NLCS NOTES

ST. LOUIS – Calling on Julio Franco to pinch hit in the postseason didn’t yield much through Game 2 of the National League Championship Series – other than strikeouts.

Franco entered last night’s Game 3 of the NLCS having gone 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and an RBI groundout in four at-bats in the Mets’ five postseason games. Franco had struck out in both of his NLCS at-bats.

The Mets have other bench options to pinch hit from the right side, such as Chris Woodward (Michael Tucker is their main lefty pinch hitter). But yesterday, Willie Randolph said he would stand by Franco.

Randolph said Franco is “my best pinch hitter and he’s experienced at it.”

He also called Franco “one of the best of all time” when it comes to pinch hitting and said he believes the veteran has “been getting himself out.”

During the season, Franco hit .250 as a pinch hitter, going 15-for-60.

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Randolph confirmed that Tom Glavine definitely will take the mound tomorrow for Game 5. Glavine will be pitching on three days’ rest. He shut out the Cardinals over seven innings in Game 1.

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Although Darren Oliver was the only Mets reliever not to pitch in Game 2, none of the club’s relievers were ruled out of pitching last night, according to Randolph.

“Everyone’s available,” he insisted.

The only two pitchers who worked both Game 1 and Game 2 for the Mets in this series were Guillermo Mota and Billy Wagner.

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Cliff Floyd didn’t start for the second straight game last night. Endy Chavez played left field again.