Mets ride the 'Maine' line in L.A.

Forget the Democratic election race, the BIG story: A Mets pitcher actually saw the 9th inning today! I was starting to think I’d never see it happen again. Manager Willie Randolph has clearly drank a lot of the Tony LaRussa Kool Aid: There’s no reason for your starter to pitch a complete game. John Maine went a strong 8 and a thirds today-only one run-before Randolph yanked him from a 12-1 win over the Dodgers. Keep in mind, Willie pulled Maine after seven and two thirds no hit ball the final Saturday of the 2007 season. At least the bullpen wasn’t overly stretched. Duaner Sanchez threw exactly seven pitches. Maine, NOT high priced lefty Johan Santana, has the longest outing by a Mets starter this season. Maine, a career .082 hitter, knocked in two runs with his first hit of the season.

Finally, the rest of the offense showed up, pounding out 13 hits. Thank the Lord for Ryan Church, who delivered a special Thursday sermon:3-4, another homer. Church is the Mets’ MVP thus far. The Mets, who Willie Randolph claims are more comfortable playing on the road, finish 3-3 (avoid being swept in Hollywood) on a Western swing, and return home Friday to face the Reds.