A great season came to a disappointing end for the New York Knicks. The team we lived and died with who won 54 games, a division title and their first playoff round in over a decade- fell in six games to the Indiana Pacers. They dropped all three games at Indiana, including the Game Six second round elimination, 106-99. On a special Saturday Melee Overtime show, we had a Knicks rehab with esteemed colleagues Brian Sanborn, John Giagnorio, Justin Felix, Jennifer Johnson and final shot contestant Dan Wheeler.

It kills me to lose to that franchise. It’s too much of a bitter reminder of past Pacers 90′s teams who were never as good as the Ewing Knicks. Like a broken record, they were out-muscled and out-hustled by a more athletic team who didn’t rely on one star. If only Carmelo Anthony (game high 39 incl. 15 in 3rd quarter) had more help from the NBA’s fraud of a Sixth Man J.R. “Starks” Smith, who was too preoccupied with Rihanna to bother to show following his Game Four suspension for an elbow to Jason Terry in the first round. Instead, he regressed firing blanks. Every clang killed the Knick offense, making it one dimensional.

Tyson Chandler was a shell of himself. Unable to stop anyone or finish, he was a waste. Unfortunately, Mike Woodson had no options with handicapped Amar’e Stoudemire reduced to a cheerleader along with tortoise Jason Kidd and former ’99 hero Marcus Camby. As it turned out, Rasheed Wallace was a lot more important. He was a defensive presence who provided energy and electricity working as a dual threat who could step out and drain the three as well as post and toast. Sheed attacked the glass, blocked shots and was a presence. How many times did we have to see Paul George and Lance Stephenson go to the bucket uncontested? PATH—ETIC!

The thing that hurts most is the combination of Melo and Iman Shumpert (16 in the 3rd) combined for 31 of the Knicks’ 34 as they got back in it. They did everything possible to bring the series back to MSG for Game Seven. Instead, we’re left to ponder what might’ve been. Something that’s haunted Orange and Blue fans for years. What ‘if’ Charles Smith… what ‘if’ John Starks… what ‘if’ Reggie Miller… what ‘if” David Stern… what ‘if’ Ewing… You get the point. The fact they led in the fourth thanks to timely hooping from Chris Copeland and Smith (yes, he actually made his only 2 treys in 9 attempts) should’ve been enough to bring the series to the kind of dramatic conclusion it deserved.

I am not gonna get into the officiating. Fouls: Knicks 34 Pacers 16. It speaks for itself. Even with all the thuggery the Pacemakers were allowed to get away with and dives from the reincarnation of Bill Russell/Wilt Chamberlain according to ESPN, Roy Hibbert, the bottom line is the game was there for the taking. They didn’t make the big plays in crunch time. Melo disappointed with only one field goal and two free throws. Shumpert picked up his fifth foul on an atrocious call because Stern probably ordered it or perhaps Larry Brown.

It didn’t help that they got nothing from Ray Felton (2 Pts on 0-7 FG, 6 A), who vanished against concussion prone George Hill. What will be remembered is that when push came to shove, it was the Pacers who finished strong. They dominated the paint outscoring the Knicks 52-20 and again won the board battle 43-36 including 14 offensive to our 11. They still were right there in a higher scoring shootout that favored them. Our heroes rediscovered their magic touch from downtown, connecting on 13 of 30 trifectas to Indiana’s 4 for 15.

The difference was the Pacers lived at the charity stripe scoring 16 more points than the Knicks. Even though they missed a dozen from the line, the Pacers still sank 34. New York went a perfect 18 for 18. But if you combine the decided edge Indiana had inside, they outscored the Knicks 86-38.  That means the Pacers only got 20 points from the perimeter. Insane! How hard is it to pack it in and let them shoot from the outside. Clearly, they aren’t the best offensive team. Something that’ll be exploited by the Miami Heat in what should be a cakewalk to the NBA Finals. Can anyone picture Pacers having free access to the basket? 

Maybe if the Knicks had a defensive presence who wasn’t 100 years old in basketball terms, it’d have been an easier match-up. Instead, they’re stuck with Chandler and Stoudemire. Good thing they added Kenyon Martin. Outside of the preposterous Black Suit Funeral failure against the Boston Celtics in Game Five, K-Mart acquitted himself well. He provided a lift when Woodson called on No.3 off the bench, playing solid D and grabbing rebounds. A sore spot for New Yawk.

In the end, the Pacers were more balanced due to their size. Even without a semblance of a bench (NYK 31 IND 8), their entire starting lineup hit double digits led by former Lincoln Rail Splitter standout Stephenson, who netted nine of a career best 25 in crunch time. He added 10 rebounds in what easily was his finest effort. Two other Pacers scored 20-plus with George finishing with 23 and Hibbert getting 21 along with 12 boards (6 Offensive) plus five blocks, including a highlight reel rejection denying Anthony of a dunk. Unfortunately, Mike Tirico and his partner went on and on about it. Almost as sickening as listening to that objective former Pacer Antonio Davis pick his team to close it out due to it being “their time.” You can’t make it up.

David West was also a difficult match-up in the series due to his combination of inside play along with his ability to knock down mid-range jumpers with the latter wreaking havoc because it pulled Knick defenders away from the basket. That played right into Indiana’s hands. Team Try Hard won the battle and now gets a date with Team LeBron. As hard as it is to admit, I hope the Heat destroy the Pacers. Especially that good for nothing thug Tyler Hansbrough and Charlotte Bobcats reject D.J. Augustin, who a clueless Frank Vogel played too much during the second half with Stephenson glued to the bench. He tried to give the game away but ultimately, the Knicks couldn’t take advantage.

It’ll be a long summer ahead. Even though the Knicks finally gave us some excitement, I come away feeling empty. This team was better than how they finished. There’s no way they should’ve lost last night or to Indiana. For some reason, it felt like they weren’t as motivated after beating that old age home in Boston. Perhaps having to go an extra two games hurt because Melo was relied so much upon. He ran out of gas in the fourth despite a superhero effort. It also would’ve afforded banged up Knicks like Chandler and Shumpert more rest. Hell. That could’ve even helped Kidd.

Not facing Miami is heartbreaking. Even if they probably would’ve lost, I wanted to see them get there. There’s no guarantee they’ll be back here next year. It only becomes harder. I don’t know about you. But I won’t be watching the next round. I can’t.

Chris Paul Beats Memphis

There aren’t many better players than Chris Paul. Especially in crunch time. CP3 has the uncanny ability to make difficult shots when his team needs it most. Chalk up the Clippers 93-91 Game Two win over the Grizzlies to Paul’s game clincher with 0.1 seconds left. His clutch shot gave the Clippers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first round rematch.

It’s by far the best series of an otherwise dull first round. Though the Knicks look to make it two straight against the Celtics later tonight at MSG. Meanwhile, the Bulls bounced back with a 90-82 win over the Nets at Barclay Center gaining a split in Brooklyn. Joakim Noah’s gritty 11 point, 10 rebound, three assist effort typified the Game Two win for Chicago after the Nets blew the doors off them Saturday. Deron Williams was held to eight after getting 22 in Brooklyn’s 106-89 Game One victory. He still dropped 10 dimes but wasn’t as effective.

Joe Johnson netted 17 including a pair of treys that helped the Nets cut a 14-point deficit to 80-76. But the Bulls clamped down. Brook Lopez paced Brooklyn with 21. Chicago placed five different scorers in double digits including Luol Deng, who led them with 15 and 10 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich had 13 and five assists while playing strong D on Williams. Carlos Boozer posted a double/double (13 & 12) and Nate Robinson added 11 off the bench. Gerald Wallace was limited to two after scoring 14 for the Nets in the first game.

Tuesday’s playoff slate features three games. Defending champ Miami hosts Milwaukee. They had no trouble winning Game One and should sweep. It’s on NBA TV at 7:30 PM. The Knicks will continue to ride Carmelo Anthony when they host Boston at 8 PM. The NBA’s leading scorer posted 36 and four steals in New York’s come from behind 85-78 win. They actually trailed by eight before storming back. The Knicks outscored the Celtics 18-8 in the fourth quarter, holding them to 25 points in the second half.

Ray Felton had 13 and six assists. Of the Knicks five starters, only three scored with Iman Shumpert adding three. Tyson Chandler was shutout in his return and Chris Copeland took the collar. The play of their bench was a big difference with them outscoring Boston 33-4. Sixth Man Of The Year J.R. Smith had 15 on 7-of-19 shooting. Not exactly his best. He clanged six of seven three’s. He must be better the rest of the series. Jason Kidd was impressive netting eight, five boards, three assists and three steals in 35 minutes. Remarkable. Speaking of which, Kidd’s former Nets teammate Kenyon Martin chipped in with 10 points, nine rebounds (five offensive) and two blocks. The vet still provides energy and has been a great addition with recently retired Rasheed Wallace unable to return.

For the Celtics, Jeff Green scored 20 of his 26 in the first half. He’s become their go to guy when old reliable Paul Pierce is off. Pierce had 21 with five boards and seven assists but was off from downtown missing six of seven. Kevin Garnett was held to eight. The ultimate warrior should respond tonight. Avery Bradley was the other Celtic in double figures with 15. If Jason Terry doesn’t shoot it from the outside, Doc Rivers has little reinforcements. That’s the Knicks’ biggest edge along with the best player in the series Anthony. Unless Boston can steal one, it could be a short series. My original pick was Knicks in six out of respect for the Celts.

The late game is Denver against Golden State. The Nuggets took Game One 97-95 thanks to another ageless vet. Andre Miller scored the winning lay-in with a tick left. He turned back the clock for 28. The Warriors got terrible news losing David Lee to a strained right hip flexor. He’s done. A shame because Mr. Double Double finally made his playoff debut after eight years. In his first game, he had 10 and 14. But now, won’t see another game until next season. Best wishes to him.

Look for more NBA Playoff coverage this week.

David Ortiz speaks to the crowd at Fenway.
Copyright Getty Images/Michael Dwyer

When David Ortiz took to the microphone before yesterday’s game at Fenway Park, the most popular Red Sock got it right. Big Papi said what we all thought. Closing out an emotional pregame ceremony in which the Red Sox paid tribute to Boston PD, Ortiz let everyone know how he felt.

David Ortiz: This Is Our Bleeping City

“This jersey that we wear today. It doesn’t say Red Sox. It says Boston. We want to thank Mayor Menino, Governor Patrick, the whole police department for the great job that they did this past week. This is our f______ city! And no one is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong! Thank you.”

 

Afterwards, Ortiz returned to the Boston lineup for his season debut. In typical fashion, he went 2-for-4 while singling in their first run. Teammate Daniel Nava provided the big blast, slugging a go ahead three-run home run with two out in the eighth to lift the Red Sox over the Royals 4-3.

”I think today was different because we haven’t been through what we’ve been through this past week,” Ortiz said at a post game press conference. ”Driving around and looking around at people’s faces, it was a very emotional day here just looking at those guys that were injured by those bombs going off and watching the news nearly every day, it was painful, very painful. Today I could see people opening their chest and letting it go.”

 ”Knowing everything that went into the day for the city, for us to get the win, it came in a special way, special fashion,” Nava added. ”It made it all that more important.”

It was a great day for Boston. One that will be remembered for the right reason.

We live in a country of hope and determination. Never let any crazy person get in the way of our enthusiasm. Right now, it’s a difficult time for us. We all want our Boston friends to feel safe from the despicable actions of two mad men. We must not give in.

Everyone should say a prayer for those whose lives have been affected by this awful tragedy. Please take a moment of silence to reflect. There’s a place where everything is peaceful and filled with promise. Go there and let our voices be heard.

“Boston is A Friend Of Mine”

by Derek “D Flex” Felix

Boston is a friend of mine

Whose wicked accents by design

Allow us to pass the time 

Your city and towns a part of us

Fenway and Fulton Market create no fuss

A proud area that we love 

Historic and resilient shall rise above

I give you my word that it’ll be alright

You shall overcome and stand so bright

Like a flock of seagulls that fly in full flight

You’ll once again dance by the harbor light

Don’t stop believing in your way 

Catch a glimpse of better days

We all are Boston Strong

In the rays of a new dawn

Prayers to Boston’s finest 

You shall shine brightest

My story is a tough one to tell. Where to start? I was born in Staten Island at Richmond Hospital on December 8, 1976. I believe I arrived at 9:15 or 9:20 in the evening. Remarkably, I’m a native Staten Islander. A distinction my younger brother, Justin also has.

I always wanted a brother growing up. We originally lived off Hylan Boulevard on Winchester Avenue right by the ocean. I actually do recall some of those wild days growing up. Summer days spent on the beach with Mom and Dad. We lived three houses down and had a nice next door neighboor. I was friends with their daughter. Right now, the name escapes me. But we had fun times. It’s still hard to believe that we only stayed there four years. There are memories like eating out at the Chinese restaurant and then going for Carvel afterwards. When I pass it still and see that it’s Andrew’s Diner, I still reminisce.

How do you summarize what was a key part of my life? My parents frequently went out with those friendly neighbors. Sometimes, we went to New Jersey for Amboy Cinemas and Razzmatazz. Yes, I actually have a vivid memory and can pick out details. Whenever Justin and I drive out there to our friend, it still leaves me blank that the movie theater complex has been closed for about eight years. So many of our childhood memories were created there. I used to love riding over the bridges. One was colored green while the other was red. You know. The part that divides Nine from the Garden State Parkway. Now, the colors have changed and become more boring. I guess things were better back then.

I also remember preschool. Sadly, it’s for the wrong reason. One day, Mom came from work and picked me up late. Little did she know a custodian had given me a sucking candy. When we got into her car, I started choking. She instanly pulled over and ran into the grocery store and got water. She performed the Heimlich maneuver on me. Luckily, the candy came out. I drank water. That day, she saved my life. One I’ll never forget. In thinking back, if this were today we would’ve sued. Things were much different back then. I thank my lucky stars and appreciate every day. We all should.

Where were you in 1994? I just graduated high school at Staten Island Tech over by New Dorp. It was a wild and crazy time. The Rangers won the Stanley Cup and the Knicks lost to the Rockets for the NBA title in what’s most remembered for the chase of O.J. Simpson and the Ford Bronco which interrupted NBC’s telecast. Two months later, there was this thing called Woodstock. Maybe you’ve heard of it. To commemorate the 25-Year Anniversary, they put together a magnificent event in upstate New York.

Among the highlights were Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, Cypress Hill and Collective Soul along with original 1969 acts Crosby Stills and Nash, Country Joe McDonald, Allman Brothers Band, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker and Santana. Green Day took the South Stage on Day Three and played an epic set that became known as Mudstock. It featured a mud fight between avid fans and Green Day lead singer Billie Jo Armstrong.  One of the coolest parts of the show is seeing a defiant Armstrong keep playing a muddy electric guitar during a great rendition of “When I Come Around.” Most bands would’ve walked off creating a riot. Not Green Day. Even if they eventually left the stage due to the mud fest, it’s still one of the best moments from Woodstock. 

Green Day: “Paper Lanterns” Woodstock 1994

Pablo Sandoval makes a diving stop in a successful home opener for the Giants.
Copyright Getty Images/by Marcio Jose Sanchez

Nothing beats a well pitched game at the ballpark. For Dad’s San Francisco Giants, pitching and defense are a tradition. The Giants will never knock you over with a Murderer’s Row that’s spoiled us Yankee fans in the Bronx. But when push comes to shove, the Giants do it the right way. By getting great pitching, solid team D and manufacturing runs.

In some aspects, the defending World Champs have perfected the art of winning ugly. They rarely make it easy on themselves. Preferring to do it the hard way. By making every game go down to the wire. Their fans are hanging on every out or virtually every pitch. That’s what these Giants are. A personification of skipper Bruce Bochy, who’s never been afraid to go to the bullpen. Or pull a double switch, epitomizing classic National League baseball.

They continue to get it done the same way. A winning formula. If you can get quality pitching and shutdown the opposition, it doesn’t matter how dangerous their hitters are. We saw it in 2010 when they turned Philly bats into aluminum. You see. It isn’t just Yankee sluggers who have become ghosts of October. If you got the horses, you can win. The Giants do- boasting a solid five-man rotation featuring Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito, who continued his renaissance by tossing seven scoreless for his first win in 1-0 decision over the Cardinals in a successful championship banner home opener.

The old adage is good pitching beats good hitting. That’s what the Giants have done winning two of the past three World Series. Both times, surprising many. In 2010, they beat Texas. Last year, after stunning St. Louis by rallying from a 3-1 deficit, they swept favorite Detroit. It didn’t matter that the Tigers boasted the game’s first Triple Crown winner since Yaz in AL MVP Miguel Cabrera. They also had Prince Fielder, Delmon Young, Jhony Peralta and Austin Jackson. The Giants countered with Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro, Hunter Pence and NL MVP Buster Posey. Plus underrated defensive shortstop Brandon Crawford, who forms a solid middle infield with Scutaro.

When going through San Fran’s lineup, it doesn’t intimidate you. However, 1 through 9 they contribute including the pitcher, who either can hit or sacrifice. A lost art. Good baseball can still be discovered. All you have to do is watch the Giants scrap their way at the plate and in the field. A walk is as good as a hit. Taking advantage of errors counts just the same. That’s one thing they do well. They did it in taking the rubber game against the Dodgers Wednesday in a 5-3 win. A four-run third included a couple of unearned. Sandoval slugged his first home run and Pence added an insurance marker to make a winner of a wild Lincecum, who survived five frames allowing two unearned while walking seven. Bochy mixed and matched the rest of the way until Sergio Romo closed it out.

Today, the Giants made an Angel Pagan bases loaded walk stand up with Zito going the first seven before giving way to Jeremy Affeldt and Romo, who were perfect. That included a nasty Romo cutter that froze Allen Craig to end it. And so, in a division where the Dodgers spent like Kings and changed their motto to “A Whole New Blue,” here are the Giants at 3-1 in first. They do it their way without the fanfare. They’re what the Mets aspire to be. Pitching, defense and timely hits. A winner.

Francisco Cervelli has gotten off to a good start for the Yankees.

Panic in the Bronx has started. A day following Turn Back The Clock Thursday when Andy Pettite and Mariano Rivera combined to shutdown the Red Sox for the Yankees’ first win in 2013, they were battered by the Tigers 8-3 in the defending AL Champs’ home opener. Despite Kevin Youkilis going yard for his first home run in Pinstripes, Boone Logan served up a three-run jack to Prince Fielder that put the Tigers up for good. After Fielder tacked on another run with his second dinger, Alex Avila took reliever Shawn Kelly deep for a two-run shot- punctuating Detroit’s five-run win in the series opener.

Ivan Nova was roughed up for four earned in four and two thirds for the loss. At least he didn’t serve up any long balls. That was the positive in the Yanks’ fourth game where another injury cost them shortstop Eduardo Nunez. Nunez was plunked by Tiger starter Doug Fister and left the game in the fourth. X-rays were negative, keeping him day-to-day. Joe Girardi doesn’t expect him to play tomorrow when they face tough lefty Max Scherzer. David Phelps will oppose him. Not exactly a favorable match-up. But the Yanks need to bounce back with Sunday’s finale pitting baseball’s richest pitcher Justin Verlander against C.C. Sabathia.

The schedule makers didn’t do them any favors. It’s still too early to push the panic button. Though you’d never know it with all the insanity on Twitter. While some of it is cause for concern with injuries to Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson and invisible man Alex Rodriguez, they have played four games. Teams get off to slow starts. There’s plenty of time to recover. Baseball’s a marathon. Hopefully, Robinson Cano will rediscover his stroke from the World Baseball Classic. Having switched agents from loathsome Scott Bora$ to Jay-Z and CAA, it appears the All-Star second baseman wants to stay put. He should easily command $200 million. Even in a thin lineup, he’ll get hot.

The Yankees have to like what they’ve seen from Francisco Cervelli. He’s split duty with Chris Stewart behind the plate. In both his starts, Cervelli has delivered clutch hits. He knocked in two on on Opening Day and delivered a solo blast in yesterday’s 4-2 win over Boston while making a big defensive play. The 27-year old is easily one of the most rootable on the roster. A classic underdog story who was seen as an afterthought in the Yankees system compared to bigger fish Jesus Montero, Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez. After a tough 2012 in the minors, Cisco has come out strong, demonstrating the character he has.

Not everything has to be viewed in a black hole. The weather’s heating up. Don’t jump off any bridges yet.

Jon Niese did it all for the Mets highlighting an Opening Day 11-2 win over the Padres.

Opening Day brings enthusiasm for every baseball fan. That includes the Astros, who actually posted an 8-2 win over their new division rival Texas last night. Even if I don’t consider the ESPN Sunday Night game the true start of the season, Houston is 1-0 and Texas is 0-1. Meaning the Astros were first in the AL West. April Fool’s Day indeed. Everyone wants to believe that a new year can bring hope. April baseball normally doesn’t matter. But it’s always nice to get off on the right foot.

The Mets did it by erupting for 11 runs on the Padres in an 11-2 win at Citi Field. The Yankees didn’t, getting trounced 8-2 by the Red Sox in the Bronx. It’s still funny to see both New York teams open at home at the same time. If you stayed home and channel flipped, it was the best of both worlds. But at the same time, annoying. Even as a passionate Yankee fan, I like to watch the Mets occasionally. They have an interesting ball club that features a nice rotation including flame thrower Matt Harvey, Opening Day winner Jon Niese and Dillon Gee. Eventually, we’ll see Zach Wheeler, who starts in Triple-A Las Vegas along with catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud. It should be fun to follow them.

For the Yanks, it was weird seeing no Derek Jeter. He’s back in Tampa rehabbing. Meanwhile, injured stars Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira all were in the dugout. Most of the attention centered around Mariano Rivera. The legendary all-time saves leader received a rousing ovation during player introductions in what will be his final season. It’s hard to believe this is really it for Mo. Once, he was the bridge to John Wetteland in ’96. Then, he took over the closer job and became the greatest modern day reliever. When we do see him out there, the support will be overwhelming. It is indeed special to root for Rivera, who still dons the familiar #42 commemorating the memory of Jackie Robinson. The Robinson family loves that he’ll be the last player to ever wear 42. In a year where the movie Jackie Robinson is out, it seems fitting.

As for the baseball, the Yanks fell behind early against Boston. The Red Sox used a four-run second off losing ace C.C. Sabathia. Ironically, it was the plate discipline of newcomer Jackie Bradley, Jr. that led to CC’s demise. He dug out of an 0-2 hole to work a walk that loaded the bases with one out. Bradley’s speed allowed Jason Inglesias to get an RBI infield hit for the game’s first run. Ex-Phillie Shane Victorino followed with a two-run single and Dustin Pedroia added an RBI single for a 4-0 lead.

The Yanks’ only offense came from catcher Francisco Cervelli. The former Staten Island Yankee delivered a clutch two out single that plated new Yankees Kevin Youkilis and Vernon Wells. But the story of the day was runners left on base. The Yankee Pinstripes stranded 21. That included a frustrating seventh. Trailing 5-2, they had first and second with no one out for the middle of the order. But Eduardo Nunez took a called third strike, Robby Cano struck out swinging and Youkilis also K’d to end the threat. The Sox put the game away by taking advantage of a Cano miscue to score two of their three runs in the ninth off Joba Chamberlain. Astonishingly, Jacoby Ellsbury was credited for a two-run single even though Cano botched the play. Victorino added his third RBI.

Jon Lester went five for his first win. He wasn’t great but worked in and out of trouble, allowing two earned on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Sabathia also lasted five, giving up all four in the second while walking four and fanning five. He threw 102 pitches and admitted afterwards that he couldn’t put away hitters. But his elbow felt fine. Obviously, the Yanks need better from CC and the pitching staff until they get healthy. Cano must come through. His failure today was a sinking reminder of last October. He did have a hit but needs to deliver. Youkilis looked odd without his trademark mustache and goatee. He doubled in four at bats and made a nice play in the field to cut down a run at the plate. He played first instead of third with light hitting Jayson Nix getting the start at the hot corner.

For the Mets, it was a happy recap. Especially for Niese, who along with pitching into the seventh, was perfect at the plate. The southpaw is now the ace by default after the crushing news to Johan Santana which probably ended his Met career. A shame. Niese acted the part going six and two thirds while permitting two runs on four hits. He walked two and K’d four. He got the job done including with the bat, finishing the day 2-for-2 with an RBI single. Indeed, Niese is batting 1,000. A pretty cool thing for the Amazin’s.

There were plenty of bright spots. Nine of the Mets 11 runs came with two outs. On a day where David Wright knocked in only one and Ike Davis took the collar in five at bats with the golden sombrero (4 K’s), they got contributions throughout. Ruben Tejada busted out of his Spring malaise with a big two out run scoring single. He had two hits and two runs scored. Six different Mets had multi-hit games including newcomers Collin Cowgill (grand slam), Marlon Byrd (2-5, 2 RBI’s) and John Buck (2-4, 2 R, RBI). Second baseman Daniel Murphy also went 2-for-5 with a two out RBI. He batted second behind Cowgill, who GM Sandy Alderson brought in from Oakland.

The Met outfield today was Lucas Duda in left, Cowgill in center and Byrd in right. It’ll be a question mark all season. Kirk Nieuwenheis is on the bench and spark plug Jordany Valdespin can fill in in left and at second. Valdespin had a big Spring to make the team. He can handle the bat and has speed but must be more consistent to play under Terry Collins. Collins will likely shift guys in and out based on match-ups and who’s hot. At least they boast a strong infield with All-Star Wright and Davis carrying the lumber at the corners.

The Mets didn’t sell out their home opener. Part of it’s due to uncertainty from a skeptical fan base that wants to see a winner. Newsflash. It takes time. Patience is the key. At the very least, they have some building blocks for the future. Pitching should be a strength. Harvey goes in Game Two Wednesday with Gee to follow. That’s a solid front three with Jeremy Hefner the No.4 by default. Shaun Marcum is already on the DL, leaving them a little thin. How soon will we see Wheeler? For the time being, the Mets get off to an ideal start on a day Wright was named captain.

A couple of quick Opening Day Notes:

-Bryce Harper hit a homer in his first two at bats in the Nats’ 2-0 shutout of the Marlins. Harper is in line for a big year. Thirty homers and 100 RBI’s should be within reach on a team that’s the NL favorite. We’ll see if they can live up to the hype.

-Clayton Kershaw broke a scoreless game between the Dodgers and Giants by going yard off George Kontos. The Dodger ace led off the eighth by clubbing his first career home run that just cleared the center field fence. Kershaw dueled with Giants ace Matt Cain, who tossed six scoreless (8 K’s). Kershaw is still in the game having permitted just three hits while fanning seven. He’ll get a chance to complete it.

-A two-run homer from Anthony Rizzo lifted the Cubs past the Pirates 3-1. Jeff Samardzija (8 IP 0 R 9 K’s) out-dueled A.J. Burnett (5.2 IP 3 ER 10 K’s) for his first win. Hard to believe he’s their Opening Day starter.

-Justin Verlander K’d seven over five after signing a record seven-year $180 million extension with Detroit. The Tigers lead the Twins 3-0. Verlander is arguably the best pitcher. But long-term deals for starters are too risky. Most pitchers don’t last. Look at what happened to the Mets with Santana and Pedro Martinez. Remember that awful contract the Dodgers gave out to Kevin Brown? I’m not a fan of it. So, how much do you think Kershaw will get?

-Speaking of absurd, the Giants signed NL MVP Buster Posey for nine years, $167 million. He’s a catcher. There’s no way he’ll live up to it. He’s already a hero in the Bay area. Eventually, Posey will shift to first.

-UPDATE: The Dodgers tacked on three more to take a 4-0 lead. Kontos is charged with all four runs.

-UPDATE II: It’s a final. The Dodgers shutout the Giants 4-0. Kershaw goes the distance. He was spectacular, needing only 85 pitches (57 strikes) to blank San Francisco. Final line: 9 IP 4 H 0 BB 7 K

Two other quick hits:

-It’s always a joy to hear Vin Scully call a game. He is the best ever. And he still does it solo, using those adjectives to describe the national past time.

-Kevin Burkhardt is still working the field for SNY. Hard to believe no one’s hired him for a better gig. But he still got to interview Emmy Rossum between innings. Never a bad thing as Keith Hernandez noted during the Mets telecast. Hernandez was mustache free. Another oddity.

MANHATTAN, NY-Even as a number two seed, Murray Bergtraum wasn’t denied. The remarkable Varsity Girls basketball program held on for a 48-43 victory over top seeded South Shore to capture their 15th straight PSAL AA Championship at The Garden Saturday.

It was quite the atmosphere with fans from both sides being heard in the stands at the World’s Most Famous Arena. The Lady Blazers used a strong start against the Lady Vikings. Murray Bergtraum outscored South Shore 17-6. It was too much to overcome for the Lady Vikings, who earlier this season beat the Lady Blazers 54-46 (12/7). A furious rally fell short with Bergtraum doing just enough to deliver another championship for coach Ed Grezinsky.

The Lady Blazers placed three different scorers in double digits, including game MVP Ashanae McLaughlin. The sophomore guard finished with 15 points and four assists. She played an outstanding game and was justly rewarded. That included her team’s first seven to offset a good start from South Shore. McLaughlin had plenty of support from senior Jasmine Nwajel (game high 16) and junior Joella Gibson (15). Sophomore Alexandria Smith grabbed 16 rebounds.

Unable to make shots in the first half, South Shore fell behind by 16 at the half. In fact, Gibson outscored the Lady Vikings 8-7 during the second quarter. That included one from downtown. A harbinger of things to come. The Lady Blazers used a 12-7 second quarter to take a 29-13 lead into the locker room.

South Shore got its act together in the second half. Stronger defense held Murray Bergtraum to six points in the third quarter. They finally made shots. Aliyah Cooley hit from downtown and Ashley McDonald also dialed long distance- highlighting a 7-0 run that shrunk the deficit to seven by quarter’s end.

Sophomore Brianna Fraser did most of her scoring following the break. She had 10 of 12 in the final two quarters, including some big ones as the Lady Vikings made their push. Fraser stepped it up to give her team a chance. With Cooley hitting another trey, South Shore kept coming. Fraser hit four consecutive free throws and also scored inside to put South Shore within two. Under pressure, Murray Bergtraum responded thanks to a miraculous three from Gibson. With the shot clock running out, an off balance three from a couple of feet behind the key put them up five.

But South Shore scored the next three to crawl within two. It was anyone’s game with over two minutes left. The difference proved to be the Lady Blazers’ hustle. They scrapped more and got to loose balls off misses, extending possessions. That proved critical. Following a Fraser put back, Murray Bergtraum got two offensive rebounds, which forced the Lady Vikings to foul Nwajel. The Wagner College bound senior sank two free throws to make it a two possession game. A South Shore miss and another free throw sealed it.