Loud-Mouthed Wells Shuts Up Mets
Just one day after madcap New York Mets outfielder Lasting [Milledge predicted] the boys from Queens would run away with the NL East division title despite having just a [1.5 game lead](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/standings) over Atlanta, the loudest man in the majors made him eat his words. David Boomer Wells pitched six solid inningsMilledge went 0-for-4 and the [San Diego Padres defeated](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270716125&action=playvideo&hcmp=motion) New York 5-1 at PETCO Park in San Diego Monday night. Wells, who pitched for the first time since being suspended seven games and fined $3,000 for a [fiery argument](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2934277&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines) with an umpire (and it looks like he possibly ate him as well), scattered seven hits and allowed just one run in the victory.
The Mets bats were conspicuously absent yet again in timely situations, squandering opportunity after opportunity. In the third inning, Milledge grounded out with runners on the corners and two outs. One inning later, after catcher Paul Lo Duca finally scrounged up a hit with a runner in scoring position, Shawn Green abruptly halted the rally by grounding into a double play. In the fifth, the Mets frittered away a two-on, one-out chance as Milledge and Carlos Beltrán both failed to deliver in the clutch.
Subsequently, the Mets spoiled Jorge Sosas solid return from the disabled list, as the right-hander allowed just two runs and five hits over six innings. David Wright collected three hits for the Mets, and Jose Reyes added two, but Beltran went 0-for-4 and is now mired in a 1-for-16 slump since his All-Star start. Thankfully, the second-place [Braves lost] as well. But unless the Mets find their offense soon, the only place Milledge will be running to is another team, as New York could lure a mighty powerful bat at the trade deadline with that quality bait.