NEW YORK (AP) -The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna washed away the Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets game Saturday afternoon and left in her wake one intriguing day-night doubleheader.
Want pitching? New York will start three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez in the first game Sunday at 2:15 p.m., and Johan Santana, winner of two Cy Youngs, in the 8:05 p.m. nightcap. The Phillies have a pretty good duo too, opting for crafty left-hander Jamie Moyer in the first game and an even better lefty in Cole Hamels for the second matchup.
Looking for hitting? Philadelphia features the past two NL MVPs, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, and New York's power-packed lineup includes David Wright, Carlos Beltran and a resurgent Carlos Delgado.
Oh, and the NL East-leading Mets are trying to hold off the defending division champion Phillies after collapsing last September.
It all makes for an interesting sports day in New York that also includes the U.S. Open tennis tournament, being played at neighboring Flushing Meadows.
The Phillies beat the Mets 3-0 Friday night to pull within two games of New York. Brett Myers struck out 10 in eight strong innings and Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer.
Sunday's games are the last two scheduled between the contenders this season.
The rivalry got a little extra spice when Hall of Famer slugger Mike Schmidt sent the Phillies an inspirational message that is sure to rankle Mets fans.
A Philadelphia star from 1972-89 and now a special instructor in spring training for the club, Schmidt wrote Phillies manager Charlie Manuel an e-mail that he posted on the inside door of the clubhouse for his players to see as they headed out for batting practice Friday.
``One pitch, one at bat, one play, one situation, think 'small' and 'big' things result, tough at_bats, lots of walks, stay up the middle with men on base, whatever it takes to 'keep the line moving' on offense, 27 outs on defense, the Mets know you're better than they are,'' Schmidt said in the letter.
``They remember last year. You guys are never out of a game. Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend. You are the stars. Good luck. #20.''
Manuel liked the entire message, but one part stood out: ``the Mets know you're better than they are. They remember last year.''
Call it the latest public boast in this now-bitter rivalry.
``Had no idea it would get national attention,'' Schmidt wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Saturday. ``They came off losing two of three to Nationals so I sent a simple little e-mail to the team to let them know I'm thinking about them, simple thoughts about a big series.
``As for comment about the Mets, just wanted to remind them that they need to believe they are the better team, and they proved it last year,'' he added. ``No disrespect intended, all stuff I'd say if I were in uniform at Shea. I follow them all year, I love those guys!''
