And just like that, the Mets are in big, big trouble. The Mets’ bullpen threw about four times as many pitches last night as the Cardinals pen, and tonight, starter Steve Trachsel had to leave after loading the bases without recording an out in the second inning. He even started the second by giving up a solo home run to Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan (!). Two more runs scored on a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice, and that was more than enough for the wheeling and dealing Suppan, who would scatter five hits over eight innings. Not that there was any need to watch after the second inning. Oh, and who knocked in those two runs in the first? Scott Spezio, with another 2-RBI triple. Think he’s playing for a fat new contract?
After four innings of sluggish hitting on the part of the Mets, I started to drift toward my TiVo queue, so I watched the back halves of the first two “SNL” episodes from this season. Man, is that show in a bad way. All of that talent in the cast, and they can’t write a skit to save their lives. Come back Tina Fey. You’re sorely missed.
The Mets send the erratic Oliver Perez (3-13, 6.55, 102K/68 BB) to the mound for Game 4. And at once it hits me that the Mets may not play another game in Flushing this year. Good pitching always beats good hitting. Go ask the AL champion Detroit Tigers about that one.
