Mets split first two with Cardlinals

On Monday, the Mets saw Tim Redding throw his best game as a Met.His final line was 7 innings allowing 4 runs on 5 hits. He struck out 4 and walked 1. The Mets really need strong starting pitching now that Carlos Beltran has been added to the list of injured Mets. I can't remember the last time the entire core of the Mets offense was hurt at the same time. Fernando Martinez, who was recalled after the Beltran injury needs to get a few hits and get on track. He is definitely lacking confidence right now as he is not finding the same success in the majors as he did in the minors.

Omir Santos had a big night in game 1, collecting 4 hits. This was his first career 4 hit game. It was a good decision on Omar Minaya's part to keep him with the team and trade Ramon Castro. While I liked Castro, all Santos has done since becoming a Met is hit. He has had clutch hits on more than one occasion for this team. He also has shown to provide more than average defense behind the plate.

The turning point of game 1 was definitely Brian Stokes getting Albert Pujols to ground into an inning ending double play in the 8th. That was the big pitch that Mets pitchers have not been making on a consistent basis this season and it was great to watch someone get it done against, arguably, the game's best hitter.

Game 2 was different as the Mets were 2 hit by Joel Pineiro. Pineiro is one of those guys that always has had potential but has not always been able to put it all together. In game 2 he looked like a superstar. The Mets offense was completely fooled by everything Pineiro threw at them. Livan Hernandez was good as wll pitching 7 innings and only gave up 3 runs but it was not enough.

Luis castillo and Jeremy Reed got the 2 Mets hits in the game.