Streak Snapper

Spotting the Dodgers a 6-0 lead proved costly for the Mets, as they lost 6-5 to Los Angeles at Shea Stadium Friday night. The loss snapped the Mets four-game winning streak, their longest since early May. Fortunately for them, they have Pedro Martinez starting Saturday's game, and he has returned to his dominant self after a brief slump in late June.

Martinez is not the only Met pitcher throwing well. Prior to taking the loss on Friday, Victor Zambrano had been suprisingly effective, with an ERA in the mid-3s. Tom Glavine has pitched his best since the first half of 2004, and even Kaz Ishii threw six shutout innings on Thursday. With Steve Trachsel expected back in early August, the Mets should have few complaints about their pitching staff.

Their lineup is still a mystery. Doug Mientkiewicz's home runs in consecutive games are a nice contribution from first base, a position at which the Mets have ranked near the bottom of the major leagues in offensive production. Carlos Beltran, who needs to have an improved second half for the Mets to compete in a mediocre NL East, added a three-run shot on Friday. The Mets should welcome the overperformance of Mientkiewicz and a performance from Beltran worthy of his hefty contract. Gothamist isn't sure either will continue, but the Mets sure hope at least one does.

Photo by AP/Gregory Bull via ESPN