Postgame Wrap-up: Braves 4 Mets 1

The Mets were defeated by the Atlanta Braves tonight by the score of 4-1 at Turner Field. On a night where the team needed to come out and play strong, solid, flawless, and inspired baseball, they came out and did just the opposite. This game seemed over the minute the Mets stepped on the field. After not scoring in the Top of the 1st the Braves came up, and jumped on the Mets. Omar Infante, who is playing for the injured Martin Prado lined Santana's first pitch of the night to right field for a base hit. Next, Santana walked Jason Heyward to put runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Then Chipper Jones stepped to the plate. Jones hit a rocket double-play ball to David Wright. Wright gobbled it up and tossed to Castillo. The throw, which was a little bit towards the home plate side of the field, but handleable, was mishandled by Luis Castillo, so the Mets were only to get one out on the play. This opened the door for Rick Ankel who would get a big 2 out 2RBI 1B to right to score two runs, and make it a 3-0 game. The only other run Santana gave up was a 7th Inning Solo HR by none other than Chipper Jones. The Mets offense once again was unable to come up with the big hit when they needed. They had several scoring oppertunities, but Tim Hudson was able to limit the damage to 1 run.

This team came out toight, needing a win in the worst way, and totally looked lost and uninspired. I do not understand how they could come out and play like this. It was pathetic. There was lackadaisical play all over the field. There didn't seem to be any sense of urgency at all. Once again, they were going through the motions and seemed to be defeated before they even took the field.

Johan Santana did not deserve to have the outcome that occured. Although he gave up 4 runs, all of which will go against him as earned, he really pitched well tonight. He struck out a season team high 11 hitters on the night. He finished with a line of 7 IP, 4 Runs, 9 Hits, 2 BB, and 11K.

The offense was terrible tonight. They could not come up with the big hit all night. They had plenty of opportunities all night, and could only convert once, when Carlos Beltran hit a line drive RBI 2B down the RF line.

This game was very frustrating for a fan. We try to believe in this team. When all seems lost, we try and find that little spec of hope. I guess that is what makes us fans. However, when the team you root for, that you put all your emotion into, goes out, on a big night, when they must win, and plays uninspired ball, it hurts. As a fan you feel let down and it sucks, but part of being a fan is the fact that we all know that we will be in front of the TV tomorrow night at 7:1o PM, rooting for the team we love, The New York Mets.