9

So the 18 game stretch comes to a close. The record 13-5. The 9 game winning streak of course made that all possible.

The bats have been great of course. Beltran hit another one out last night. Delgado too. Both Carlos' have heated up at the right time. Reyes got many props from the ESPN booth last night. Joe Morgan basically told everyone to leave Jose the hell alone. Thanks Joe. (Of course, this was followed by 5 minutes of slobbering all over Yankee Stadium and the Yanks, ugh).

But the story this week has to be the pitching. The pen has been awesome. Heilman, save for his outing in Philly has been great. Joe Smith has gotten the job done. They came in for Pedro Saturday and pitched 5 scoreless and hitless innings. The pen hasn't been scored on since Philly. Even Wagner has looked good. And the starters, oh my, the starters.

Tuesday - Pelfrey 7 shutout innings, 3 hits, no walks
Wednesday - Santana 5 shutout innings, 3 hits 3 walks (left due to rain, FU Joe and Evan)
Thursday - Maine 4 2/3 innings, 3 runs 3 hits.
Friday - Ollie 6 innings, 2 hits 1 run
Saturday - Pedro 5 innings 1 hit 3 walks no runs
Sunday - Pelfrey 8 shutout innings, 6 hits, no walks.

That's dominance people. I don't care how bad the Giants and Rockies are. Giving up 3 hits or fewer in 4 straight games, 4 shutouts in 6 games is pure domination.

Mike Pelfrey is on fire right now. Did he basically say "Fuck the Jacket, I'm gonna do what works for me"? Who knows. Whatever he did, he has won 6 straight starts, and has been increasingly dominant in doing so. Run support is nice, but it is also nice that he hasn't needed it his last 2 starts, heck, in his last 7 he has given up more than 1 run twice, 4 runs against the Yankees and 6 against the Angels. Last night, 6 of 24 outs where hit into the air. there were 14 groundball outs, and 4 k's. He got 3 double plays. Now, some might say, "well, if not for those, he might not have been as dominant". That misses the point. When he needed the big out, he got it.

We are seeing him start to reach the potential the Mets saw when they drafted him so high. Yes, it would be nice if he could get a consistent off-speed pitch, but you know what, his 4-seamer and 2-seamer are working now. He is sprinkling in curves and sliders to keep hitters honest. That is the mark of a smart pitcher.

We enter the break with our team 1/2 game out. The bats are clicking. The arms are throwing well. Church could be back next week. So may Pagan. It would be nice is Omar could get a LF, but if the guys keep playing like this, and Church really is healthy, then there is no need. Of course, that is a lot to count on, so I expect Omar will try to get someone for OF depth. Just so long as Fernando! and Niese are not touched in a trade, I will be happy.

On July 4th, the Mets were 5.5 back of the Phillies. Things turn quickly. We saw that last year.

Don't let up now.

Just.Win.Series.

LGM!