Not even a three home run night from Ike Davis can save this team. Last night, Ike hit three solo home runs and added another single later in the game, to finish four for four on the night. Starter Chris Young continued his batting practice tour across the United States, by allowing six runs in four innings, taxing the bullpen again. David Wright had a chance in the ninth inning to tie the game with one swing of the bat against the D-Back’s closer, JJ Putz., but as he’s done lately, struck out.
This afternoon, R.A. Dickey (13-2 2.97 ERA) tries to regain his first half form against Joe Saunders (5-6 3.51 ERA). The Mets need Dickey to go deep into this game in the worst way. Mets starters have been exiting games way too early, and an already suspect bullpen can’t be trusted when their arms are all ready to fall off.
Today’s first pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN 660 AM.
Starting Lineups via Metsblog.com
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New York Mets 1) Ruben Tejada SS |
Arizona Diamondbacks 1) Stephen Drew SS |
Who’s HOT for the Mets?…Ike Davis is crushing the ball right now. Last night Ike was 4 for 4 with 3 solo homers. In his last 7 games, Ike has 6 homers and now has raised his average up to .216.
Who’s HOT for the Diamondbacks?…Catcher Miguel Montero is raging hot. Montero is 10 for his last 20 with 2 homers and 6 RBI.
Pitching Matchup
R.A. Dickey (13-2 2.97 ERA) will try to stay on pace with the Nationals Gio Gonzalez for the NL lead in wins today. Dickey just hasn’t been the same lately. R.A. is 2-1 with a 5.36 ERA over his past 7 starts. R.A. took his first loss since April 18 on Tuesday night, allowing five runs and eight hits over six innings in a 5-2 loss to Washington. That loss ended Dickey’s string of 11 consecutive winning decisions over 16 starts.
Lefty Joe Saunders (5-6 3.51 ERA) is coming off a nice start in which he matched his career high with nine strikeouts while yielding two runs and three hits in seven innings of a 6-2 home win over Colorado. Saunders has allowed three earned runs or less in 13 of his 16 starts this season. Since his days back in Anaheim, Saunders is a quality start waiting to happen.
