Not Again

After building up a three and a half lead over the Phils with 17 to go, the Mets have only won one game thanks in large part to a bullpen that has continued to implode.

Tonight, Pedro Martinez and the Mets lost to the lowly Nationals by a score of 7-2. After tying the game at one on a Jose Reyes ground out that scored Brian Schneider, Nationals Starter John Lannan shut down the Mets by giving up only one hit in seven innings, which was a double by Brian Schneider in the top of the third.

The Nationals took a 4-1 lead in the sixth thanks to a double by former Met Anderson Hernandez that scored Right Fielder Elijah Dukes who walked earlier in the inning, and Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman who singled to lead off the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and nobody on, the bullpen imploded again as Duaner Sanchez came in to relieve Ricardo Rincon. However, Sanchez provided no relief at all, as he gave up a walk, a single, and a three run homer. The three run homer was hit by Elijah Dukes.

In the top of the eighth, the Mets had the bases loaded with one out, but David Wright grounded into a double play to end the threat, and any hopes of coming back in the ball game.

With the Phillies red hot after sweeping the slumping Brewers, the Mets have a slim 1/2 lead in the division. If the Mets and specifically the bullpen keep struggling, they will be watching the playoffs from home again this year thanks to yet another collapse.