Everyone say it with me…SEVEN OF EIGHT, and THIRD SERIES WIN in a row! Seems pretty incredible doesn’t it, considering where our Mets were only a week and a half ago? Yes, their contention for the post-season may be all but over, but it’s nice to see them bonding together and trying to make something of the rest of their season.
Today the Road Warriors take their show to St. Louis and Busch Stadium, where they open up a 3-game series against the Cardinals, whom they took 3 of 4 from (which included Johan’s infamous no-no) when the Red Birds visited CitiField in June. First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 pm and the game can be seen on SNY, heard on WFAN660AM and followed on Twitter @MetsWFAN, @dailystache and @Meriwyn.
Rookie pitcher Collin McHugh is back and making his 2nd appearance for the Mets this year. If his start today goes anything like his last one, the Cardinals are in for a heck of an afternoon. McHugh faced the Colorado Rockies his first time out, and retired 20 of 22 batters, including 10 in a row. He struck out 9 over 7 scoreless innings, but unfortunately was saddled with the infamous Mets no-decision due to lack of offensive support. His 9 strikeouts are the 2nd most in franchise history for a rookie’s debut. First on that list? Matt Harvey.
On the flip side, Cardinals starting pitcher, Joe Kelly, has seen his share of troubles this season. He was pulled from the rotation and put into the pen on August 14th and this will be his first start since then. His debut BACK in the rotation last Wednesday didn’t go so well, and he gave up 5 runs in 5 innings.
And how ’bout that Jason Bay??? I have to admit, it was SO nice to see him smile yesterday after hitting that grand slam against the Marlins. It looked like the world just came off his shoulders and I was really happy for him. Ike Davis as well, who has been on fire lately.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m totally grooving on Kelly Shoppach as well. Since his addition to this ball club, there seems to be a rejuvenated spark, and I think he’s more than a small part of it. He seems to be bonding with the rest of the guys extremely well, he’s been a clutch hitter and a spectacular defender. I really hope he’s around for a few seasons to come.
Interesting note…no Carlos Beltran in the Cards’ lineup today.
Mets Lineup
1. Ruben Tejada, SS
2. Daniel Murphy, 2B
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Ike Davis, 1B
5. Lucas Duda, LF
6. Mike Baxter, RF
7. Kelly Shoppach, C
8. Andres Torres, CF
9. Collin McHugh, SP
Cardinals Lineup
1. Jon Jay, CF
2. Matt Carpenter, 1B
3. Matt Holliday, LF
4. Allen Craig, RF
5. Yadier Molina, C
6. Davd Freese, 3B
7. Skip Schumaker, 2B
8. Daniel Descalso, SS
9. Joe Kelly, SP
Pitching Matchup
NYM: Collin McHugh (0-0, 0.00 ERA). McHugh was yet another impressive young pitcher when he made his debut with the Mets, where he pitched 7 scoreless innings and struck out 9 batters.
STL: Joe Kelly (4-6, 3.61 ERA). Kelly’s outing with the Cardinals last Wednesday wasn’t quite so good as McHugh’s. He allowed 5 earned runs for the first time in his big league career and couldn’t pitch past the 5th.
Stache Keys to the Game(s)
- Strive for any goal at this point…strive for .500.
- Continue to make ground on at least the Phillies.
- Keep everything going at the SAME TIME! (batting, fielding, pitching)
September 3rd in Mets History
Happy Birthday Eddie Stanky (1915) and Ced Landrum (1963)!
LET’S GO METS!!
