(fuck Robert Fick, here’s your replacement for Nick Johnson, Alexander Ovenchkin)
While the Phillies shook off last night’s rip job in erasing a 4-1 deficit tonight at RFK, Houston’s having a problem against the spoil-tastic Pirates.
(UPDATE: Houston 6, Pirates 6, as Eric Bruntlett’s RBI single with two out in the top of the 9th transfered the hook from Jason Hirsh’s jaw to that of Salmon Torres)
(UPDATE DOS : Phillies 6, Nats 5. A blown save for Flash in the last of 9th, but Philly’s rebounded against Flatcap Chad)
For the 2nd time in his last three starts, Pedro Martinez failed to make it past the 3rd inning, allowing 7 earned runs on 8 during a miserable 61 pitch outing, one marked by HR’s served up to Brian McCann and Jeff Francouer. Atlanta’s ahead 13-1, and scorelines like this are becoming brutally familiar to the Mets in September.
Grim numbers from the AP’s game summary : “Martinez has a 16.97 ERA over his last four starts, giving up 22 hits and 20 earned runs in 11 2-3 innings.” Even Hayden Penn shuddered while reading the above.
Four words the suffering baseball fans of St. Louis really didn’t need to hear on this or any night : “Now pitching, Braden Looper.” Though in all seriousness, the introduction of San Diego’s Chris Young oughta give the rest of the league genuine pause. He’s been almost untouchable in his last two stints.
The Yankees, currently engaged in stat-padding mania at the Stadium versus the O’s, passed the 4 million mark in home attendence this evening. Clearly, the Bronx is far too dangerous a place for the Mushnick family to spend a night out.