In game two of the current three game set between the Braves and Mets the Mets won 10-3. El' Duque took the mound for the Metropolitans and he knew this was a big game for him, as he is on the verge of being pushed into the bullpen. And Duque did what he usually does in big games; he pitched 8 innings giving up 3 runs, all unearned, on 3 hits. He struck out 7 batters and at one point he retired 12 Braves in a row. Chad Bradford came on in the 9th to finish it off. He gave up just a hit.
Defensively the Mets are usually very sure-handed, however they committed 2 errors early on that allowed 3 runs to score. In the first inning David Wright threw the ball into center field while making a routine play. Wright's error caused Marcus Giles to score from third base on a sac fly by Adam LaRoache. In the second inning Jose Reyes booted a ball that prolonged the inning allowing two more runs to score. However the defense was solid for the rest of the game.
Offensively the Mets excelled. A form of production was contributed from every defensive position including the pitcher. Reyes had 1 hit in 5 tries. LoDuca went 4 for 4 with a BB, he also scored 2 runs. Beltran hit HRs number 29 and 30, he also contributed 5 RBIs. Carlos Delgado did not get a hit in his first AB, and was removed promptly after his second. However his replacement Julio Franco contributed 2 hits and a stolen base. David Wright walked and scored a run. Floyd contributed with 2 hits and 2 runs. Valentin got a hit and walked twice, he also scored 2 runs. Endy Chavez contributed 2 hits, a BB, and 3 RBI. El' Duque hit a 2 RBI single up the middle. The two RBI's were the first ever of his career.
With regards to Delgado... he was hit by a pitch in the third inning. According to Mets.com Delgado has a bad bruise on his knee and is listed as day to day. Delgado said that if he can put weight on the knee today he would like to play. However manager Willie Randolph had decided against that.
Game 3... The Mets will attempt to sweep the Braves later today. Tommy Glavine will take the ball for the Mets and he will face off against rookie LHP Chuck James. Tune into the WB-11 for the Lefty-Lefty duel. The game starts at 1:05 PM ET. |