Mets 3, Dodgers 2 (last of the 8th)

While considerably sharper than in his last outing against Milwaukee five days ago, the Dodgers provided Greg Maddux with little margin for error today ; a 2nd inning solo HR allowed to Carlos Delgado (above) and a 2-run single by David Wright in the 6th have proven to be Maddux’s undoing. Mets starter Orlando Hernandez whiffed 6, and walked only 1 in his 90 pitch, 7 inning stint.

After Aaron Heilman hurled a perfect 8th, it’s Country Time’s turn to make Willie Randolph sweat.

(UPDATE :  Wagner allowed a one out single to Lt. Dangle and nothing else. The magic number is down to 6.)

With The Bleedin’ Lasordas’ loss, the Padres have a chance to move within a game of first in the NL West, pending their afternoon matchup with the Giants and Jason Schmidt. San Diego lost ground last night thanks to a brilliant performance by Matt Cain, but I was too busy reading “Love Me, Hate Me” for a second time to pay nearly enough attention.