- Dodgers 5, Mets 3: Orlando Hernandez has looked nearly untouchable when healthy this season, but he couldn't mystify the Dodgers in Los Angeles. He allowed five runs -- four earned -- in 5 2/3 innings and the Mets dropped their third straight and seventh in eight games. Their offense can't be blamed for the losses leading up to Monday, but it can take the heat for this one. The Mets struggled against Randy Wolf after a two-run first and went down meekly against the Dodgers relievers later.
Willie Randolph shouldn't panic quite yet. His team has run into talented teams when it's not playing its best. Too bad the schedule doesn't get any easier. The Dodgers represent just the second of six playoff teams the Mets play in successive series. A road set against the Yankees plus a homestand against Minnesota, Oakland and St. Louis await. The string ends when the Mets visit Philadelphia, the club responsible for starting this New York slide.
Photo of Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) at yesterday's game by AP/Mark Avery. This baseball stuff is clearly very new to her.
