Pelfrey, Delgado del-got-it

Winning teams have players that can carry the club when times get tough. With the closer and No. 2 starter gone and a bullpen that's as dependable as an out-of-work brother-in-law, the Mets, thankfully, have players like Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Delgado stepping up.

Delgado hit twin three-run jacks -- one to left and one to center -- while Pelfrey posted his second consecutive complete game, a near-shutout in the Mets' 9-1 win over Houston Monday night. The victory split the four-game series and kept the Mets a half-game ahead of the Phillies, who completed a sweep of Los Angeles. Thanks, Dodgers!

The Mets and Phils play a two-game series in Philly Tuesday and Wednesday, with Pedro and Santana throwing for the good guys. Jaime Moyer pitches for Philly on Tuesday, so expect few runs by the Mets. In fact, bet the mortgage. They can't hit the guy. He throws 50 miles an hour, but he is wily!

Pelfrey allowed just six hits, walked none and struck out six, and now has 13 wins, not bad for a guy who could best be described as "maybe the fifth starter" in spring training. Now he's the horse. Saddle up and ride!

Pelfrey is the first Met to throw consecutive complete games since Bret Saberhagen in 1995. David Cone was the last Met to throw three straight complete games, turning the trick in 1990. The Mets are 14-3 in Pelfrey's last 17 starts.

Incredible. Mike Pelfrey.

Meanwhile, Delgado is on track to finish the year with 30-plus homers, 100-plus RBI and hit about .260. I have a hard time kicking a guy like that to the curb.