Top of the 1st

It's taking forever to get this game started, so we're flipping channels here at the Farm. Sabado Gigante on Univision is one of Phil's favorites, apparently.

OK, I think we're finally ready. Greg Maddux is on the mound for the Dodgers. Big game pitcher. Future Hall of Famer and all that. But the guy's old. He'll pitch six innings at most. Then hopefully Grady Little will bring Brad Penny in.

Jose Reyes, as usual, swings at the first pitch. Deep fly ball, but out. I don't know why Jose won't take a goddamn pitch once in a while. One out.

Paul Lo Duca batting. A patient hitter, and he gets ahead 3-0 before taking a strike. Then Paul walks. With his blazing speed, he should stay there unless someone hits him over.

Carlos Beltran up. Hitless in the series. Until now. He hits it into the gap and Drew can't get it. Lo Duca's so slow, he gets thrown out at third. He runs like a duck. Beltran's on first. Why the hell didn't he take second?

Carlos Delgado batting. Two outs. Delgado hits one through the shift, and Beltran, who runs more like a goose, gets to third base. Really, he's fast. Faster even than a goose. First and third now, and two away.

David Wright batting. Clutch time. David Wright bloops a single right over the third baseman, and Beltran scores. First and second now, with Cliff Floyd coming to the plate. Clifford "Motherfuckin'" Floyd, that is. Floyd bloops a single into left field and Delgado scores.

This is one of the least impressive rallies I've ever seen in my life, but it is nonetheless effective. Bloop hits. Hell, I'll take 'em.

Shawn Green now bats. It feels like there've been two outs for about three weeks. And Green hits another not terribly well-hit ball that falls into left field, and David Wright scores. Still two outs. And the Mets are up 3-0 before the pitching coach comes out to visit Maddux. The Dodgers have the bullpen active already.

Jose Valentin is the eighth batter this inning, and now faces Maddux. Valentin nails it, but first baseman Not-Garciaparra jumps and makes an impressive catch. The Mets are finally retired, so Steve Trachsel will get to pitch before he bats.

Good start for the Mets. 3-0 and the Dodgers haven't yet batted. I like the way this is going so far. Go get 'em, Trax.