Morning Papers

Nats devour Maine course May 3 New York Daily News: "Maine, making his Mets debut as a fill-in for Brian Bannister while the rookie's strained right hamstring mends, allowed five of six leadoff batters to reach base. He allowed four runs in 5-1/3 innings as the Nationals beat the Mets, 6-2, last night at Shea to split a two-game series." Mets' lumber slumbers May 3 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "The Mets, riding high all season, couldn't solve the mystery that was Washington Nationals rookie Michael O'Connor in a 6-2 loss at a chilly Shea Stadium last night." Ump muzzles hot Randolph May 3 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Willie Randolph insisted he wasn't trying to send any messages or fire up his team by getting ejected for only the second time in his managerial career in last night's 6-2 loss to the Washington Nationals." Mets' starters pose much tougher test May 3 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "The Mets are scheduled to start Pedro Martinez tonight and Tom Glavine tomorrow night. Seems like a daunting task for the Pirates."