Wednesday April 18th
John Maine vs Dontrelle Willis
Scouting Report:
Mets: Maine wasn't nearly as sharp in his second start of the season as he was in his first, battling through a frigid afternoon in New York's home opener on Monday. The young right-hander allowed two runs in a brief 4 2/3-inning stint -- not terrible, considering he also walked six batters.
Marlins: The D-Train enjoys his most success against the Mets. Willis is 11-2 with a 2.02 ERA lifetime facing New York. He is especially tough pitching in April, as he now is 12-1 (2.49) for his career in the month. Willis comes off a solid win at Atlanta, where he worked a season-best seven innings, while giving up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.
Thursday April 19th
Orlando Hernandez vs Rick Vanden Hurk
Scouting Report:
Mets: After two effective starts, El Duque was battered by the Nationals his last time out. He was removed -- by the home-plate umpire -- four batters into the sixth, having allowed three home runs among eight hits. The last of his 98 pitches struck opposing pitcher Shawn Hill and prompted umpire Mike Winters to eject Hernandez. The Braves scored one run iun six innings against him April 8.
Marlins: A rainout last Saturday in Atlanta bumped the rookie back from a start on Monday in Houston until this game against the Mets. Vanden Hurk looked impressive in his Major League debut against the Brewers, although his day was halted because of a 49-minute rain delay with two outs in the fifth inning. Vanden Hurk's line was one run on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three, throwing 84 pitches. The 22-year-old native of the Netherlands was promoted from Double-A Carolina, filling in the rotation spot vacated due to Ricky Nolasco's elbow injury.
Probably no LoDuca this series, I wonder if Willie moves DW into the #2 hole.
LETS GO METS!!