Piazza Returns, Mets Hit, Still Lose

With the return of Mike Piazza to the Mets, there was something to finally be happy about. The Mets still lost the game 6-4 (box score) despite home runs by Piazza, David Wright, and Jason Phillips. Not only did Mike Piazza and the rest of the offense do well, but Al Leiter pitched well too. The shortcoming was the bullpen.

Leiter pitched six innings allowing three runs on six hits, but picked up a no decision. Heath Bell, pithing in only his second Major League game gave up three runs after the Mets took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Piazza's home run in the 3rd inning was his 18th of the season and 376th career home run, tying him with Carlton Fisk at 54 on the all-time list. For his part, Piazza seemed to do some work on his fielding while rehabbing his injuries in Florida. He committed no errors at first and seems ready to play there the rest of the season.