Mets Take 2nd Straight From Washington, Prepare To Pack It In For Meaningless Series Finale

The Mets defeated the Nationals again last night, this time by a score of 7-4 as Luis Castillo's first home run in 674 at-bats and David Wright's two-run double provided solid support for the still so-so Oliver Perez.

Perez gave up 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched, but also surrendered 7 hits and 3 walks, loading the bases in the sixth inning before being pulled. He's been a little iffy since coming off the DL, going 4-2 in 7 starts but giving up 4 or more runs four times. His only truly dominating performance was on July 20 in LA, when he gave up just one run in 7 1/3 innings.

I'm going to be in attendance at Shea for John Maine's start on Tuesday; him and Perez do look worn out, with Maine in the month of August giving up 6 runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Cubbies, 6 in 5 1/3 against the Braves, and a shaky 3 runs in 5 innings against the Pirates last week. Not exactly very becoming from the pitcher whose all-star snub most Mets fans strongly denounced.

Looks now like it's good he got the extra rest. Willie Randolph should really look into finding a way to get Perez and Maine rejuvenated for the stretch run/playoffs - this is really the first serious season for both of them and they're each showing some mileage. (Even when Perez went 12-10 in 2004, he didn't exactly have to pitch in any pressure-packed games late in the season for the Pirates)

After what was possibly the Mets' worst loss of the season (with Guillermo Mota and Aaron Heilman sparking the blowing of a 5-run lead) cost them a sweep against Pittsburgh, the Mets will try again to sweep an opponent for just the fourth time this year today at 1:00. If past history is any indication, expect the Amazins to show up only in body this afternoon, and prepare to force yourself to be okay with just winning 2/3 this weekend. Finishing off an opponent and stringing together more than four wins in a row isn't important and the only thing that matters is winning series. Right Willie?

El Duque, fresh off a ballsy 130 pitch outing against the Bucs, matches up against Shawn Hill in just over an hour at RFK. Peace

(Photo couresty of gettyimages)