Power or no power, Bay's effort is there
The Mets' Jason Bay hits a double in the seventh inning against Baltimore. (June 13, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
BALTIMORE - Jason Bay matched a career high Sunday with four hits, including his fourth homer, but one of the most revealing moments was his hustle for an infield single leading off the ninth with the Mets holding an 11-4 lead.
The Mets had been stewing for three hours in 90-degree temps with brutal humidity and there was Bay sprinting to first on a swinging bunt roller to third.
"I try to bust my butt down the line all the time," Bay said, "but when you sniff a hit, you're a hair quicker. That one worked out."
Bay snapped an 0-for-16 skid with a third-inning single. He was asked if this was the performance that would ignite one of his signature hot streaks. "It's been a constant battle," Bay said. "Trying to find that one thing that makes you feel comfortable. Today was just one of those days where it clicked."
Wright at home
David Wright had his first multihomer game since Sept. 12 in Philadelphia with parents Elisa and Ron in attendance after they drove four hours from Norfolk, Va. Wright hit a 402-feet shot in the first inning and he went deep again in the sixth to give him 12 homers this season, or two more than the 10 he totaled all of last season.
"If I said it once, I've said it a million times, it doesn't matter to me," Wright said. "I've hit 30 in a season, hit 20 in a season, hit 10 in a season. So it makes no bit of difference as long as I'm driving in runs and being productive at the plate."
Buffalo next for Maine
John Maine aced his first rehab start for Double-A Binghamton Sunday, allowing one hit in four scoreless innings. He struck out five and walked two during the 63-pitch outing, but his velocity reportedly averaged only 86-87 mph. Maine will start again Friday at Triple-A Buffalo.
