A new CitiField record was set tonight as both teams combined for seven home runs in one of the best games of the season. Who was it that said CitiField isn’t a home run ballpark? Oh yeah Chipper Jones did. But it was the Mets who jumped out early with home runs by Wright and Beltran. Wright ended a 100 at bat streak without a home run. Ryan Church also launched one to dead center into the home run apple for a key insurance run. The Phillies fought back though, they took the lead momentarily in the 6th on a two-run homer by who else, Jimmy Rollins. Struggling all year, of course you knew he’d break out against the Mets.

Santana gave up four home runs in the game, only the second time he’s done that in his career but it was another gutsy performance by Johan keeping the Mets in the game. Santana went into the eigth inning before getting pulled. He seemed very agitated when Jerry came out to pull him. You have to love that.

Santana was involved in the turning point of the game but not while on the mound. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Santana was asked to sacrifice. After failing to lay down the bunt, with two strikes the ol’ butcher play came into effect. Santana showed bunt pulled the bat back and laced a double down the right field line, tying up the game. Cora followed with a single and the Mets had regained the lead for good.

Prior to the Santana double. Tatis had led off the inning with a double, got to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Ryan Church then proceeded to hit a grounder to first. Ryan Howard threw home and the umpire called Tatis out at home even though Phillies catcher Ruiz never had control of the ball and never tagged Tatis. Now where was Jerry Manuel on this??? Video footage in the dugout even showed David Wright telling Jerry that Tatis was safe. It looked like Jerry didn’t want to hear it. It seems like Jerry comes out to argue on some insignificant plays sometimes, but lately when it’s needed, he’s been shy. Luckily Johan picked up the team.

And once again, K-Rod shut down the ninth to earn the save. He remains perfect on the year, while always making it interesting. Please don’t let him blow his first save this week. Mike Pelfrey will match up against Phillies ace Cole Hamels tomorrow night.

Overall a tremendous game and an impressive victory. It really felt like a heavyweight bout.  With both teams slugging it out, throwing right hooks. In the end the Mets delivered the knockout blow though. A great start to this very difficult week. You could really see the intensity on the faces of the Mets players from the get go. It was great to see. Hopefully they keep it rolling against Hamels tomorrow.

Photo: AP