For the Marlins and Josh Beckett, last night's game wasn't supposed to turn out like it did, a 4-0 loss. For the Mets and Aaron Heilman, things were always supposed to be like this. Entering the game, Beckett had two wins, including a shutout, and a 0.00 ERA, while Heilman allowed five runs in five innings in his only start. Last night, Heilman pitched a 1 hit complete game shutout, the lone hit coming on an infield single by Luis Castillo.
Heilman, who was the 18th pick in the 2001 draft for the Mets and has had limited success in the Majors, is 3-11 with a 6.50 ERA in his 19 starts prior to last night. If it weren't for an injury to Kris Benson, Heilman might not have even been with the team. Even Gothamist has been down on Heilman (as recently as yesterday), but we'll gladly eat our words if he pitches like this.
Offensively, the Mets manufactured runs and were aided by three Florida errors. Mike Piazza, who is struggling offensively, had a good night, going 2-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI. The doubles were only his 5th and 6th hits of the young season. Carlos Delgado, who the Mets pursued vigorously during the off-season, booted two balls at first and was booed with a passion by the Shea Stadium crowd.
And a "Did You Know" from ESPN: Willie Randolph is the first manager to start his career with five losses and immediately follow it with five straight wins.
Photo by AP/Ed Betz via ESPN
