After thrashing the Reds (15-22) in the first game of the doubleheader, the Mets (18-16) dropped the nightcap by a score of 7-1. Mike Pelfrey (2-3) pitched well enough to win, allowing two runs in 6 innings of work. Bronson Arroyo (2-4) was that much better, shutting down the Mets for 8 innings, and allowing only the one run.

There is not much to say, the Mets last baserunner came courtesy of a Ramon Castro walk in the 4th inning. The Mets single run was driven in by a David Wright single in the 3rd.

The bullpen allowed five runs (two earned) in three innings. The two earned runs were charged to Duaner Sanchez, who was shaky for the second time this week. Billy Wagner allowed the other three in the 9th, but were all unearned due to two errors committed by Wright and Carlos Delgado.

The Mets try to take the rubber game tomorrow. Johnny Cueto will face off against Oliver Perez.

Fresh off their game one win, the Mets (18-15) face off against the Reds (14-22) in the nightcap tonight. Mike Pelfrey will face off against Bronson Arroyo. Pelfrey was shaky in his last outing, going five innings and allowing five runs against the D’Backs

Lineup:

• SS Jose Reyes
• RF Endy Chavez
• 3B David Wright
• CF Carlos Beltran
• 1B Carlos Delgado
• 2B Damion Easley
• LF Marlon Anderson
• C Ramon Castro
• P Mike Pelfrey

As always, head on over to The Hot Foot Bleachers to discuss this afternoon’s win and talk Mets baseball.

Congrats to Ex Met and current Twin Carlos Gomez on his first career cycle against the White Sox tonight. Gomez went 4-5, including his second home run of the year.

Go Go Gomez Cycle.

Fresh off their series win vs the D’Backs, the Mets travel to Chavez Ravine to play the Dodgers in the opening game of their three game set. Oliver Perez (2-2) will take the mound for the Mets. In his last start out versus the Pirates, Perez allowed seven runs in 1.2 innings. Chad Billingsley (1-4) will pitch for the Dodgers. Although Billingsley’s record is unimpressive, he has K’d 40 in 27 innings so far this year.

Lineup courtesy of John Delcos at his blog for the Journal News

• SS Jose Reyes
• RF Ryan Church
• 3B David Wright
• CF Carlos Beltran
• LF Moises Alou
• 1B Carlos Delgado
• C Brian Schneider
• 2B Luis Castillo
• P Oliver Perez

I like the looks of that lineup…

As always, head on over to The Hot Foot Bleachers to chat during the game.

I ended my series preview post with the hope the Mets would show up against the NL’s best team record wise, and they did just that. In the end, they beat Micah Owings, lost a tough one to Brandon Webb, and came back against the the bullpen to take the finale. The Mets pitching wasn’t too shabby either, as they battled against one of the best trios in the league. John Maine fought through a high pitch count and gave the Mets 6 solid innings. Mike Pelfrey was OK, giving up 5 runs against a good offense, and thats what you’ve got to typically expect from your #5 starter. Johan Santana again did not have his best stuff, but gave it all he had and gave the Mets 6 good innings. I, for one, cannot wait until this guy hits his stride, its going to be a treat to see.

I did come away with a few points from this weekend’s series: The D’Backs are a good young team that will be around for years. Led by Chris Young and Conor Jackson, they have potentially several guys who could be perennial all stars for a long time.

The Mets are also a good team. The presence of Moises Alou alone can only do wonders for this team, as he brings not only his bat, but his leadership as well. Hopefully we can continue to take series starting tomorrow, against the Dodgers.