Sweeping is Fun

Despite fielding what was likened to a split-squad spring training game lineup by Matthew Cerrone on Metsblog, the Mets completed the three game sweep of the San Diego Piazza's. El Duque gets the win, 7 innings, 3 runs, 4 hits and 1 walk. El Duque even had a single. Heilman and Pedros Part Dos closed it out.

Strangely enough, it was the first sweep of the season at home. Looking at the lineup before the game, which featured Michael Tucker, Mike DeFelice, and Ricky Ledee, fans could be forgiven for not expecting a 7 run outburst. El Duque gave up a 2 run HR in the first to Gonzalez, but shut them down from there until the 7th, when he was dinged for another run to tie the game at three. Then, it was time for the only clutch 3rd baseman in New York to go to work.

Jose Reyes led off with a single. Endy Chavez followed with a bunt for a single. David Wright doubled in a run, to give the Mets the lead. Following a Delgado intentional walk, 'Stache Valentin doubled in Endy and David. Michael Tucker greeted Alan Embree with another double, making the score 7-3.

Mike Piazza did not have an at-bat, in possibly his last game at Shea this season. Too bad the Mets didn't get a chance to beat the crap out of Trevor Hoffman. Perhaps they can do so in the playoffs. Wonder what he thinks of the Mets chances now?

Fun with Numbers:

The magic number is at 36 over the Phillies, 34 over the Braves.

For those who are mean spirited (like me) for the Braves to win the division, the Mets would have to go 25-24 for the rest of the season, while the Braves would have to go 42-7.
Phillies would have to go 39-10.