Jul 22 2006 09:42 AM
The Mets recent penchant for grand slam home runs continued, with Jose Valentin doing the honors this time. His second inning home run to right field was the Mets fourth grand slam in their last five games. Staked to an early lead, surprise starter John Maine mowed down the Astros with one of the team's finest pitching performances of the season. His complete game, 4 hit shut out earned him his first win of the season.
Of course, Maine couldn't have done it without some help from his defense. Cliff Floyd made a great leaping catch to rob Chris Burke of a home run in the fourth inning. Then with the game well in hand, Carlos Beltran preserved the shut out with by gunning down Munson at the plate to end the eighth inning. LoDuca did a nice job of blocking Munson off the plate and applying the tag. You have to love great team defense.
In other god news, Carlos Delgado homered for the second consecutive game. Hopefully, his bat is starting to come back around from the funk it's been in the past month or so.
This game was sponsored by Gritty McDuff's Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. They have provided us with enough of their fine Vacationland Summer Ale for everyone to enjoy in the wake of this fine victory. 