Phil Hughes tossed a gem tonight, lasting seven strong innings and allowing only one run on four hits. The Franchise struck out five batters and then handed the ball to Joba Chamberlain. Although Mike Mussina most likely gets the postseason start, the superb finish to Phil's regular season ensures a capable replacement should Moose falter in October.
On the other hand, the J-Man took another step toward the playoff spotlight. After allowing a leadoff double, Joba induced a line-out before striking out two Devil Rays and stranding the runner at second base.
Chamberlain passed his final test by successfully pitching on back-to-back days. The fastball still hit 99 mph on the radar and the slidepiece still buckled batters. As long as his body recovers well tomorrow and Saturday, all systems are go.
....
Meanwhile, Flushing is Burning, as the Mets lost another crucial game tonight. With the Phillies looming one game back, the Mets offense was befuddled by former Red Sox failure, Joel Pineiro. Looking like an ace, the unlikely torment from Pineiro spanned eight shutout innings and former Metropolitan farmhand, Jason Isringhausen shut the door in the ninth.
The Phillies, however, fought their way to a 6-4 victory, creating an improbable tie atop the NL East. Just a few months ago, the Mets fanbase danced the New York City streets, proclaiming their team the newly crowned King of New York.
As September winds down, they are again playing second fiddle to the Bombers and desperately clawing for a postseason berth. Talk about turning the tables. The Mets are on the verge of an unprecedented collapse, considering no division leader ever blew a seven game cushion during the final month of the season.
On the other hand, the J-Man took another step toward the playoff spotlight. After allowing a leadoff double, Joba induced a line-out before striking out two Devil Rays and stranding the runner at second base.
Chamberlain passed his final test by successfully pitching on back-to-back days. The fastball still hit 99 mph on the radar and the slidepiece still buckled batters. As long as his body recovers well tomorrow and Saturday, all systems are go.
....
Meanwhile, Flushing is Burning, as the Mets lost another crucial game tonight. With the Phillies looming one game back, the Mets offense was befuddled by former Red Sox failure, Joel Pineiro. Looking like an ace, the unlikely torment from Pineiro spanned eight shutout innings and former Metropolitan farmhand, Jason Isringhausen shut the door in the ninth.
The Phillies, however, fought their way to a 6-4 victory, creating an improbable tie atop the NL East. Just a few months ago, the Mets fanbase danced the New York City streets, proclaiming their team the newly crowned King of New York.
As September winds down, they are again playing second fiddle to the Bombers and desperately clawing for a postseason berth. Talk about turning the tables. The Mets are on the verge of an unprecedented collapse, considering no division leader ever blew a seven game cushion during the final month of the season.
- The Cherry On Top: By striking out 10 Yankees, another former Mets minor leaguer, Scott Kazmir, became the Major League strikeout leader with a staggering 236. Ouch.
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