Livan Hernandez has Win Flu!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

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Imagine if Livan Hernandez were healthy.

Imagine if the Mets gave their pitchers run support every night.

Hernandez shook off the flu before dismissing the Nationals with seven shutout innings Sunday in a 7-0 win before 31,841 at Nationals Park.

"I was sick and threw up before the game," Hernandez said. "I don't care. I like to pitch. I didn't sleep good last night. ... I didn't feel good, but I like to pitch, no matter what."

Ironically, today was the same day Livan released his new book titled, Beating the Flu, where he discusses at length what it takes to beat the flu, the Nationals and his estranged ex-wife. Hernandez tells us what it was like to grow up with his older brother, El Duque, who at times "would not stop picking at his bunions at the dinner table." He contributes his off speed pitching success to training he received in the 1920's and spoke about what it was like to grow up in The Great Depression. It's a great read and the price is dropping similar to the speed on his fastball.


Uh yeah...getting back to baseball, where was I? Yes, right:

The win afforded the Mets the series and boosted their record against the Nationals this season to 7-2. It was a big series win for the Mets, who went 2-4 on the road trip, and now host Philadelphia for three before traveling across town to face the Yankees for three in Interleague Play.

Some points that are worth mentioning from today's game/road trip:

  • Ryan Church returned from the disabled list to go 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI.
  • The Mets have not committed one error this season while Livan has been on the mound.
  • Daniel Murphy had two solid opposite field hits – something he has had trouble doing over the past month. He also is turning the 3-6-3 double play as if he's been doing it for years. Mmm-urphy.
  • On the road trip, David Wright hit .450 going 9-for-20 with four doubles and four RBI. He struck out just once during that stretch. Is it possible someone can actually be allergic to a stadium? Keep Feeble David away from the Mighty Goliath in Flushing and I think we'll be in business.
  • Believe it or not, this is only the 2nd time this season that the Nationals have been shut out.
  • I would say Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado have probably watched more movies, played more video games and eaten more popcorn this season than that lazy neighbor who "can't seem to find a job."

Oh, and they both appear to have twitter accounts now. Keep it up, Jose and Carlos. You guys are doing a stellar job.