Mets split DH with Padres, take series

The day and night segments of the Mets double header against the Padres yesterday could not have been more different.

On a day where Johan Santana actually got some run support (ok, it was only 2 runs, but that's more than he's gotten in his last two starts combined) he had no command. Santana struggled and gave back the lead and then some almost instantly. Mat Latos completely shut down the Mets, with the exception of Henry Blanco's two-run home run in the second inning. And of course, David Eckstein was right in the middle of everything the Padres put together. Once Latos was taken out, the Padres' bullpen took care of the rest. I'm not buying into the Padres for the entire season - but if their bullpen holds up, they might make me look foolish.

But last night, the story was Jon Niese. That kid was absolutely cruising, hurling a complete game one hitter. Niese did not walk a batter, retired the last 21 hitters he faced, and only a third-inning double by Chris Denorfia kept him from a perfect game (or no-hitter. Mets fans aren't picky there since we're still waiting for our first one). He was just completely locked in from the first inning and it was incredible to watch.

Games like that give me hope for the upcoming road trip. If there was ever a time to start winning on the road, it's against the Orioles and Indians. In order for the Mets to make the jump from a .500 team to serious contenders, they need to get a nice little streak going on the road to get their confidence levels up. At Citi Field, this team looks like they could win the World Series. It's every other major league ball park that's presenting a problem at the moment. R.A. Dickey takes the mound against the Orioles tonight (I think the logic there was that a knuckleballer can mess up a team for an entire series). The Orioles have just 17 wins on the season and it's time for the Mets to take advantage of their ineptitude.