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Pepsi Refresh Pre-Game: Mets vs. Padres – Game Three

by Mike Nichols on April 16th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Tonight’s Game:

  • The Mets (4-4, 1-1 Home) play the rubber-game of their inaugural three-game series at Citi Field versus the Padres (6-3, 1-1 Road) tonight, starting at 7:10 p.m. EDT.

On the Mound:

  • RHP John Maine (0-0, 3.60 ERA) will start for the Mets. Maine earned a no decision in his last start on April 10 versus the Marlins, allowing two runs on two hits (2 HR) and a walk, while striking out five over 5.0 IP. He has two career starts versus the Padres, but has yet to record a decision allowing seven runs over 11.2 IP. Maine’s last start versus the Padres came in August of 2007.
  • RHP Jake Peavy (1-1, 3.52 ERA) will pitch for the Padres. Peavy earned the win in his last start on April 11 versus the Giants, allowing three runs on seven hits, while striking out 10 over 8.1 IP. He is 4-2 with a 3.32 ERA in nine career starts versus the Mets.

At the Plate:

  1. Jose Reyes, SS
  2. Daniel Murphy, LF
  3. David Wright, 3B
  4. Carlos Delgado, 1B
  5. Carlos Beltran, CF
  6. Ryan Church, RF
  7. Ramon Castro, C
  8. Luis Castillo, 2B
  9. John Maine, P

Stats:

  • Carlos Beltran, who is riding a current 13-game hit streak, is 5-for-16 (.313) in his career versus Peavy.
  • The Mets lead the National League with eight errors this season.
  • Ryan Church leads the National League with six doubles this season. He is batting .364 in 11 career at-bats against Peavy.
  • Mets relievers have retired the first batter they have faced 70% (21-for-30) of the time this season.
  • Adrian Gonzalez has homered in each of the first two games of the series. He is 2-for-8 (.250) with a homerun in his career versus Maine.
  • The Padres are batting .188 this season after the sixth inning, second worst the National League.

Random Thoughts:

  • Despite misplacing a couple off-speed pitches, Mainer was outstanding in his last start. His fastball had life and he seemed to be pitching a bit more free and easy, trusting that his shoulder is healthy.
  • I called Ollie’s quality start last night, so I’ll try to go 2-for-2 and say the Mets get to Peavy early and win the rubber-game of the series.

Tonight’s Broadcast:

  • Tonight’s game will be broadcast locally on SNY and WFAN.

In-Game Chat:

  • To chat live with fans during the game, go to the MetsBlog.com Bullpen, here; or voice your comments below.

Enjoy, and as always, Let’s Go Mets!