That'll Do Ollie, That'll Do...

Facing a 2-1 series deficit, thanks to poor pitching and a day off from the lineup, the Mets threw Ollie Perez last night, in the hopes of getting something resembling a quality start, while praying that the lumber would awaken and do some damage. The hopes and prayers were answered.

Now, Ollie wasn't great, allowing 3 home runs (can someone explain to me why it is that Taguchi, Suppan and Eckstein can go yard?) in 5 2/3. However, he did limit the damage, allowing the bats to wake up and pound on the Cards. Chad Bradford, Pedro Dos and Mota finished it up, allowing no further damage. So the pen should be in good shape for Glavine's start, either tonight or tomorrow (it is already raining in STL, so we may have another rainout today.) After the pen spit the bit on Friday, it was nice to see Darren Oliver do a fantastic job Saturday, and the aforementioned trio get it done last night. Rehab is complete (speaking of rehab, El Duque had a promising side session yesterday. If we can make the WS, perhaps he can go?)

But the story of the night was the bats. After suffering some A-Rod comparisons, The Prince went yard, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. His home run came one out after Beltran hit the first of 2 for the night (boy, does he own the Cards or what?) Beltran went 3-3 with 2 walks, getting on base all 5 times at bat. 'Stache got into it with a triple, scoring 3, Green had 2 hits. Everybody Hits was the rallying cry it appears.

But the story is the NY corner infielder who actually performs come playoff time. Carlos Delgado (is there anyone left who really wants Mike Jacobs back?) was huge, again. Delgado went 2-4 with 5 RBI. A three run HR, a ground rule double (oh, and both went to left field). Fire seemed to ooze out of him. The man is on a mission to carry this team. Should he keep it up, we could be playing Saturday.

On the other side, Larussa went to the pen early, and it cost him. They had done a great job in the playoffs until last night, when they imploded. The only guy who looked good was Looper, who went 3, giving up only a Beltran blast. Otherwise, the Card pen was treated like rented mules.

Next up, Glavine vs Weaver. Over on cardinalsdiaspora, a commenter noted that Larussa will figure out Glavine. Well, he might, but here is the question, will the Cards lineup? Oh, and do you really think the Mets lineup won't figure out Weaver? Cuts both ways guys. Of course, rain today could cause Larussa to bring Carpenter back tomorrow on short rest. Then again, he is not Mike (Scuffy) Scott.

Best of 3. I'm sticking to my 6 game Met win.

Let's get it on!