Hit & Run: U-G-L-Y, You Ain’t Got No Alibi

Damn, that was one ugly loss in D.C. Another four errors? 10 errors in the last two games? What is going on in that dugout? What’s going on in their heads? After getting a four-run lead, the starting pitching imploded, the bullpen did its usual job of pitching batting practice to the Washington Nationals (?!) and the defense needs to, uh, actually play defense. The final score was 12-4, and that’s an embarrassment for a team headed to the postseason. Actually, let me rephrase that – the Nationals are a major league team, and it’s not necessarily embarrassing to lose to them; the Mets’ play on the field is embarrassing right now. I don’t know who in that clubhouse is up for it, but someone needs to call a team meeting, and light some fire under their asses.

That loss last night sent me running for some chocolate. Damn you, Mets.

Here’s how I calmed down a bit:

The monkey, he is dismayed. He told me wants me to get him a new jacket.

This bear wants to go back from whence he came (I bought him in Philly of all places).

This bear wants to indulge in some fine Irish whiskey. That’s what I get for snapping up the promo bear on Irish Appreciation Day.

I hear ya, little buddy, I feel the same way.

But I still love my Mets, so justify my love, guys!!  (Note: I took these pics with my camera phone.  That’s why they’re kinda crappy.  And yes, I do realize that I have entirely too many stuffed animals that are wearing Mets clothing and/or hats.  They’re, uh, Baby Mets’.)

And on with the sports!

The Phillies took advantage of (yet another) Mets’ loss to shave a game off their lead – they’re now 2.5 games behind the Mets for the NL East. It wasn’t a pretty win, but you don’t get points for style. After being up 11-0 at one point, the Cards came within a run, and the Phillies hung on with a final score of 13-11. Aaron Rowand and Ryan Howard had 2 home runs a piece. Because the San Diego Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-0, the Phillies are still 1.5 games behind them for the NL Wild Card.

Frank Thomas belted 3 home runs in the Blue Jays’ 6-1 win over the Red Sox. The Yankees defeated the Orioles, 8-5, and are now 3.5 games behind the AL East-leading Red Sox.

The Cubs got a walk-off win, after being down two runs in the bottom of the 9th. They beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-6, to maintain the slimmest of leads over the Milwaukee Brewers. After tying with an Aramis Ramirez-triple, Mark De Rosa got the walk off hit.

Over in the NFL, the Washington Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles handily, 20-12.

I’m a sucker for gimmicks, so I think it’s very cool that the NHL will be playing an outdoor hockey game. I know it’s already been done, but I still think it’s very cool. It’s just something I’d never attend. My bones feel cold just thinking about it.

Finally, if any of you out there are like me and suck at fantasy sports, you need to go over to DirtLocker and check out their Off the Field Fantasy Sports Leagues.