Mets Vs. Giants, Game 3 - Fortunately/Unfortunately

When I was a kid, I remember reading a book called Fortunately which was a series of alternating sentences beginning with "Fortunately..." and "Unfortunately..." that told a story of ups and downs. Here's an excerpt:

Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party.

Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away.

Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.

Unfortunately, the motor exploded.

Fortunately, there was a parachute in the airplane.

Unfortunately, there was a hole in the parachute.

Today's game reminded me of this book. So, with apologies to author Remy Charlip, here's my recap of this afternoon's Mets/Giants game:

Fortunately, today's game started at 3:35 ET so I was able to listen at work and not stay up all night.

Unfortunately, the game lasted over four hours long so I missed a bit on my commute home and also my wife wanted me to do chores around the house when I got home so I had to keep running in and out of the room to watch the game.

Fortunately, rookie Brian Bannister started the game for the Mets, coming into the game with a 2-0 record.

Unfortunately, he was inconsistent again, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings.

Fortunately, he helped his own cause with the bat, socking two doubles and earning two RBI's and a run scored.

Unfortunately, he strained his hamstring scoring that run, and may be out for awhile.

Fortunately, Bannister left the game with a 4-3 lead, handing the game over to a bullpen with the best ERA in baseball.

Unfortunately, Aaron Heilman allowed the tying run to score in the second inning he pitched.

Fortunately, in the eighth inning, the Mets broke the tie, exploding for three runs, including a two run single by Julio Franco, setting up a save situation for Billy Wagner in the ninth.

Unfortunately, Omar Vizquel hit a leadoff single.

Fortunately, Wagner struck out the next two batters.

Unfortunately, the hot-hitting Moises Alou came up to bat.

Fortunately, he hit an easy grounder to David Wright.

Unfortunately, Wright threw the ball away, allowing Alou to get all the way to second, scoring Vizquel, and sending Barry Bonds up to bat as the tying run.

Fortunately, Billy Wagner brought the heat today, throwing 99 mph.

Unfortunately, Barry Bonds connected on that 99 mph pitch, and hit a tying homerun that sent the game into extra innings.

Fortunately, pitching the 10th for the Giants was Armando Friggin' Benitez, a guy who's known to implode in big spots, and spots which aren't save situations.

Unfortunately, even though the Mets loaded the bases against Benitez they were unable to score.

Fortunately, Chad Bradford and Darren Oliver also got the job done in the 10th, stranding the winning run at second.

Unfortunately, the game headed to the 11th inning, and the Mets have not done well in long games lately.

Fortunately, Chris Woodward and Jose Reyes both drove in runs, giving the Mets a two run lead.

Unfortunately, the only reliever left in the bullpen was Jorge Julio.

Fortunately, Randolph decided to let Oliver hit for himself in the 11th so he could stay in the game for the bottom half of the inning to protect the two run lead.

Unfortunately, Alou and Bonds both came to bat in the bottom of the 11th.

Fortunately, Oliver pitched a perfect inning and the Mets won the game 9-7, as well as the series against San Francisco!!

So, there you have it. Bannister's out and the Mets will have to scramble to come up with a starter for his next turn in the rotation, at the very least. But the Mets are in good shape overall as they head to Atlanta. The Mets have an off day tomorrow before taking on the Braves, who lost today and are now five games back, for a big three game set. Lets Go Mets!