Mets Bring Bats For Pedro

In his fourth start of the season Pedro Martinez pitched 7 innings allowing just 2 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run, while striking out 11 in a 8-1 victory. The only run allowed came from a monstrous shot by the one and only Mike Piazza. Pedro recorded his 100th career road win, his 201st career victory, and his 4th victory of the season. In the bottom of the second the X-Man, Xavier Nady hits a leadoff HR against his former team. Ramon Castro followed him up with a solo shot of his own. In the 7th inning Carlos Delgado goes deep for the third time in three games. David Wright walked twice and scored twice, he was also hit by a pitch. Cliff Floyd had a sac fly RBI. And Jose Valentin picked up his second hit of the season. After his 7 innings Martinez left the game, and Manager Willie Randolph went to Jorge Julio with a 6-1 lead. Julio was the only pitcher in the Mets bullpen that was not used yesterday. Julio looked good in the 8th. Had an AB and looked horrible. Then he came in for the 9th... He walked the first batter, and then got a double play ball but Wright made an error and both runners were safe. The next guy hit a single to load up the bases. Then Julio turned it on. He struck out the next batter and then got another double play ball to get him out of the inning. Julio has looked good in his last 3 outings (4 innings). He is beginning to look confident, and starting to locate his fastball well. If he can keep this up, we will have absolutely no holes in our bullpen. Pedro had his sharpest start of the season, and we can expect to see this more and more. The Met offense is starting to get back into shape. Reyes is still slumping, and Beltran is still out of the line-up. I believe he will sit out tomorrow’s game, and get restarted in San Francisco. In a side note: My wish was granted...Barry Bonds hit his first HR of the season...THANK GOD!!!