Murphy Leads Mets to Series Win Over Cubs

Daniel Murphy drove in all four Met runs in today's 4-2 Met victory over the Chicago Cubs, enabling the team to finally win a series from an opponent since late July. Considering the strength of the schedule, it's pretty hard to believe the Mets didn't win ONE series during the entire month of August. Then again, they also hit into an unassisted triple play, which is pretty unbelievable in its own right.

Beside's Murhpy's 3-hit explosion, it was also a big day for Mike Pelfrey, who finally won a game after a series of disturbing outings. Forced with the option of either pitching well today or having to endure a day-long Lindsay Lohan movie marathon, Pelf chose the stellar start and went 8 strong innings to reach double-digit wins for the season. His record stands at 10-10 and will now be considered the Mets ace for the rest of the season.

How does that sound? Well, much better I'm sure than watching the Mets first 3 hitters on Saturday's 5-3 loss each strikeout 3 times in the game. It was the first time EVER that's happened with the Mets. (another negative "first" for this team - we'd list them all for you here, but we don't have time). Nelson Figueroa wasn't horrible in that game, although he did give up 4 runs in 6 innings. (some would consider that a quality start!). Figueroa will now be considered the Mets number 2 guy for the rest of the season.

And what can the team possibly make of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, also known as Bobby Parnell? It's either a gem or a total disaster with this guy starting, as evidenced by his outstanding performance on Friday night's 6-2 win preceded by outings of 8, 5, and 9 runs respectively. (what a coincidence - that's also his August ERA!). I guess we have to consider Parnell the team's number 3 starter for the rest of the season.

Add Tim Redding (who's pitched well lately) and Pat Misch (who pitches well against the Cubs at least), and the Mets have a 5-man rotation that'll scare.... well... no one. But they always have the bullpen to rely on right? Like Stokes vulturing Friday night's game with an undeserved win and Frankie Rod putting baserunners on the paths in just about every appearance.

But there is good news. Carlos Beltran will be back soon as will John Maine. And since the team is completely out of contention for anything at 13 games under .500, maybe the team will have a good September for a change, since there's no more pressure from here on end.

Everything evens out eventually, right? So with all the improbable negative events this team has faced this year, can a Mets no-hitter be far away?