2006_04_smetslogo.jpgAt Shea Stadium, a pitching duel lived up to its billing in the Mets' 1-0 win over Arizona. In Detroit, rain delayed the game but couldn't stop a 6-1 Yankee win over the Tigers. The more exciting game happened in Queens.

Pedro Martinez and Arizona's Brandon Webb dueled each other, but the bullpens decided the game. Martinez went eight and Webb seven shoutout innings, and the Mets finally won on Endy Chavez's single in the 13th inning. Gothamist has been impressed with Martinez's starts, even though the media can't stop complaining about his lack of wins in May. Frankly, we couldn't care less. Wins don't provide anywhere close to a complete picture of a pitcher's effectiveness, and anyone who disagrees should look at Martinez's performances in May. Through six starts, he allowed eight earned runs, struck out 55 and walked six. Hard to imagine a more dominant span. Because of shoddy bullpen work and low run support, Martinez has zero wins. The Mets lost four of the six starts, but if he continues to pitch this well, they won't lose too many more.