The Game:

The first-place Mets (82-62) look for the victory in the rubber game with the Braves (74-71) this evening at Shea Stadium, starting at 7:10 pm EDT.

The Lineup:

• SS Jose Reyes
• 1B Marlon Anderson
• 3B David Wright
• CF Carlos Beltran
• LF Moises Alou
• RF Shawn Green
• C Paul Lo Duca
• 2B Ruben Gotay
• SP John Maine

The Pitchers:

RHP John Maine (14-9, 3.80) starts for the Mets. He was hit hard in his last start vs. the Reds, allowing six runs on nine hits (including two homers) over 4.1 IP. This followed his biggest start of the season down in Atlanta, when he hurled seven innings of one-run ball. It was the only time he made it out of the sixth inning out of his last eight outings. Maine was knocked around in his only other career appearance vs. the Braves on August 9th, yielding six runs on seven hits over 5.1 IP.

RHP John Smoltz (13-7, 3.02 ERA) takes the hill for the Braves. He took a no-hitter into the 8th inning vs. the Nationals in his last start, spoiled on a Ronnie Belliard single. He ended up allowing one run on one hit over 7IP+ while striking out 10. Smoltz has allowed three runs or less in seven consecutive starts. This will be Smoltz’s sixth start against the Mets this season. He is 2-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 32 innings against the Mets this season.

The Notes:

As most of you know by now, 1B Shawn Green loves hitting against Smoltz, to the tune of 17-for-32 (.531).

15 of David Wright’s 28 home runs have either tied a game or given the Mets a lead.

SS Jose Reyes is batting .362 (25-for-69) with four triples, two home runs and 10 RBI vs. the Braves this season. He set a career-high with three doubles last night.

The Braves lead the season series 9-8 — this is the last meeting of the two teams this season.

For more insight on the Braves, check out Blogger Beat featuring William Schaffer from Chop-n-Change.

The Bleachers:

For a live chat, head over to The Hot Foot Bleachers.

…enjoy…and as always, let’s go mets…

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