Heavy rains force Phils-Mets to Sunday twinbill
NEW YORK AP — The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna washed away the Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets game Saturday afternoon and left in her wake one intriguing day-night doubleheader Want pitching New York will start three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez in the first game Sunday at 2 15 p m and Johan Santana winner of two Cy Youngs in the 8 05 p m nightcap The Phillies have a pretty good duo too opting for crafty left-hander Jamie Moyer in the first game and an even better lefty in Cole Hamels for the second matchup Looking for hitting Philadelphia features the past two NL MVPs Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins and New York s power-packed lineup includes David Wright Carlos Beltran and a resurgent Carlos Delgado Oh and the NL East-leading Mets are trying to hold off the defending division champion Phillies after collapsing last September It all makes for an interesting sports day in New York that also includes the U S Open tennis tournament being played at neighboring Flushing Meadows The Phillies beat the Mets 3-0 Friday night to pull within two games of New York Brett Myers struck out 10 in eight strong innings and Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer Sunday s games are the last two scheduled between the contenders this season The rivalry got a little extra spice when Hall of Famer slugger Mike Schmidt sent the Phillies an inspirational message that is sure to rankle Mets fans A Philadelphia star from 1972-89 and now a special instructor in spring training for the club Schmidt wrote Phillies manager Charlie Manuel an e-mail that he posted on the inside door of the clubhouse for his players to see as they headed out for batting practice Friday quot One pitch one at bat one play one situation think small and big things result tough at-bats lots of walks stay up the middle with men on base whatever it takes to keep the line moving on offense 27 outs on defense the Mets know you re better than they are quot Schmidt said in the letter quot They remember last year You guys are never out of a game Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend You are the stars Good luck 20 quot Manuel liked the entire message but one part stood out quot the Mets know you re better than they are They remember last year quot Call it the latest public boast in this now-bitter rivalry quot Had no idea it would get national attention quot Schmidt wrote in an e-mail to The
