Yardwork: Chills Across Citizens Bank Park

Mets 2, Phillies 1, 14 innings — During the top of the ninth inning of last night’s Mets-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, word of Osama bin Laden’s death began to spread throughout the stadium and soon after, had fans chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!”

Here’s some player reaction. I always like to hear what the visiting players had to say after moments like this one. R.A. Dickey: “I heard the chants and they were great. It was a pretty neat thing. It was emotional.” And Chris Young: “Probably a night I will never forget. I was in the training room when I heard the announcement. I got chills hearing that crowd.” And finally, David Wright: “I don’t like to give Philadelphia fans too much credit. But they got this one right.” As for actual baseball, Ronny Paulino of all people finished 5-for-7 on the evening, with his fifth hit being a double in the 14th inning that scored David Wright. Cliff Lee allowed eight hits but still held the Mets to one run over seven innings. Will Clifton ever pitch poorly?

Indians 5, Tigers 4 — Last year it took until June 1 for the Tribe to win 19 games. This season they’re 31 days early. Impressive. It will continue to be impressive until it becomes unimpressive. Another quality start from Justin Masterson, who went seven, allowed two runs and struck out seven.

Padres 7, Dodgers 0 — Andre Ethier’s hitting streak has reached 27 games. This will garner national attention just as soon as he’s traded to a team in the NL or AL East. Be patient.

Angels 6, Rays 5 — Jered Weaver, who’s been pitching his balls off, was scratched from starting this one but it’s just a stomach virus. He should be able to go tonight against the Red Sox in Boston. Then again, according to the game notes here, he has apparently lost 9 pounds over the last few days. Probably best to let him rest in his hotel room and blaze up with his unemployed brother.

Nats 5, Giants 2 — The Nats are Giants both wake up today with records of 13-14. As Señor Berman might have told you once or twice, that’s why they play the games. Wearing the dunce cap in this one would be Giants reliever Dan Runzler.

Braves 6, Cardinals 5 — I’d love to blame all of this on Ryan Franklin, but after coming on to retire three straight batters in the eighth, he was welcomed by a Ryan Theriot error to open the ninth and the writing was on the wall from there. Said writing was reportedly accompanied by several depressed emoticons.

Pirates 8, Rockies 4 — Ubaldo Jimenez only lasted four innings. He’s only gotten past the fifth inning in one start this year and in that start, he gave up seven hits – including two homers – and five earned runs. Yikes.

Astros 5, Brewers 0 — Bud Norris carved up the Brew Crew for 7 2/3 innings of three-hit, 11 strikeout brilliance. Seriously.

[Screengrab via Yahoo]