Phillies batter and bruise Mets

Written by Mike Mariano | 03 May 2010

Ahh, the universe has finally righted itself again.  It's no coincidence that last week when the Mets took the division lead, I immediately got sick.  Also, I didn't get over that sickness entirely until this morning, when I awoke to the Phillies back on top of the Mets.  The glitch in the Matrix has been fixed and we can all go back to our normal lives.

Saturday and Sunday were both thought to be uneventful games seeing as both teams' respective aces were throwing opposing back-end guys.  Phillies win easy Saturday with Roy Halladay and the Mets win easy Sunday with Johan Santana.  However, that's why we play the games.

Not too much to write about for Saturday's snoozer.  10-0 rout for the Phillies.  Roy Halladay went the distance only allowing 3 hits, striking out six Muts.  Meanwhile, the Phillies bashed hits all around the ballpark and only had one home run in the accumulation of those ten runs.  Werth-Ibanez-Castro, 5-6-7 in the order, accounted for six RBI's knocking in anyone and everyone on base.  Big Pelf Dog picked up his first of what should be many losses on the season and everything seemed to go exactly according to plan.

On Sunday however, most Mets fans were sorely disappointed and rightfully so.  I was in attendance (as were Matt and Erica) at CBP and there was a large contingent of Mets fans there.  Lots of blue and orange in the ballpark and most of them were all hopped up with Johan pride and fully expecting a great Mets win.  Then in the top of the first David Wright hit a three run home run to left center and the Mets chested were so puffed  out I thought a few of them were going to pop.  However, in classic Mets fashion, Johan gave up two solo homers in the bottom of the first to nearly even it right out.  The only remaining bright spot of the day for the Mets was Rod Barajas' two run home run to give them a 5-2 lead with their ace still on the mound early in the game.  But, that excitement was very short-lived.

The Phillies put together a 9 run bottom of the fourth, scoring all 9 with two outs.  Jamie Moyer made it all possible by working a bases loaded walk to plate the second runner of the inning and get Shane Victorino to the plate.  His ensuing Grand Slam, followed by Chase Utley's two-run homer and Ryan Howard scoring from first off a Jayson Werth double and the stadium was in pandemonium.  Moyer's at-bat was very Brett Myers v. C.C. Sabathia-esque.  After Johan threw the first pitch ball one, the crowd got a little loud.  Then after ball two, the stadium was rocking.   After working a full count and fouling off a pitch, Jamie made the play of the day getting the walk that sparked the rally.  The stadium went bananas -- it was a great mix of laughter, cheering, and snickering.  Mets fans were just distraught.  All that excitement just turned to a deep shade of sadness.  Made me so happy to see them crying in their beers.

Back on top and looking to expand, Smokin' Joe Blanton takes on the Cardinals today and what could be a rainy day at the Bank.

(one final note:  No love for Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello.  The guy wouldn't throw the pretty blonde next to me a ball the whole game.)