You knew going into the season Livan Hernandez was going to give you innings. He’s pitched great up to this point but you knew there was a big clunker coming. That clunker came in the first game of the weekend series at Citizens Bank ballpark Friday. The Phillies got on the Mets early and didn’t let up as the Mets lost 7-2.

Rodrigo Lopez dominated the Mets. I can’t believe I just typed that. Yes, Lopez who made his first start since 2007 took a 3 hitter into the 7th, allowed only two runs. On the other Livan never got into a rhythm on the mound. It can be funny to watch him pitch out there sometimes because he looks so non-chalant on the mound whether things are good or bad he doesn’t show too much emotion.

I can’t get on Livan Hernandez too much because he hasn’t had too many games like this. He’s probably been our number two pitcher all year. Let’s just hope he doesn’t string some of these bad ones together, which is quite possible. He won 10 games last year by the all star break and then fell apart severely.

As much as I can’t get on Livan, you’re not going to win many games playing baseball the way the Mets played. With players playing out of position more mental mistakes came into play last night. With no one covering second Rollins took an extra base, no one going after a ball that got away at first base Victorino took second. Let’s hope Fernando Nieve can bounce back and give us a good start today against Jamie Moyer at 4:05p. Pessimets contributing author Schepfest will be on the scene in Philly today.

Notes: The Mets are now tied for fourth place with the red hot Braves in the N.L. East, two games behind the Phillies. Oliver Perez had what was probably his final rehab start Friday allowing three runs in five plus innings. It looks like he could start this Wednesday vs. the Dodgers at CitiField.

Photo: Getty Images/ Drew Hallowell