Johan Gets Fucked...Again!

The Philadelphia Phillies traveled to New York to open up a three-game series with the Mets, yesterday. Both teams, as many of you may know, shared the National League East lead (both teams went into the contest at 53-46). Mets' ace Johan Santana, who hadn't earned a win in several starts, was on the mound facing off with Philly's newly acquired Joe Blanton, who was making his first start with the squad.

As expected, Santana got off to a quick start, and ended up going 8 strong innings, with two earned runs, and 4 K's. An RBI double off David Wright's bat, accompanied by a two-run shot hit by Carlos Delgado--his 19th of the season--gave New York a 3-1 lead through three innings at Shea. Ramon Castro extended the Mets' lead to 5-1 with another two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring Marlon Anderson.

The Phillies' Shane Victorino added one more run in the seventh for Philadelphia, but going into the the ninth inning Philadelphia was down three runs, after New York failed to add a few insurance runs in the 8th inning.

Twenty-five year old second baseman, Argenis Reyes, pinch hit for Santana in the bottom of the eighth inning, since Santana had already thrown 105 pitches. So, Jerry Manuel, needing to make a quick call to the bullpen in the top of the ninth, called on Duaner Sanchez. Sanchez gave up three earned runs on just three hits , and failed to record a single out. Joe Smith, who was eventually given the loss, gave up the go-ahead run. Finally Pedro Feliciano, and Aaron Heilman came in and got the three outs, but Pedro gave up two more runs, and walked a guy while he was at it.

Phillie closer Brad Lidge closed out the bottom of the ninth inning to clinch the comeback-win in New York, of course. The save was awarded to Lidge, which was his 22nd of the season. As you can see, the Mets have really missed Billy Wagner, who will only miss a few games. And..Johan would've REALLY helped my slumping fantasy team had his bullpen been able to close out the game. Damn you New York!!