New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium; Los Angeles, CA

I got to see a baseball game! I got to see the Mets play! None of the ushers at Dodger Stadium seemed to care that I was moving around between innings and none of the seats I visited were mine! Thanks, lackadaisical Dodger Stadium security staff. Your carelessness makes watching baseball games in this city so much fun.

So, I got out of work at 5pm today and decided to drive home, park my car, and walk a mile or so up the street to Dodger Stadium. I often forget how cool it is to live so close. I didn’t have to worry about parking or drinking or driving or anything! I just walked the 8 or 10 blocks separating my apartment from the field and then I bought a ticket and watched the game. The Mets won 6-1, which I believe was due in part to the fact that Jerry Manuel was ejected for arguing an “out” call at first base. Had he kept his composure and retained control of the team, they definitely would have lost. I hate that I’m kind of rooting against my favorite team this season in the hopes that another losing year will mean heads will (finally) roll.

Here are some pictures from my eventful night. You can click each one to see them at full-size. I’ll even caption some of them!

My first seat of the evening. It was a good seat, warm and cushion-y. I watched batting practice and the first two innings from here.

This Ike Davis batting practice session was not all that interesting. Chris Carter on the other hand...Wow. That guy has some serious power. Imagine if he played every once in a while?

Ugh. Omar Minaya. You are the worst. Please lose your job soon. I'm going to be watching you tonight, buddy.

Please don't hurt yourself warming up, Jose. Vin Scully was just saying on the radio last night that the Mets winning percentage is nearly .700 when you're in the lineup and scoring runs.

Don Newcombe throws out the first pitch of the night. Somewhere in my father's house, buried beneath a mountain of trash, an autographed baseball resides.

I think we all know the real reason everyone was excited about this series: Shines versus Mattingly.

Reyes took the first pitch he saw (I think) dow the right field line for a lead-off double. That's always a good sign.

Castillo reached first (and advanced Reyes to third) with an infield bunt single. And you thought his legs were dead!

This was right before the Mets scored their first run. Castillo stole second and Martin's throw popped out of Blake DeWitt's glove, allowing Reyes to scamper home. Error!

David Wright. What do you think he did in his first at-bat (hint: he'd done it 101 times prior to tonight's game)?

That's right, kids! He struck out! Swinging! Good job, David. Oh well, at least your .301/.376/.510 line is still awesome.

Beltran! Pop Foul!

I don't think Gary Cohen likes what he's seen since the All-Star break.

I don't think Howie Rose likes this team too much either right now. Wait a minute -- is Omar praying? It looks like he's actually sitting there praying, right?

Johan = amazing. 22 first pitch strikes to 27 batters tonight.

Johan = amazing. 74 strikes out of 98 total pitches.

Johan = amazing. He can even tag a guy out to end an inning if you need it.

Uh ohs. Jer-bear doesn't like the call...

Say goodnight, Jerry. Your meltdown was totally "gangsta," but this is Razor Shines' team now!

Johan = amazing. He's never lost a game when I've seen him in person (3-0, 1 ND)

Jason Bay: Don't ask him to hit any home runs, but he'll be happy to crash into a wall face first!

He held onto the ball! Good job, Bay! How's your face?

Oliver Perez throws a right cross in the Mets' bullpen. Right after this he stopped to admire the crowd, and I yelled at him, "Enjoy it while it lasts Ollie, I don't think you're going to see the inside of too many more major league stadiums!" He was not amused.

This might have been the closest LA came to threatening Johan.

Think Blue...And Orange. Because those are Mets colors. Duh.

Howie Rose was the only dude in the entire row of press boxes to stand up during the Seventh Inning Stretch. I like that. Good job, Howie.

Once again, Reyes is the catalyst. He gets on base to start the Mets four-run spurt.

ANATOMY OF A JOSE REYES STOLEN BASE:

Joe Torre made three pitching changes in one inning. It was not only unbearable to watch, it was patently stupid. ...And people say he was the reason the Yankees won so much? Please.

David Wright or Carlos Beltran (I don't remember who) became so bored waiting on deck during all the pitching changes one of 'em decided to just stand his bat up and walk away.