The Mets go for the split today as they try to not drop below .500 very early in the season. Today's bill is another excellent pitching match up of John Smoltz vs Johan Santana. The Mets, and possibly the Braves, will try to put yesterday's umpiring behind them and go for a clean game (hopefully dry, I do not know the weather down there) that has no sloppy plays.
Smoltz last year pitched against the Mets 6 times posting a 2-1 record over 38 IP and a 3.55 ERA. Overall last year in 32 games and 205.2 IP, he was 14-8 with a 3.11 ERA.
Santana pitched a game against the Braves last year reaching a no decision. He went 7 innings, allowed 2 runs (2.57 ERA), 3 BB, and struck out nine. Here are some Brave players and their lifetime stats against Santana:
Matt Diaz: 9 AB, 5 H, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, .556 BA
Kotsay: 9 AB, H, 2B, 3K, .111 BA
Teixeria: 17 AB, 4H, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, .235 BA
On another note, right now Beltran has more doubles (6) than games played.
