'Recognizable' Mets Thump Twins, 8-1

By Joe Janish
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007

FLUSHING, N.Y. -- Wow … where did that come from?

For the first time since Halley’s Comet was last seen, the Mets combined great pitching and great hitting to win a baseball game.

John Maine provided the hurling heroics, pitching into the eighth and allowing only four hits, two walks, and one run to earn his seventh win of the season. Maine only needed two runs for the victory, but received eight, as the Mets bats found their stroke against sinkerballer Carlos Silva.

Six starters collected two or more hits as the Mets pounded Silva and the Twins bullpen for 15 hits, three walks, and 7 earned runs. David Wright had a 3-for-5 day, but the big news came from Ricky Ledee, who went 2-for-3 with a walk, a homer, two runs scored, and two RBI. In addition, Carlos Delgado finally woke from his slumber to slam a solo shot and went 2-for-4 — and might have had a third hit had it not been for a fantastic, diving play on a fly ball by Twins leftfielder Jason Kubel. Shawn Green also went 2-for-4, hitting his 14th double of the year. Paul LoDuca, back in his second spot, had a 2-for-5 day with 2 RBI. All in all, it was a fine day for all the Mets’ hitters — heck, even Carlos Beltran hit a double.

Notes

Jose Reyes also went 2-for-4, with a walk, and stole his 38th base of the year.

In our “Inside Look” of the Twins, guest blogger Seth Stohs suggested that Michael Cuddyer would be the hitter the Mets should fear most. Indeed, he had two of the Twins’ five hits on the night (including their only extra-base hit, a double), drove in their only run, and made a great catch in rightfield.

Next Game

Jorge Sosa faces Johan Santana in a 7:10 PM start. The Mets will have the benefit of momentum on their side, and Santana has not been himself lately — so who knows, maybe they can squeeze out another win.

If you are anywhere near Section 20 on the Loge level, look for me and I’ll buy you a beverage. I’ll be wearing a Mr. Met T-shirt.

**Read more from Joe Janish at: www.metstoday.com