Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

September 12, 2002 - Game 147

Jeromy Burnitz, who has been a major disappointment for the Mets, unleashed two monster homeruns to lead the Mets to an 8-2 victory over the Expos, knocking them five games under .500. Burnitz came into the game hitting .214 on the year with only 50 RBIs and the Mets were hoping for double those RBIs by now. Mo Vaughn and Jason Phillips both hit homers to knock Tomo Ohka from the game in the seventh. Ohka, who along with Bartolo Colon, has been the most consistent pitcher for the Expos, just couldn't get it going, giving up six hits and five runs to see his record drop to 13-8 and his ERA jump up to 3.31.

The only offense the Expos receieved was from the top of the line up as leadoff hitter Endy Chavez and Jose Vidro had four hits and both RBIs between them. The Expos could only muster six hits against Jason Middlebrook the former Padre who pitched five solid innings giving up just three hits and two runs. He struck out five to win his second game of the year. The Expos are now 71-76 on the year and manager Frank Robinson would love to see this team end the season at .500 or better. They will have to go at least 11-6 over their last 17 games to achieve that.