The Mets took the series from the Washington Nationals today on great pitching by John Maine and a Carlos Beltran home run.

I'm concerned about the Mets offense, which is still weak even though they have won the last two games. But at least we found a way to win and keep pace with the Braves.

John Maine looked like an ace today. He made real good pitches in a couple of tight spots. He is really coming into his own.

Julio Franco played first base in place of slumping Carlos Delgado and had a nice play on a bunt with 1st and 2nd and one out. He charged the batter and got the lead runner at third for the second out of the inning. How old is that guy?

Word came that El Duque went back to New York to have his right shoulder checked out. Uh oh!

Jose Valentin also headed back to New York for an MRI. Both of these guys have been playing well so I hope we don't lose them for too long.