preGame: Mets at Braves (Game Two)
The Game :
The Mets (2-2) close out an abbreviated two-game series with the Braves (2-3) this afternoon at Turner Field, starting at 1:35 pm.
The Lineup :
- SS Jose Reyes
- 2B Luis Castillo
- 3B David Wright
- CF Carlos Beltran
- 1B Carlos Delgado
- RF Ryan Church
- LF Angel Pagan
- C Brian Schneider
- SP Johan Santana
The Pitchers :
LHP Johan Santana (1-0, 2.57 ERA) starts for the Mets. Santana won his Mets debut on Monday against the Marlins, allowing two runs on three hits over 7 IP while striking out eight. He took a no-decision vs. the Braves last season (June 14), despite allowing just two runs on five hits over seven innings, while striking out nine. In two career starts vs. the Braves, Santana is 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA. Today will be his first career start at Turner Field.
RHP John Smoltz makes his 2008 debut for the Braves. Smoltz began the season on the disabled list due to shoulder inflammation. In six starts vs. the Mets last season, he was 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA. In 68 career appearances vs. the Mets, Smoltz is 17-14 with a 3.42 ERA. He has faced the Mets more than any other team.
The Notes :
Jose Reyes was 7-for-19 (.368) with three RBI vs. Smoltz last season. Reyes is a .309 lifetime hitter vs. Smoltz.
Mark Teixeira has four hits, including a homer, in 17 career at-bats vs. Santana — he has also struck out five times.
David Wright is two homers away from 100 for his career. With his next home run, he will tie George Foster for ninth on the Mets all-time home run list.
The Braves have scored a major-league best 37 runs through their first five games.
The Bleachers :
For a live chat, head over to the Hot Foot Bleachers.
…enjoy, and as always, let’s go mets…
