The Mets have a tough challenge today. They have lost 4 of their last 5 and if they choose today to start winning again, they will have to do so against the ever challenging Tim Hudson. John Maine will be taking the hill for the Mets who is looking to approve his record to .500 today. In his last start against the Braves this season, also his first start of the season, he took a loss after 4 innings pitched, allowing 4 runs (9.00 ERA), had 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. So far for the season, he is 1-2 over 4 starts, 22.2 IP, 3.57 ERA, 14 BB, 16 K. Last season he had a 1-1 record in 3 games against the Braves, going 18.1 IP, 3.93 ERA, 9 BB and 17 K.
For his first start against the Braves, which Fox Sports said he was throwing at 97 MPH, a lot of his issues can be written off due to not pitching for about 8 days. Now he is on a regular schedule, he can find rhythm and be the effective pitcher we know he can be.
In Hudson's last start against the Mets, he went 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA, over 6 innings pitched, no walks and 4 strikeouts. Since Hudson has been around, a lot of Mets have a large collection stats against him:
Delgado 17-53, 3 2B, 6 HR, 12 RBI, .321 BA, .438 OBP
Beltran 18-54, 2B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, .333 BA
Reyes 13-45, 2B, HR, .289 BA
Wright 8-37, HR, .216 BA
Today is a big day for Delgado. He has good numbers against Hudson. Right now, he, Wright, and Reyes are all slumping. Because of Delgado's success against the Braves' Ace, he needs to step and be a leader today, cause some offense power, and help get that big inning that the Mets disparately need.
Lets Go Mets!
