: Quick inning for Pelfrey. Following a single by Lance Berkman, Geoff Blum hit into a double play and Hunter Pence grounded out.

Bottom 2nd: The Mets went down in order. Daniel Murphy struck out, Brian Schneider flied out and Pelfrey grounded out.

Top 3rd: Pelfrey retired the side in order as Michael Bourn grounded out, Humberto Quintero lined out to Castillo (who made a nice diving catch) and Brian Moehler struck out.

Bottom 3rd: Not much for the Mets this inning other than a single by Wright.

Top 4th: So far, Big Pelf has looked great! He allowed a cheap single to Erstad before getting Wigginton to hit into a DP and striking out Tejada.

Bottom 4th: Mets went down in order.

Top 5th: Big Pelf worked around a double by Blum, who was stranded at third.

Bottom 5th: Reyes smacked a two-out double and Castillo walked, but Wright, who has 99 RBIs, grounded into a fielder’s choice.

Top 6th: Another 1-2-3 inning for Pelf.

Bottom 6th: Mets added another run. Following back-to-back singles by Beltran and Church, Wesley Wright came on for Moehler and issued a sacrifice fly to Murphy. Mets 4, Astros 0.

Top 7th: Other than throwing 11 pitches to Wigginton, Pelf had an easy 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 7th: Delgado crushed his second three-run homer to put this one out of reach. After Reyes drew a walk, Wright was intentionally walked two batters later before Delgado came up. Mets 7, Astros 0.

Top 8th: Pelf worked around a leadoff single by Blum to keep the Astros off the board.

Bottom 8th: The Mets have built a huge lead. This time the big blow came from a two-run triple by Reyes. Only thing left to see: Will Pelfrey pitch his first career shutout? Mets 9, Astros 0.

Top 9th: For the first time in 13 years a Mets pitcher has earned back-to-back complete-game victories. Pelfrey was outstanding, yet again. He did, however, allow a run. Pinch hitter and former Met David Newhan hit a ground rule double, moved to third on a single by Erstad and scored on Wigginton’s ground out. Final: Mets 9, Astros 1.

The Mets have placed John Maine on the DL with a bone spur in his right shoulder. Back with more after we talk to him to find out if this is it for the season.

Luis Castillo has been activated and is in the lineup against Brian Moehler of the Astros.

Reyes SS
Castillo 2B
Wright 3B
Beltran CF
Delgado 1B
Church RF
Murphy LF
Schneider C
Pelfrey P

With John Maine telling Newsday that he recieved a cortisone shot in order to make last Saturday's start against the Astros, there's a very real possiblity that tomorrow's side session could be the last time he climbs a mound this season. Maine is going to need surgery anyway to shave down a bone spur in the back of his right shoulder, and if he is shut down early, the arthroscopic procedure could be done sooner rather than later.

That's not to say he's finished yet. If Maine can convince the Mets tomorrow that he will be effective Friday against the Marlins, maybe they'll let him give it another try. Maine apparently prevented Jerry Manuel from shutting him down permanently during a 20-minute meeting in the manager's office before Sunday's game.

But it seems the anti-inflammatory shot didn't do Maine much good, and that suggests he's going to struggle from here on out. His condition won't improve without surgery and the pain isn't going away.Remember, he's dealing with a rotator-cuff strain, too.

Good afternoon Mets fans. Welcome to another day on the blog. Marcus Henry will take you through game three of this four-game set between the Mets and Astros.

Mets (72-58) vs. Astros (65-64); 1:10 p.m.

Oliver Perez (9-7, 3.93 ERA) will start for the Mets, while Randy Wolf (8-11, 4.81) will take the mound for the Astros.

Last Starts: Perez continued his second half surge in his last start as he struck out three and gave up three runs in 6 1/3 innings of the Mets 7-3 win over the Braves on August 19. Perez got a no-decision, but got into the seventh inning despite walking five batters.

Wolf wasn't nearly as effective as Perez in his last start as the Brewers blitzed him for five hits and six runs over four innings. It's worth noting that Wolf his 11-5 with a 3.25 ERA against the Mets in his career.

Mets notes: Ryan Church isn't in the starting lineup today. Fernando Tatis, who is 4-11 with two RBIs during this homestand will start in rightfield.

Top 1st: Reggie Abercrombie struck out looking. Darin Erstad struck out swinging. Miguel Tejada fouled out to the catcher to end the inning.
Mets 0, Houston 0

Bottom 1st: Jose Reyes singled up the middle. Nick Evans flied out to centerfield. Reyes was thrown out trying to advance to second. David Wright walked. Carlos Beltran hit a two-run home run to leftfield, scoring Wright to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. It's the 13th time in their last 17 games the Mets have scored in the first innings. The Mets lead the majors in that category with 108 runs. Carlos Delgado flied out to centerfield to end the inning.
Mets 2, Houston 0

Top 2nd: Ty Wigginton doubled down the leftfield line. Wigginton advanced to third on a wild pitch. Mark Loretta flied out to deep second base. Hunter Pence struck out swinging. Jose Castillo flied out to rightfield.
Mets 2, Houston 0

Bottom 2nd: Fernando Tatis popped out to third. Damion Easley singled to leftfield. Easley advanced to second on a wild pitch. Ramon Castro popped out to deep second base. Perez struck out swinging.
Mets 2, Houston 0

Top 3rd: Humberto Quintero popped out to shortstop. Randy Wolf struck out swinging. Abercrombie bunted out to third.
Mets 2, Houston 0

Bottom 3rd: J. Reyes lined out to centerfield. Evans singled to leftfield. Wright doubled down the leftfield line. Evans moved to third. Beltran was intentionally walked, loading the bases. Delgado flied out to shallow rightfield for the second out. Tatis walked, forcing in Evans to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. Easley was robbed of a base hit by Mark Loretta who made a diving catch on a pop up to end the inning.
Mets 3, Houston 0

Top 4th: Erstad reached on an infield single to second. Tejada doubled to left centerfield. Erstad moved to third. Wigginton struck out swinging. Loretta scored Erstad on a sacrifice fly to centerfield. The Mets now lead 3-1. Tejada remained at second base. Pence hit a two-run homer to right centerfield, scoring Tejada. The score is tied, 3-3. Castillo grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
Mets 3, Houston 3

Bottom 4th: Castro struck out swinging. Perez struck out swinging. J. Reyes flied out to shallow rightfield to end the inning.
Mets 3, Houston 3

Top 5th: Quintero flied out to leftfield. Wolf struck out. Abercrombie flied out to shallow centerfield.
Mets 3, Houston 3

Bottom 5th: Evans grounded out to third. Wright lined out to leftfield. Beltran homered to leftfield to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. It was Beltran's second multi-home run game of the year. Delgado lined out to shortstop.
Mets 4, Houston 3

Top 6th: Erstad struck out. Tejada flied out to deep leftfield. Wigginton struck out swinging (put out 2-3) to end the inning.
Mets 4, Houston 3

Bottom 6th: Tatis singled to leftfield. Easley popped out to first. Castro grouned out to first. Tatis moved to second. Perez struck out swinging.
Mets 4, Houston 3

Top 7th: Loretta grounded out to third. Pence walked. Heilman is on to pitch for the Mets, replacing Perez. Geoff Blum is pinch hitting for Castillo. Blum doubled off the rightfield wall. David Newhan is pinch hitting for Quintero. Newhan singled to right, scoring Pence. Blum was thrown out at the plate for the second out. Newhan advanced to second on the throw. The score is tied at 4. The line on Oliver Perez: 6.1 IP, 4H, 4R, 1BB, 8K. Michael Bourn is pinch hitting for Wolf. Scott Schoeneweis is pitching for Heilman. Bourn walked. Abercrombie grounded out to the pitcher.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Bottom 7th: Chris Sampson is pitching for the Astros. J. Reyes grounded out to second. Evans grounded out to third. Wright grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Top 8th: Pence grounded out to shortstop. Joe Smith is in to pitch for the Mets. Tejada popped out to shortstop. Wigginton grounded out to shortstop.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Bottom 8th: Beltran fouled out to third. Delgado flied out to leftfield. Tatis grounded out to third.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Top 9th: Luis Ayala is pitching for the Mets. Loretta grounded out to second base. Pence lined out to first. Blum grounded out to first.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Bottom 9th: LaTroy Hawkins is pitching for the Astros. Easley flied out to centerfield. Daniel Murphy is pinch hitting for Castro. Murphy flied out to leftfield. Ryan Church is pinch hitting in the ninth spot. Church grounded out to second. We are headed to extra innings.
Mets 4, Houston 4

Top 10th: Pedro Feliciano is pitching for the Mets. Brad Ausmus is pinch hitting for the Astros. Ausmus homered to leftfield to give the Astros a 5-4 lead. Bourn struck out. Lance Berkman is pinch hitting for the Astros. Berkman flied out to rightfield. Erstad homered to rightfield to give the Astros a 6-4 lead. Duaner Sanchez is in to pitch for the Mets. Tejada grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
Houston 6, Mets 4

Bottom 10th: Jose Valverde is pitching for Houston. J. Reyes grounded out to second base. Evans flied out to centerfield. Wright grounded out to first to end the game.
Final score: Houston 6, Mets 4

The Mets fall to 72-59 and the Astros improve to 66-64. Pedro Feliciano gets the loss and LaTroy Hawkins gets the win. Valverde earned his 33rd save.

The final game of the series is tomorrow at 7 p.m. Mike Pelfrey (12-8, 3.86 ERA) will take on Brian Moehler (9-4, 3.87).

Reyes (ss)
Evans (lf)
Wright (3b)
Beltran (cf)
Delgado (1b)
Tatis (rf)
Easley (2b)
Castro (c)
Perez (lhp)

Notes: Jerry Manuel said this morning that John Maine is tentatively scheduled to make his next start against the Marlins. But he also added this ominous statement -- if Maine has to be shut down again this season, it will be permanent. Personally, I think there's about a 60 percent chance of that happening ... Manuel also said there's an "outside chance" Luis Castillo could be activated for tomorrow's series finale against the Astros. When Castillo does return, he will be the No. 2 hitter again, but will share a platoon with Damion Easley.

Mike Gavin here for another night of Mets baseball.

Never fix what isn't broken. With the success the Mets have been experiencing lately, changing their lineup would be like Michael Phelps altering his swimming stroke for the next Olympics. Jerry Manuel originally gave the impression that Luis Castillo would not only be activated tonight, but also start at second base. With the best interest of team chemistry in mind, Manuel opted against tinkering with success, and will stick with the Argenis Reyes and Damion Easily platoon at second until September.

The Mets look to extend their winning streak to five as John Maine opposes Brandon Backe and the Houston Astros in the second game of a four game series at Shea. First pitch is just minutes away......

Top of the 1st: Maine strikes out the first two batters, and Wright makes a nice play on a grounder to end the inning. With the way Santana and Pelfrey are pitching, Maine can really solidify the rotation if he remains consistent.

Bottom of the 1st: Mets go down in order.

Top of the 2nd: The Astros strike first as Lance Berkaman led off with a double and was singled home by Geoff Blum. Astros 1, Mets 0.

Bottom of the 2nd: No signs of life for the Met's bats yet. They go down 1-2-3.

Top of the 3rd: Maine's night may be nearing an end as he allows an RBI-single to Miguel Tejada followed by a three-run home run to Berkman. Astros 5, Mets 0.

Bottom of the 3rd: With three innings in the books the Mets are yet to have a baserunner. The Curse of Luis Castillo is upon them.

Top of the 4th: Maine settles down and escapes without further damage. The breaks have been going the Mets way the past few weeks, they made need a few to get back in this game.

Bottom of the 4th: Perfect game through four innings. Backe is consistently getting ahead of batters and is showing good movement on his pitches. He hardly resembles a man with an ERA over five.

Top of the 5th: David Wright makes a beautiful running backhanded play and managed to make the throw to first as his momentum carried him into foul territory. He may have bought Maine some time with that play.

Bottom of the 5th: Through four innings Brandon Backe looked as if his name deserved to be alongside those of Cy Young, Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, Roger Clemens and all the other great pitchers in baseball history. But the Mets finally got to him as Daniel Murphy drew a walk to become the first Met baserunner. Ryan Church drove him home with the Mets first hit of the night. Perfect game, no-hitter, and shutout denied. Astros 5, Mets 1.

Top of the 6th: Duaner Sanchez relieves Maine after he allows a lead-off home run to Newhan and back-to-back singles. The Astros continues to pour it on against Sanchez as Tejada and Berkman hit RBI singles to add to the Astros lead. There hasn't been much to be dissapointed about for the Mets lately but Mama always said there would be days like these. Astros 8, Mets 1.

Bottom of the 6th: A Jose Reyes single is negated by a Argenis Reyes double-play to end the inning.

Top of the 7th: Joe Smith puts the Astros down in order for the first time since the first inning.

Bottom of the 7th: A Carlos Delgado single increases the Met's hit total from a whopping two to three. Sadly, there is nothing else to report.

Top of the 8th: Brian Stokes retires the Astros 1-2-3.

Bottom of the 8th: The sudden power-hitter Brian Schneider hits a two-run homer for the second consecutive day to life Backe from the game and cut the lead to 8-3. Mets had the opportunity to make things interesting but Delgado grounded out to second, stranding Reyes and Wright. Astros 8, Mets 3.

Top of the 9th: Yet another 1-2-3 inning for the Mets bullpen. Last chance for the Mets.

Bottom of the 9th: Church hits into a double-play to end a frustrating night. The Mets were due for a night like this. After a season of streaky baseball, their ability to bounce back from a loss of this nature rather than let it interupt their recent momentum may very well determine their playoff chances. Final Score: Astros 8, Mets 3.

Howdy folks. Rod Boone filling in for Dave Lennon today. Here is the lineup for tonight's game and you'll notice Argenis Reyes is starting at second base and not Luis Castillo. That's not what we thought would happen after Jerry Manuel indicated Friday night that Castillo would be activated and start at second today.

But apparently, according to Manuel, because the team is playing so well Castillo did not want to affect the team chemistry. So he won't be activated today and there's no telling when. Manuel said it wasn't a health-related issue and Castillo will travel with the team to Philly. He will be activated before the rosters expand Sept. 1. We did not speak to Castillo about it but hope to after BP.

Because the Mets did not activate Castillo, there is no need for a roster move today. Here's the lineup:

J. Reyes SS
A. Reyes 2B
Wright 3B
Delgado 1B
Beltran CF
Murphy LF
Church RF
Schneider C
Maine P