The Mets try for (I have lost count now and don't want to be reminded) to sweep a three game series but this time they are doing it with momentum behind them. They have now won 6 straight and 7 of their last 8 and they will face a Pirates team that has now lost 7 straight. The main weakness the Mets have had this season so far, and it has been one they have had for a few seasons now, is the ability to crush a team to the ground by getting the sweep. The Pirates are a team the Mets should beat, so lets hope this happens. The Mets will be sending out Hernandez, off of a great outing his last time out out and he will be facing Ian Snell who is brilliant at times but unless you are brilliant all the time with the Pirates, the pitching record (1-4) will not reflect it.
Hernandez is 2-1 on the season over his last 5 games with a 5.53 ERA over 27.2 IP. In his last game he pitched 6.1 innings allowing 7 hits, allowed one run, walked 2, and struck out 2. The last time he faced the Pirates was 2007 and he lasted 4.0 IP, allowing 10 H and 4 ER on his way to a loss. I feel like I always say this when Livan pitches but he is often placed against young teams, which is something the Pirates are now. Young players generally struggle against Hernandez because he is very tempting and he can get to the impatientce of youth. Here are some numbers the Pirates have against Livan:
Adam LaRoche: 7-27, 4 2B, HR
Vazquez 3-19, 2 2B, 3B
Hinske 5-20, 2B, HR
Sanchez 1-3
The Mes have been able to keep this Pirates bats in line so far this series, so they just need to do it one more time toay. After yesterday's performance by the Mets hitters, Hernandez is hoping the Mets bats have something left in the tank for today.
The Mets will have to handle Snell today who is 1-4 on the season with a 4.50 ERA over 4 G and 34.0 IP (23 BB, 22K). To show you how these stats are really a tell tale sign of this season his last two starts he has pitched 12 innings, and has allowed 6 runs (basically having one really good outing and then followed it with a really bad outing). Last year against the Mets he got a ND in 4.1 innings of work after allowing 5 H and 4 ER. In 2007 he had a 0-1 record in 11 IP and two games against the Mets with an ERA of 7.36. Here are the numbers the Mets have against him:
Reyes 5-14, 2B, 2 3B
Beltran 2-9, 3 BB
Wright 1-9
Delgado 2-9, 2B
Church 2-8, 2B
The game plan for the offense is the same as yesterday. Score early, score late, score often. Never let the starter establish himself, and keep the bullpen edgy. Lets Go Mets! Sweep the Pirates!
