First Round KO

I forget who said it, but sometime late in last night's game, one of Gary, Keith, or Ron commented that this had been the Mets' most complete performance of the season.

Indeed, last night was everything you could have asked for. The Mets put on a commanding display of offensive efficiency, playing get 'em on, get 'em over, get 'em in early and smacking the ball around late.

On the rubber they stymied the Phillies time and time again. First there was R.A. Dickey getting the comebacker to start the 1-2-3 double play in the second or third inning, then there was Raul Valdez striking out Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard with runners on second and third with no one out. David Wright helped Valdez snuff out the threat by making a diving play to his left.

There's three basic parts to a baseball game, hitting, pitching, and defense, and last night the Mets did all three of them flawlessly. It was exactly what they needed to do in a big game like yesterday's.

Tonight they need more of the same. Hisanori Takahashi will square off against Joe Blanton. I know Takahashi has been great all year but he's still an unknown commodity in the starting rotation.

But... BUT... if they can somehow eek out another win tonight, they'll put themselves in a commanding position to silence a lot of critics, and put themselves back squarely in the conversation about the NL East.

Last night was everything you could have asked for.

Now I'd just like to ask for more tonight, please.

- A.F.O.M.G.