Mets Not Halving Any Fun
The New York Mets entered their four-game series with the second-place Philadelphia Phillies on Monday possessing a daunting six-game lead in the NL East division. Three days later, that [lead has been cut in half].
The [Mets lost 3-2] to the Phillies last nighttheir third straight lossand their frustration showed following a wild and controversial ending. With runners on the corners and one out in the ninth, New York pinch-hitter Shawn Green hit a slow roller to shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who shoveled the ball to second baseman Tad Iguchi. The runner on first, Marlon Anderson, aggressively slid to the shortstop side of second base where Iguchi was waiting, while Andersons right foot tagged the base. His arms came in high on Iguchi, knocking the shortstop to the ground and subsequently he made a weak relay throw to first base. Green was safe at firsthe probably could have beaten out the play even if Anderson didnt take out Iguchibut second base umpire C.B. Buckner called interference on Anderson, nullifying the game-tying run and giving Philadelphia the win.
Anderson ripped off his helmet and immediately began arguing with Buckner, and manager Willie Randolph tore out of the dugout for an explanation. But Randolph (pictured) says he never got one. As long as Ive been playing in the major leagues, thats been a good slide, Anderson said.
David Wright went 2-for-3 with a home run and reached base three times for New York and Carlos Delgado also provided two hits and an RBI for the Blue and Orange. But the final scenea frustrated Randolph asking for clarification and not receiving itis a microcosm of this entire series: The Mets are desperately looking for answers and still havent found any.