Willingham Slam All Nats Need In Win Over Mets

NEW YORK-- Looking for their first series win of the season, the Mets got a shockingly shaky outing from their ace Johan Santana.

Trying to avoid losing two in a row after winning an opening game for the second time this season, the Mets trailed 4-0 before they came to bat.

In the top of the first inning, after a leadoff triple by center fielder Nyger Morgan and a walk to Willy Taveras, Josh Willingham hit a long fly ball to left-center field.

It originally appeared as if the ball caromed off the top of the high left field fence. All three runners with bases loaded scored on the play and Josh Willingham was thrown out at the plate trying to score himself. It didn't matter because after a video review, the umpires noticed what was clear; the ball hit off a back wall meaning it was a grand slam.

Santana would settle down with a one-two-three second inning, but gave up another run in the third on an RBI double to, once again, Josh Willingham. Overall, Santana went five innings, giving up five runs on five hits. He walked and struck out three.

The grand slam to Willingham was the third he gave up in his career, and second as a Met; the other being one to Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez at Shea Stadium in 2008.

The Mets offense continued it's hot and cold spells. In this game they were cold as they scored their only runs in the eighth on a two-run homer by slumping first baseman Mike Jacobs.

Jeff Francoeur continued to hit the ball well as he went 2-for-3 with a walk. His triple in the second could've been an inside-the-park home run, hadn't it been for the hustle of Nationals right fielder Willy Taveras.

Once again the Mets bullpen was lights-out. It threw another four scoreless innings including an appearance in a non-save situation from Francisco Rodriguez.

In the ninth inning, Willie Harris, who robbed the Mets of a win on Saturday, got hit by a pitch on the left forearm. Thinking it may have been retaliation, he chirped something towards K-Rod while walking to first base. K-Rod then walked towards Harris and there was a quick scrum but it didn't lead to anything.

The Mets bats were stymied by former Met pitcher Livan Hernandez who went seven strong scoreless innings, allowing five hits.

With the 5-2 loss, the Mets have squandered two consecutive chances to win series. They will hit the road for six games against the Rockies and Cardinals with a 2-4 record, last place in the NL East.

Next series probable pitchers:
April 13
New York: John Maine (2010: 0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. Colorado Rockies: Greg Smith (2010: 0-1, 9.00 ERA)
April 14
New York: Jon Niese (2010: 0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Colorado Rockies: Aaron Cook (2010: 0-1, 6.75 ERA)
April 15
New York: Mike Pelfrey (2010: 1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Colorado Rockies: Jorge De La Rosa (2010: 1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Upcoming schedule:
New York Mets:
April 13-15 @ Colorado Rockies
April 16-18 @ St. Louis Cardinals

Colorado Rockies:
April 13-15 vs. New York Mets
April 16-18 @ Atlanta Braves