Game Recap: Mets 9 -- Cardinals 5

A rough start for John Maine turned into a decent appearance, coupled with a seven run inning, led to a Mets win over the Cardinals.

On The Mound

Maine made his first start since Dan Warthen tweaked his mechanics. His first inning was a bit rocky, as he gave up two runs on two hits and a walk. Ryan Church did not help matters with a throwing error. From there though, Maine recovered and shut out the Cardinals until the fifth, his final inning.

Maine's final line: 5 IP, 6 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), 3 BB, 5 K.

Pretty good. I wish the walks were down and the play in the field was a bit better, but it's only spring. If Maine felt good out there, I'm more than happy with his performance.

J.J. Putz and Bobby Parnell each logged a hitless inning. Putz picked up a strikeout while Parnell issued a walk.

I don't think Parnell will make the bullpen, but he's still with the team so he must be impressing someone.

Nelson Figueroa pitched one inning, allowing one run on two hits. Carlos Muniz pitched the 9th inning, also allowing one run. He let up a hit, walked one and struck out two.

Figueroa was the forgotten candidate for the fifth starter, but it looks like it's Livan Hernandez's for the taking. I still don't like Muniz.

At The Plate

Jose Reyes picked up three RBIs, going 2-4 with a double and a walk.

He seems to be in midseason form.

Jose Valentin and Carlos Beltran each picked up a double among their two hits on the day. Omir Santos drove in two runs. Brian Schneider, Carlos Delgado and Mike Nickeas each picked up one RBI.

On Deck

The Mets will welcome the Washington Nationals to Tradition Field for a night game on Friday. The game will be on SNY and will feature only Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez in the booth. No Gary Cohen. This is a must see/listen.