Mets vs. Mariners: Montero Has “Heart Attack,” While Phelps Finds Relief a Mission Impossible

By Nicholas Stix

Rafael Montero has had years of success in the minors, with lots of Ks and few walks, but in the Big Leagues he has a “heart problem.” He walks the ballpark, because he’s afraid to throw strikes.

Recently, Montero had a good game, to bring his season record to 1-5, and his lifetime big league record to 2-12, but tonight he reverted to form. After four good innings, he “imploded” in the words of Mets announcer Gary Cohen, and gave up three walks, two or three hits, and five runs in the fifth inning, and skipper Terry Collins had to pull him after a mere 4 2/3 innings. The Mets were now losing, 5-4.

Meanwhile, in the top of the eighth, the Mariners ran reliever David Phelps out to the mound. Phelps has a terrible history with the Mets. And tonight was no exception. He gave up three runs, starting with Michael Conforto’s second dinger of the night.

Now, Paul Sewald is pitching in the bottom of the eighth, with two outs and men on second and third for the Mariners.