MONTREAL – Edgardo Alfonzo went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in the Mets’ 7-4 victory over the Expos last night to raise his average four points to .309 and extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
The Mets have had many ups and downs this year, and many extremes. But the one constant has been the dependable play of Edgardo Alfonzo, both offensively and defensively over the first 96 games.
“He’s been the most consistent player we’ve had all year,” Bobby Valentine said. “He gives you the type of foundation you have to have.”
When asked if he thought Alfonzo was in the midst of his best season, Valentine said it was even better than his 1997 season in which he hit .315 and was second only to Tony Gwynn in the NL for batting average with runners in scoring position (.417).
“Without a doubt,” he said.
Alfonzo has 13 home runs and 64 RBIs, third most on the team.*
The Mets’ six doubles in the second inning left them one shy of the record set 63 years ago. On Aug. 25, 1936 the Boston Braves hit seven doubles against the Cardinals. For the Mets, the six doubles were the most they’ve had in one inning since they hit five in the third inning vs. Dodgers July 21, 1991 at Shea.
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The Mets ended their season series 8-5 against the last-place Expos, a huge improvement over their 4-8 record from last season. It is the best they have done against Montreal since they went 14-4 in 1976.
The Mets have re-activated minor league outfielder Vincente Rosario, who was recently found not guilty of sexual battery in a Florida court. The Mets said they suspended Rosario 30 days, which ends Aug. 15, and fined him an undisclosed amount.
John Olerud went 2-for-5 last night and looked better than he has in a while. Before the game, Valentine said Olerud was “a little confused” at the plate and was having trouble getting back on track because he was receiving too much information, presumably from new hitting instructor Mickey Brantley among others.
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The pitching matchups for the Cubs series: Tonight, Kevin Tapani (6-6, 4.20) vs. Masato Yoshii (7-7, 5.06); tomorrow, Steve Trachsel (3-13, 6.73) vs. Octavio Dotel (2-1, 5.01). Sunday, Dan Serafini (2-1, 7.00) vs. Al Leiter (8-7, 4.78).