The Mets play game four game three of the series tonight against the Cardinals after playing a 20 inning marathon yesterday. In yesterday's game, the Mets' pitchers were on for 20 innings but sadly the hitters were not as they racked up only 9 hits (and 16 strikeouts). The good news is the same can be said for the Cardinals hitters who had moe hits (15) but also striked out more (19) and left more runners on base (22 where as the Mets left 13). Anyway, time to focus on tonight. This is a big game tonight. The Mets will be sending out John Maine who is practically at the point that he has to prove the Mets brass that he can pitch. The Mets will be facing a good pitcher tonight in Adam Wainwright.
John Maine has struggled so far this season ( 2 Games, 0-1, 8.0 innings pitched, 12 earned runs) and he faced the Cards once last season and also struggled (0-1, 5.2 innings, 5 ER). The key for Maine today will be getting behind his fastball. When Maine was good with the Mets, his fastball had life, and at times was unhittable up in the zone. If he can get his velocity back then hopefully he will be fine. If not, it can be another long outing for Maine. Here are the numbers the Cards have on him:
Pujols 5-11, 2 HR, 11 RBI
Molina 3-9, 2B
Holliday 4-7
Rasmus 2-3, 2B
The Mets so far have handled this lineup pretty well so far and they just need to do it for one more game. Rumor has it as well that the Mets are bringing in Stoner as fresh arm. The Mets pitchers will benefit from Mets hitters actually scoring runs tonight.
In order to do that, the Mets will have to get by Wainwright (2-0, 15.0 Innings Pitched, 2 ER) who has been good this season but has very little experience against the Mets. In the regular season he has faced the Mets for 2.0 innings and allowed 4 earned runs. That being said he also struck out Carlos Beltran looking to end the NLCS and eliminate the Mets from the playoffs (like I need to remind you). Anyway, the Mets have these numbers against him:
Francoeur 3-8
Blanco 4-7, 2 2B
This should be an interesting game tonight. Lets Go Mets! Take the Series! Please don't play another 20 inning game!
