Perez Pitches Gem but Mets Bullpen Implodes to Blow Game and Hand Cardinals 4-3 Win at Busch Stadium Friday

The Mets can’t get out of their own way and preserve a lead. With Oliver Perez pitching what will most likely prove to be his best outing of the season Manuel took him out of the game with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th inning. Perez gave up only 1 earned run, 4 hits, with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in 6.1 innings on 97 pitches. I hope he wasn’t looking solely at the pitch count. The bullpen imploded this game as Nieve and Valdes combined to put two runners on base and then gave up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez and give St. Louis the 4-1 lead. Lopez is not exactly a home run hitter either, hitting 34 of his 81 career homers in two seasons in the mid-90s. Gee, I wonder what he could have been on then. Not sure, just guessing here, see steroid use, 90’s. The Mets scored two in the bottom of the 9th to get within one run and bring the score to 4-3. With a runner in scoring position on 2nd base Luis Castillo grounded out to end the game. That’s the story of this season thus far. Jeff Francoeur continues to be in the zone going 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored and a walk and the sole offensive star.