The Cardinals defeated the Mets by a score of 10-8 this evening in 14 innings. Brad Thompson got the win for the Cards and Aaron Heilman took the loss for the Mets. The game lasted over five hours and featured both teams going ahead back and forth.

Brandon Knight was OK in his first major league start, allowing four runs (all in the first inning) in five innings.

Jose Reyes and Endy Chavez scored runs in the bottom of the 1st to cut the lead to 4-2.

Carlos Delgado went deep twice, one a solo shot and the other of the two run variety.  Reyes also hit his 12th of the year, a solo shot.

The bullpen was shaky again, as Carlos Muniz and Joe Smith combined to allow four runs in the 6th inning.

With the Mets down 8-7 in the 9th, Fernando Tatis came up with another big hit for the Mets. He led off the frame with a solo shot off Cardinal closer Ryan Franklin that just cleared CF Rick Ankiel’s glove. Shea was rockin.

The game stayed tied until the top of the 14th, but who other than Albert Pujols smashed a laser two run homer into the left field bleachers off Heilman to put the Cards up 10-8 for good.

Speaking of Heilman, don’t kill the guy, he was the last man in the pen from the 11th inning on, and pitched well and gave the Mets numerous opportunities to win this game.

Overall, tough loss, have to get back at it tomorrow with Johan Santana facing Kyle Lohse.

Also of note, Braden Looper pinch hit and was greeted with a bunch of boos after he was announced.