This one was over quickly, it took the Mets exactly two hours to get beat up by the Nationals tonight. John Maine got rocked early and after giving up only four home runs in his first ten starts, he gave up three tonight. The Mets were pounded 7-1. Long Beach native John Lannan was the story tonight, pitching the first complete game of his career. He faced the minimum amount of batters through seven innings before giving up an unearned run in the eighth.  He was helped by five double plays, including one very bizarre one.

It amazes me how the Mets have found new ways to embarrass themselves on the basepaths throughout the season. This time with Luis Castillo on first, Emil Brown hit one towards the gap in right center. Elijah Dukes who is pretty horrible defensively, over ran the ball then came back and stuck his glove out to catch the ball, before it hit the ground. But the first base ump called the ball a hit. Castillo was already heading back to first as Emil Brown passed him on the basepaths. Brown was trying to warn Castillo to go back to second but Castillo had his head down. Another weird play on the basepaths for the Mets. The Mets offense could only muster one unearned run, the five double plays were very frustrating. After the game Emil Brown was sent back down to the minors, making room for Ryan Church to play tomorrow.

The only positive was that the Mets bullpen was solid once again, this time Ken Takahashi and recently called up Fernando Nieve kept the Nationals in check not allowing any runs.

Well you turn the page on this one and try to win the series tomorrow. Luckily the Dodgers are taking care of the Phillies, Brad Lidge blew another game tonight. It will be a re-match of May 26th tomorrow between Livan Hernandez and Craig Stammen. Livan will try to repeat his complete game vs. Stammen who let up three runs in five innings last time out.

Photo: wevegotheart’s photo stream/flickr