The New York Mets had a chance to affect a playoff race last night. Atlanta had been swept by the Philadelphia Phillies this week; if the Mets had sent the Braves on to St. Louis with a couple more losses, the Cardinals would have had a chance to climb back into the wild card race.
It was not to be.
Chris Schwinden made his major league debut in game one of yesterday’s doubleheader, but it was not an especially impressive one. He allowed three runs in the first inning. Then after Jason Bay hit a grand slam to get him off the hook, Schwinden gave up two more runs. He became the first Mets pitcher to get tagged with a loss in his major league debut since Aaron Heilman in 2003.
The Mets dropped game two as well. Dillon Gee pitched better than he has recently, but the game only served to show how big the talent gap is between the Mets and the top teams in the National League East.
The St. Lucie Mets had cause to celebrate last night, however. They managed a 4-3 extra inning victory over the Bradenton Marauders to become the 2011 Florida State League South Division Champions. The St. Lucie Mets will play the Daytona Cubs for the overall league championship.
The Brooklyn Cyclones finally were able to star their playoff series against the Staten Island Yankees last night after two straight rainouts. They lost, 2-0, though Brooklyn starter Marco Camarena struck out nine over six innings. Game two will be played this afternoon at 1 p.m. at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
The Savannah Sand Gnats were off last night, but will return to action tonight as Johan Santana pitches against the Augusta GreenJackets in game two of the South Atlantic League Southern Division Championship Series.
Other odds & ends:
- According to ESPN Deportes’ Enrique Rojoas, CitiField could host a Dominican Winter League baseball game in November. I’ve always wanted to watch baseball in sub-freezing weather. 🙂
- The Mets have scheduled a Star Wars night promotion for Tuesday. For as little as $28, you can see a baseball game, get a Star Wars t-shirt and help a cancer charity raise money. Too bad I don’t think I can fit it in my schedule.
- NPB Card Guy pointed out a new Japanese Baseball Card set called “Our Friends” or “Friends Of The Ballpark Fun”, which could be mine for about a dollar per card (before shipping.) As much as wacky mascots entertain me, I think I’m going to have to pass.
