Big Pelf makes his debut tonight as the 3-0 Mets, coming off a 3-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves (yes, you read that right), look to continue their hot offensive streak against another division rival, the Washington Nationals. The game can be seen on SNY, with Pre-Game beginning at 6:30 pm EDT and the game starting at 7:10 pm EDT. Coverage is also available on WFAN 660AM. For added fun, follow @MetsWFAN, @Meriwyn and @dailystache on Twitter.
I realize it’s only 3 games into a very long season, but the Mets have looked rather impressive in just those 3 games. What’s this? Run support??! Johan, R.A and Jon are very happy pitchers after their outings because they have been getting the run support that has been sorely lacking in recent years. Even when Niese began to lose it a bit yesterday, the Mets already had 7 runs on the board and the bullpen was able to keep it a 7-5 Mets win in the end.
The bullpen has also been quite solid, with new closer Frank Francisco (that’s a fun word to say…Francissssco**) saving all 3 games of the season so far. The starters have to continue to go into at least the 6th inning to that the bullpen can stay fresh and keep doing their job as well as they have been.
Mets Lineup
1. Ruben Tejada, SS
2. Daniel Murphy, 2B
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Ike Davis, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Lucas Duda, RF
7. Josh Thole, C
8. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, CF
9. Mike Pelfrey, SP
Nationals Lineup
1. Ian Desmond, SS
2. Danny Espinosa, 2B
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Mark DeRosa, LF
7. Roger Bernadina, CF
8. Jesus Flores, C
9. Edwin Jackson, SP
Pitching Matchup
NYM: Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Big Pelf really needs to come out of the gate strong. Let’s be honest, he has a lot to prove to everyone here, as he has had meltdowns the past two years running and has been moved to the #4 spot in the rotation. He looked dominant in his last Spring Training outing, but that was against a Houston Astros split-squad. He needs to bring that momentum into tonight’s opener with the Nats.
WSH: Edwin Jackson (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Washington is Jackson’s 7th organization and his 4th in the last two years. He signed a one-year deal with the Nats in February after going 12-9 with a 3.79 ERA for the White Sox and Cardinals in 2011.
Stache Keys to the Game
- Hey, Jason Bay, feel free to join in anytime now.
- David, Murph and Duda need to keep doing what they’re doing.
- Mike Pelfrey needs to have a good first outing here and get off to a good start on the season. If he doesn’t, he’ll have a hill to climb to get his confidence back…AGAIN.
April 9 in Mets History:
Happy Birthday Jerry Hinsley and Graeme Lloyd!
New York Mets claimed Greg Goossen on waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 9, 1965.
**two points if you get this reference
