Posted on Thu Apr 05, 2007 at 10:59:32 AM EST in MLB
More on: Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Braves, Phillies, Full Count (all tags)

1. NLCS Revenge: Remember last year when the Mets had a much better team but lost to the Cardinals in the playoffs? Well, New York started off this season with some sweet revenge. They swept the Cardinals in three games while outscoring them 20-2, including a 10-0 embarrassment last night. Carlos Beltran hit his first two homeruns of the season and drove in four runs, and Jose Reyes also went yard for the visiting Mets. But most importantly, John Maine showed his potential in the rotation by allowing just one hit in seven shutout innings. For the Cardinals, Albert Pujols just went 1-10 in the series.

2. Comeback kids: The Braves have won two extra-inning contests in a row over the Phillies, and last night's comeback was fueled by their young talent. The Phillies got seven shutout innings from Cole Hamels and led 2-0 going into the 9th, but Brian McCann launched a two-run homer off Phils closer Tom Gordon. Then in the 11th, obscure pinch hitter Scott Thorman hit a solo shot to give the Braves the lead. Atlanta at 2-0 is one of eight undefeated teams left in the majors, while Philly is among the eight winless.

3. The Next Ace: Rich Harden has never had trouble on the mound; the key for him is simply staying healthy. He showed his potential last night as the A's avoided a sweep by the Mariners. Harden went seven innings with 7 strikeouts and no runs allowed. If Harden stays healthy and other A's pitchers improve, they have a shot at winning the no-man's land AL West.

Player of the Day: Curtis Granderson, Tigers: 2-5, 3B, HR, 5 RBI in the Tigers' 10-9 win over the Blue Jays.

Stat of the Day: Six different starting pitchers went at least 7 innings and allowed one or less earned runs on Wednesday. Three others added 7-inning, 2-run performances in a night dominated by pitching.

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