N.Y. Post: Kernan: METS: VICTORY HIDES BIGGER PROBLEMS (RR)

The Mets always seem ready to be beaten, not a team that is ready to win.

The moment of defeat may come swiftly as it did on Yadier Molina’s home run in the 2006 NLCS or it may take the agonizing path of last year’s Great Collapse, but somehow, the way the Mets approach the game leaves them vulnerable for that fatal blow.

Until they correct that flaw, they are doomed for ultimate failure.

“We had the opportunity to tack on earlier in the game and a lot of that is my fault,” said Wright, who is never afraid to take the heat. “We didn’t do that, but this is definitely one of those games that is good for later in the season because when the race starts tightening up, you can look back and say, ‘Hey we win these close games, we’re used to winning these close games.’ It gives you more confidence.”

That is a most valuable lesson because this is a team that has not learned to rise to the occasion. The Mets had their new ace on the mound, Johan Santana, but the Pirates battled him and he could not make it through the sixth inning. Santana is a winner, but he has a challenge ahead of him, teaching the Mets how to win.

Uh-oh...severe laughter-induced rectus abdominus muscelspasms coming on!