It was the hitting/Il était frapper

ESPN.com - MLB - MLB RECAP:

"MONTREAL (AP) -- Though it's probably too late to salvage their season, the Montreal Expos are hitting -- and winning."

Certainly wasn't the pitching: "Ayala's scoreless streak is the longest by a reliever in the majors since New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera finished the 1999 season without allowing a run over his final 30 innings." Wow! I think one of the first games I wrote about, Ayala took the loss. And he hasn't looked back.

Some more pitching notes, and some historical perspective: "Ayala's shutout streak is the longest by a Montreal reliever since John Wetteland pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings in 1993. ... Cordero tied the Expos' rookie record for saves in a season set by Dale Murray, who had 10 saves and a 1.03 ERA in 32 games in 1974." Cordero has 10 saves and a 2.72 ERA

It's nice to have the hitting come back like they did. In the bottom of the fourth they scored 3, then the Mets scored 4 in the top of the fifth - seems like that would take the wind out of your sails. But they came right back and scored 3 more for - well Armas Jr., Corcoran and Tucker. Though Tucker was the beneficiary of all the runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Was Corcoran supposed to be long relief or a situational pitcher? Not sure, but he gave up two walks in what was most likely a crucial situation. In fact the Expos and the Mets combined to draw 12 walks. Not too many control pitchers last night.

Expos have won 6-of-7! Endy Chavez went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and no Ks. Let's go 'Spos.

Later.