July 18, 2004
Mets 6 Phillies 1
Sunday Afternoon
Shea Stadium
With Sujan
The Mets continue to hover around .500 but that is good enough in the crappy N.L. East to stay near first place. Al Leiter lowered his E.R.A. to 2.24 which should lead the league if only he had enough innings to qualify. But since he labors through every game, he doesn’t have enough innings. How can a starting pitcher who hasn’t missed time this season not have enough innings to qualify for the ERA title? This is utterly astounding.
The Mets closed to within two games of the two first place teams after the win. And if the Mets go on to do anything of note this year, the play that will loom large in my mind is Mike Cameron’s sterling catch in the gap and then being able to turn a double play. That changed the complexion of the close game and the Mets seemed quite energized immediately thereafter and started jacking some homeruns, including a big one from Vance Wilson (3 for 4 for the afternoon).
Leit's Out!