The Mets kept up their distressing pattern of precious little run support for Johan Santana (pictured) in an agonizing, 3-2 road loss to the rival Phillies on Friday. It wasn’t how the Amazin’s wanted to start this pivotal, four-game NL East showdown in Philadelphia. Colleague Mike Vaccaro writes that Jerry Manuel deserved much of the blame last night for his curious managerial moves, most notably resting red-hot right fielder Ryan Church.

In the notebook, Santana refused to second-guess Manuel for taking him out after eight strong innings. There are also items on Keith Hernandez and Manuel’s professed ignorance of the Mets’ farm system.