Mets Snap Bad Pitching Streak, Beat Rival Marlins

METS 7

MARLINS 1

Wow! Break up the Mets! Better yet, break up the Mets rotation!

Finally, someone other than Johan Santana pitched extremely well in a baseball game. Such cynicism goes to show you how far the Mets have fallen this season. John Maine, who entered tonight's game with an ERA well over seven, shut down a good Florida Marlins lineup for a 7-1 victory, representing Maine's first win of the year.

Maine stymied the Marlins for six innings, surrendering only one hit and an unearned run in the first inning. He was sharp with his pitches and carried the swagger that he used to have in 2007.

The Mets offense did enough to give Maine some run support. In the bottom of the first, Gary Sheffield made up for a fielding error in the top of the inning by lacing a single to center to drive in Luis Castillo to tie the game. Next, David Wright, who has been anything but clutch, singled to right to drive in Carlos Beltran, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. Moments later, Omir Santos, that's right, Omir Santos, blasted a grand slam homerun over the 16 foot wall in left to give the Mets an impossing 6-1 lead.

It was an easy ride for the Mets, who have been in desperate need of some laughers after a disastrous start to the season. The Mets now improve to 9-10 with Livan Herandez and Johan Santana to pitch in the next two days.