That's more like it! Three straight wins, with a rainout on Saturday. We are all alone in First place, and Atlanta will be without Chipper for a good while. Just where we need to be... I'm on the edge, really, don't want to get the hopes too high, since it is only game 5!
Let's do a quick review:
Thursday, win over Washington, 10-5
Pedro was just OK, but the offense came alive. Delgado blasted one and Beltran got his first hit, a homer. Carlos B. wasn't going to come out for his curtain call, but Julio Franco straightened him out. I think that's the main reason Minaya got Franco, Leadership. I thought it was a bad signing at first, but that could have really saved Beltran's year (if not career). Beltran would have been hammered viciously if he had not come out, as it was everyone knew he was sick of the boos, but he still gave the crowd the recognition they deserved. Pedro was being Pedro, hitting 3 batters, including Jose Guillen twice. The second was really Guillen's own fault. He stands basically on the plate, then gets pissed when he is hit on the elbow. Pedro is an inside pitcher, and always has been. Plus, that's the chance you take when you are that close to the plate. Guillen got all mad, the Nats tried to hit Wright, and finally succeeded in hitting LoDuca. All that got them was ejections, and Robinson and their Martinez were suspended.
Friday, win over Florida 9-3
Homers by Wright (MVP,MVP,MVP) and Jose Reyes supported a good outing by Steve Trachel. The beginning of a roll?
Saturday, Rainout.
Sunday SWEEP (of 2 games, anyway) of Florida 3-2
Dontrelle Willis and Tom Glavine hooked up in a great pitchers duel. Glavine for 6 innings of 2 run ball, then our 'pen took over and shut 'er down. Willis lasted 8,, and only a 2 run triple by who else? David Wright (MVP, MVP, MVP) tied it up in the bottom of the 8th. Billy Wagner mowed the Marlins down following 2 good innings from Duaner Sanchez, and in the bottom of the ninth, a sacrifice fly scored the winning run. The Batter? Guess again. I'll give you a hint... MVP,MVP,MVP.
Off day Monday, followed by the first road trip of the year, to Washington. Will there be a beanball war? Pedro goes on Wednesday, so we'll see.
Record: 4-1
FIRST PLACE in NL East 1 1/2 games up on Atlanta.