Game 23: Mets vs. Braves @ Shea Stadium

The feel-good story continues as Figueroa opposes John Smoltz with Raul Casanova behind the plate.

The Good: The Mets jumped on Smoltz early as Reyes promptly double to lead off the game. Although he scored on a wild pitch, Castillo collected three hits and Wright knocked in a big tack-on run after looking terrible early on. Beltran also hit the ball to the center field wall and almost hit one out to left. However, today's star was Carlos Delgado as he went opposite field on Smoltz and later jacked one off the scoreboard in right field. The play of the game went to Ryan Church in right field during the sixth inning when he avoided Beltran with a basket catch to preserve the lead. Raul Casanova gave the Mets their big lead when he clubbed a home run to deep right field in the second inning. Endy Chavez hit the ball hard as well but, as always, he made some nice defensive plays in left field. On the mound, Figueroa was great again and also collected his first hit as a Met (first one since singling off of Glavine in 2004). Figueroa went five plus and was picked up by Joe Smith. Schoeneweis snuck by with a scoreless frame, Feliciano followed with an inning of his own, and Billy Wagner saved the game. However, he allowed his first hit of the season to end his streak at 9.1 innings.

The Bad: Before the game, it was announced that Brian Schneider is still in the hospital receiving IV fluids for his infected thumb. It was also reported that Moises Alou will return to Shea Stadium tomorrow but may have a hairline fracture on his inflamed ankle. From a managerial perspective, Willie almost blew this one today. He left Figueroa in a few batters too many and had the choice to pinch hit for him with the bases loaded. He also warmed up Duaner Sanchez and didn't use him.

Overall: A true team effort. Figueroa looked great and everyone contributed. I guess Delgado's day off paid dividends. Now, we welcome the Pirates after a big series win and can get on a roll before facing the Diamondbacks. You still gotta' wonder though, are these just the Mets teasing us again?

Final Score: Mets 6, Braves 3. Record: 13-11.