Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

September 15, 2002 - Game 150

Matt Cepicky hit his first career grand slam and Orland Cabrera and Jamey Carroll hit two-run homers to chase Pedro Astacio and the Mets all the way back to New York. The 10-1 victory was their third straight win. They now are 74-76, just two games from reaching the magic .500 level. If this team can reach that before the year ends then I think Frank Robinson should at the very least get some votes for manager of the year.

For the second straight day there was a very good crowd for Montreal with 16,608 on "Turn back the clock" day. Javier Vasquez (10-13) pitched his second straight strong game going seven innings, giving up just four hits and one run, while striking out 9. He lowered his ERA under 4.00 at 3.97. With the win, if Colon can win one of his next three starts, the Expos pitching staff will have four guys in double figures in wins. This staff has the making of one of the better rotations in the National League next year. With Colon, Vasquez, Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka that might be as good as most of the top teams front four. You add to that the young rookie Zach Day to that rotation and you could see this team challenge for a wild card spot next year no matter what city they end up in.