Our two-game winning streak didn't become three, but we can take solace in the message inscribed on a sign I saw held aloft beneath the Pepsi Porch Friday night:
AT LEAST WE STILL DON'T HAVE HEILMAN
That's Aaron Heilman, the Mets starter turned reliever whose very sight at Shea Stadium, rightly or wrongly, was an automatic Maalox Moment. That's Aaron Heilman from when the Mets' bullpen was Agita Central. That's Aaron Heilman from…you know, Aaron Heilman.
In the seventh Saturday, with Chicago up 4-2, Aaron entered the game and gave up a single to Fernando Tatis, a wild pitch and a single to Angel Pagan before striking out Luis Castillo and surrendering a sac fly to David Wright to make it 4-3. Then he was removed in favor of John Grabow.
Our former reluctant setup man didn't blow the Cubs' lead and we didn't win the game, but nevertheless, I agree with the sign. At least we still don't have Heilman.
Thank goodness for small favors….