Happy Recap: Mets 7 Padres 0

This could prove to be a big win for the Mets because in a game they weren't expected to win, against the best pitcher in the league, they exploded for 7 runs and got a lot of key hits from guys who had been struggling, especially with runners in scoring position.

The clutch hitting started in the fourth inning when LoDuca singled to center to drive in Beltran who walked.



Proving the little things win ball games El Duque singled to lead off the 5th, then he stole second. He wasn't being held and got a huge jump. It was his second stolen base in his last two starts, and the third of his career. El Duque scored on a single by Valentin with help from a bobble by Bocachica (Mouthgirl) in center. Then Beltran doubled home Valentin to make it 3-0.

The last pitcher to steal bases in consecutive starts was Tom Seaver in 1967.

It stayed that way until the 8th when Lastings Milledge drove in an insurance run with a sac fly.

Then the Mets broke it open in the 9th off our old friend Royce Ring. And this time it was Delgado who broke free with a 2-run single.

In case you are keeping track, that means RBI hits for LoDuca, Valentin, Beltran and Delgado, all in the same game.



But we shouldn't ignore El Duque. He came up big once again matching Peavy early on, and pitching better. And once the Mets got him some support he stayed strong and turned in a gem. He allowed only 2 hits and threw only 95 pitches in 7 innings and probably could have pitched more.

Hopefully this game will be a jumping off point, but we've seen games like this before and none of them gave the Mets enough impetus to shake off their summer slumber.