Happy Recap: Mets 7 Nationals 4

The more I see of Luis Castillo the more impressed I am. I definitely underestimated his offensive abilities when I evaluated the trade. I don't think even he expects to hit home runs like he did in the first inning. His contribution is more like what he did in the 5th. After Reyes singled he had a bunt base hit, then he took off right away on a blooper by David Wright and he scored from first, evading a tag from the catcher.

Oliver Perez still not at his best. He allowed two runs in the second, including one that scored on a single by the pitcher. But he did get out of trouble in the 3rd with two men on. But then in the 6th inning Perez melted down. He allowed three straight hits (the third a hard hit ball right at Reyes), then a walk, and had to be taken out with the bases loaded and two outs. Mota got Perez out of the mess but once again the bullpen had to be relied upon to pitch too many innings.

The Mets got the run back but they should have gotten more but Milledge grounded into a double play.

But Mota gave up a single, double and a walk in the 7th and Willie had to go to Sosa again. Sosa got the two outs he needed in the 7th, Heilman took the 8th and Wagner took the 9th. That is what the Mets need to have happen. But they need the starters to go deeper into games.

One bit of cold water on this win, Damion Easley grotesquely twisted his ankle on the way down to second base. The replay showed it vividly. It is a grade 3 sprain and he may be out for the season. That hurts because he is a valuable right handed bat off the bench.