preGame: Mets vs. Phillies (Game Three)
The Game:
The first place Mets (79-63) conclude their three-game series versus the second place Phillies (78-64) with the night cap of a day-night doubleheader today at Shea Stadium, starting at 8:05 pm.
The Lineup:
- SS Jose Reyes
- RF Ryan Church
- 3B David Wright
- CF Carlos Beltran
- 1B Carlos Delgado
- LF Fernando Tatis
- 2B Damion Easley
- C Brian Schneider
- P Johan Santana
The Pitchers:
LHP Johan Santana (12-7, 2.71 ERA) starts for the Mets. Santana earned a no-decision in his last start versus the Phillies on August 27, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out six over 6.0 IP. He is 1-0 with a 2.94 ERA in five career starts versus the Phillies.
LHP Cole Hamels (12-7, 3.80 ERA) starts for the Phillies. In five career starts versus the Mets, Hamels is 1-2 with a 3.27 ERA. Hamels is limiting right-handed batters to a .215 batting average. He is 6-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 14 road starts this season.
How To Catch It:
Tonight’s game can be seen nationally on ESPN and heard on WFAN.
The Bleachers:
For a live chat, head over to The Hot Foot Bleachers.
…to say this game is the biggest game of the year for the Mets would be an understatement…the offense looked to be on it’s heels in the last two games…they need to come out and be patiently aggressive against hamels, by working the count, and waiting for their pitch to hit…
…this is also santana’s most important start of the season…he needs to set the tone from the first inning and get ahead early in counts and not let the Phillies offense dictate the flow…
…with a win the pressure for the remaining 19 games will continue to be on the Phillies, but with a loss, the media and fan base will force the Mets to deal with the linger doubts on their ability to put last september behind them…
…enjoy, and as always, Let’s Go Mets…
