Game Preview: Mets @ Phillies

The Mets start the second series of the crucial road trip against Philly tonight as they try to do what the they were only able to do once in Atlanta: win. Statistically speaking, the Mets would be able to compete for a playoff spot even if they do terrible tonight and for the rest of the series, but the Mets really cannot settle on that fate. They need to actually go out and win, not talk about effort (see any frustration starting to mount?). Anyway Niese is looking to rebound tonight vs Blanton.

Niese was not himself in his last start as he allowed 6 ER over 4.1 innings as he took the loss. With the exception of that start vs Dbacks, and his other start vs the Dbacks, Niese has been fantastic since coming off of the DL. The last time he faced Philly was before his injury and it was a great start as Niese allowed only 1 ER over 7 innings of work while striking out 7 in Philly. The Phillies have these numbers on Jon:

Ibanez 0-3
Polanco 0-3
Victorino 0-3
Werth 2-3
Castro 0-3

The Mets bats will continue to search for themselves, this time against Blanton who is 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA on the season. He made 6 starts in the month of July recording 37.1 innings of work with a 1-1 record (Phillies 2-4) while posting an ERA of 5.26. The Amazin's beat him earlier this season by recording 5 ER over 5.1 innings (one of the shutout vicotires for the Mets). Anyway our stats vs Joe the pitcher:

Castillo 9-17, 3B
Reyes 1-12, HR
Wright 3-13, 2 2B
Barajas 3-12, 3 2B
Francoeur 4-11, 2B
Davis 1-2, 2B
Pagan 2-3, 2B

Lets Go Mets!