May 20 2006 12:15 AM
What a great ball game! The Mets overcome yet another shaky start from the back end of the rotation. The bullpen did an outstanding job of stifling the Yankee hitters. The trio of Oliver, Heilman, and Wagner combined to pitch six shut out innings. Together they allowed only a pair of singles to the Yankees offense. Tonight, none of the Yankees were getting a free pass from the Mets bullpen. The only walking the Bronx Bumbers did was dejectedly back to their dugout after one of eight strike outs the recorded by the relievers.
Meanshile, the offense kept chipping away at the Yankees early lead. Beltran continued to swing a powerful bat and his 3 run home run in the first inning sent the message that this team wasn't going to roll over before Steinbrenner's evil minions. In the third inning, Xavier Nady cut the deficit to one run with a 2 run home run off Randy Johnson. Matsui singled in Wright with two outs in the fifth to tie the game at 6.
All this was exciting, but the Mets had saved the best for last. Torre turned to Mariano Rivera to pitch the ninth inning. LoDuca doubled to left field with one out. After a Beltran strike out, the Yankees elected to intentionally walk Delgado to face the Mets hottest hitter, David Wright with two outs. Wright delivered the game winning hit when he singled to center.
So many worthy POTG candidates and too little time to savor the sweet taste of victory. I've been holding back a special brew for just such an occasion. Tonight, Guinness Draught for everyone. Hell, we'll even let Lima and Ganzalez share one, though they're not worthy.
Walking Delgado to pitch to Wright with the game on the line?
Brilliant!!!