Game 140: Mets vs. Dodgers @ Shea Stadium

After a short three game winning streak, it would be a different story for the Mets tonight. Taking on a rookie pitcher, the Mets looked lost at the plate through the first six innings. Held to only three hits by the opposing starter, Hong-Chih Kuo, it seemed as if they would hit into a double play whenever a rally started brewing. The Mets didn't hit the ball well until the bullpen doors opened in the seventh inning, and even those were outs. The Dodgers, on the other hand, continued to take on runs to take a 5-0 lead. John Maine would be ineffective tonight and would give up a few more home runs against the surprisingly powerful Dodgers. They also did not play particularly solid defense, enduring errors from David Wright and Shawn Green, another ingredient to their loss tonight. Great outing by the Dodger rookie - give credit where credit is due.
Final Score: Mets 0, Dodgers 5. Record: 87-53 Magic Number: 7.

Notes: Shawn Green had a few solid swings tonight. Tonight's loss would end the Mets 8 game winning streak in games that Maine has started. Heath Bell looked sharp in his relief innings. Exactly eight years ago to the day that Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of his record breaking season, Ryan Howard collected his 55th and 56th home runs of the season tonight.