Fightin' in Philly

Maybe these aren't the same old Mets.

Sure, the offense failed repeatedly with runners in scoring position, and the closer blew a save in gut-wrenching fashion, but the end result was a win -- thanks to a supremely clutch hit -- and it was a win against the Phillies, in Philly, that secured at least a split of the four-game set that ends Monday night.

Wagner's blown save should have killed these Mets, but they showed toughness, especially the bullpen, which was superb. Joe Smith has pitched well all season, but his effort Sunday night was particularly strong, throwing 2 1/3 innings with no room for error. Except for the occasional hiccup, the Mets' bullpen -- with Heilman, Schoeneweis, Sanchez and Feliciano -- has gotten better in recent weeks, and maybe that has something to do with Manuel's more consisteny usage. Who knows? We know the pitchers prefer that approach, and confidence is everything.

Just look at Oliver Perez. Since Warthen gave him the freedom to make adjustments to his delivery, Perez has been not just the Good Ollie but the Great Ollie in his last two starts. He threw seven innings of shutout ball Sunday, allowing just four hits and two walks. If this isn't just a short-term improvement, it is a huge boost for a staff that has also seen more consistency from Mike Pelfrey. Now if only Pedro could get it going...

Carlos Beltran drove in the Mets' first two runs with a solo homer and a single in the ninth that provided a much-needed insurance run. Beltran had three hits, but Wright, Delgado and Easley went a combined 3-for-15 around him. Reyes and Chavez went a combined 5-for-11 so the baserunners were there. Chavez also made a tremendous running catch in right.

And then there's Tatis, who has had three game-winning hits this season. We joked about him when he came up, but give him credit -- he has played hard and has been a very good bench player and spot starter.

So now the Mets have yet another chance to break above .500 and an opportunity to take 3 of 4 from the Phillies as Pedro faces Met-slayer Adam Eaton Monday night. Although you could live with a split, the Mets aren't exactly playing with house money. Taking three in Philly would be a huge statement that the Mets are far from done and are, in fact, poised to start doing some regular damage.

We hope.