Back to .500, as the Mets pulled out a wild one in Pittsburgh today.  After being down 5-0 early, the Mets mounted a big comeback only to blow it and win in 10 innings 9-8. For a full recap, click here.

Where to begin? The team showed some real heart today. They could have really packed it in after being down 5-0 in the 4th inning but they didn’t. Fernando Tatis came alive big time He was 3-4 with a 2 run homer and he got hit by a pitch twice. The second time was in the 10th inning when he stole second then came around to score on Ryan Church’s clutch hit. After the game Jerry called Tatis, Willis Reed in reference to him being banged up from being hit. Jerry started laughing saying Fernando has no idea who Reed is. Gotta love it. Speaking of Church, he’s been clutch. Ever since coming off the DL he’s done what is needed of him, which is just play steady ball.

I hate to see it but I’m sort looking forward to Oliver Perez coming back. Tim Redding, whom I thought could be an asset to this team, just isn’t cutting it. Today he lasted just 2.1 giving up five runs.

And then there’s K-Rod. He’s really giving me John Franco flashbacks. But after the game Jerry said he demanded the ball to go out there for the 10th. He said he needed to do it for himself to correct things. Jerry obliged and it worked out. In all likelihood though, Rodriguez won’t be available tomorrow. K-Rod threw 46 pitches, the most he’s ever thrown in his career in one outing.

Another big win to say the least. It seemed like everyone contributed in some way. Had they lost that game after coming back from 5-0 I think would have really deflated the team going into Philly. Now, I believe the opposite is true. Could it be possible that the Quadruple-A club we put on the field has some swagger to it? I won’t go that far, but they definitely have to feel good about themselves heading into this weekend. The pitching matchups favor the Mets as the Phils are throwing Rodrigo Lopez, Moyer and Blanton vs. Livan, Nieve and Johan. Could be a huge weekend, let’s see.

Photo: AP/ Gene Puskar