Yesterday was a disappointing day for the Mets because it felt like their offense was getting off on the right foot, but the pitching didn't catch up. Tonight, the Mets send Maine out to go toe to toe with Lannan, and if the game goes the way the stats suggest, we could be in for a pitcher duel tonight.
Maine has already pitched against the Nats this season picking up the win with 6.2 innings of work. He allowed 2 runs, walked 4 and struck out 4. Last year, he went 2-1 against the Nationals pitching 16.1 innings, posting a 4.41 ERA, walked 5 and struck out 19. The following Nationals have these stats against Maine:
Zimmerman 3-22, 2 2B
Lopez 2-13
Belliard 9-13, HR
Kearns 4-12, 2 HR
Johnson 2-9, HR
From these stats, Maine has no problem with Zimmerman and Lopez but Belliard gives him problems. Kearns has hit a few bombs off of Maine and that will be Maine's big challenge tonight, keeping this crew that likes to tee off of him from hitting those bombs.
Lannan made mince meat out of the Mets the last time he faced us. In 2007 he lasted 5.2 innings, but allowed 5 runs, walked 1 and struck out 3. Last time out, this season, he pitched a no decision over 6 innings, allowed one run, walked none and struck out eleven. Eleven strikouts! That really should not happen! These are the stats of current Mets against Lannan:
Reyes 4-6, 2B
Wright 1-6, 2B
Alou, Beltran, Delgado 0-8
Easley 2-2
Church 1-3, 2B
If the Mets can strike early and take advantage of situations, and the pitching goes as it should, the Mets will win tonight. Then again, thats the plan for every night. Lets Go Mets!
