Heilman Almost Blows Lead in 9th

Pheew!! That was close. The Mets ended their four game losing streak tonight with a win against San Diego, but it didn't come easy. It didn't come easy because it took three relievers to get three outs in the 9th, after the Mets entered with a 6-2 lead. It's a story that's becoming all too familiar to Met fans these days.

After Fernando Tatis's bat fueled the offense with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, the Mets had to scratch and claw their way to the victory. Like I said, with a 6-2 lead, Heilman came in to try and shut the door with Wagner on the shelf, but he was unable to do it. Leading off the 9th was San Diego Catcher Nick Hundley. He walked. Then, Shortstop Luis Rodriguez singled, moving Hundley to second. After that, Left Fielder Scott Hairston grounded out into a fielder's choice which moved Hundley over to third, but gave the Mets the first out of the inning.

Next up, Jody Gerut who smacked a three run homer over the right center field wall to score himself, Hundley, and Hairston to make the score 6-5, and end the night for Heilman. In for Heilman, Joe Smith. On three pitches, Smith got Second Baseman Tadahito Iguchi to foul out. Having done his job by getting the second out of the inning, Smith was relieved by Scott Schoeneweis. His job? Get the final out of the inning in Right Fielder Brian Giles. Schoeneweis did just that on just one pitch. Giles flied out to Carlos Beltran.

Like I mentioned, it didn't come easy, but the Mets got the job done. However, they can't give Heilman another shot at closing. He's been struggling the 8th, and it looks like he can't pitch the 9th either. I know Manuel said that he'd prefer to bring Kunz along slowly and get his feet wet with some success in New York before handing the pressure-packed closer's role to him in the big leagues, but he may not have a choice.