The Game of Baseball

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado has been in a slump as of late - and the fans at Shea Stadium have let him know it. Perhaps Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves was the tonic that he needed as he clubbed two home runs, leading New York to a 6-3 victory over Atlanta at Shea. New York's offense was led by the aforementioned Delgado as he went 2-for-2 with 2 HRs, scoring 3 runs and driving in 2 while Luis Castillo and reserve catcher Raul Casanova had 3 hits each - with Casanova homering, scoring a run and driving in 2. Nelson Figueroa (2-1) picked up the win for New York as he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing 7 hits, 3 earned runs, walking 3 while striking out 3 while closer Billy Wagner picked up his 6th save.

Atlanta was led by the trio of Jeff Francoeur, Mark Teixeira and Mark Kotsay with 2 hits each. Losing pitcher John Smoltz (3-2), who left after pitching only 4 innings due to shoulder discomfort, was tagged with the loss; Smoltz allowed 7 hits, 4 earned runs, walking 2, striking out 5 while giving up 2 HRs. New York (13-11) plays again on Monday as they continue their long homestand, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates (10-15); Johan Santana (3-2) gets the start for New York while Ian Snell (2-1) starts for Pittsburgh. Atlanta (12-13) plays again on Monday as they make the short trip to Washington, D.C. as they face the Nationals (9-17); Tom Glavine (0-1)toes the rubber for Atlanta while Tim Redding (3-2) gets the nod for Washington.