The Mets take on the Braves in the second game of the set tonight behind starter Bobby Parnell. This is a big start for Parnell as he will probably get a higher pitch count tonight (predicted to be about 100 pitches), face a tougher lineup and do this all against a big divisional rival. On the season, he is 3-4 with a 3.50 ERA over 54.0 innings. In his last two starts he has a 1-1 record over 8.1 innings and a 2.16 ERA. He has pitched in 6 games against the Braves this year totalling 4 innings of work where he has allowed 5 hits and no earned runs. Here are some Braves hitting stats against Parnell:
Norton 0-2
Prado 2-4
Escobar 1-3
Infante 1-2
Parnell is basically the story to watch tonight and provides a reason to watch the game (other than watching the game because its the Mets and its a great way to spend an evening). He's young, he brings hope and he is fun to root for. Also, the Braves bats have been frustrated since the Mets 8 run output yesterday in one inning. Here's hoping that Parnell can keep that frustration going tonight.
In the other dugout, Jurrjens will be getting the nod tonight as he brings his 9-8 record, 2.99 ERA and 150 innings pitched this season into Citi tonight. In his last three games he has an 0-1 record over 16.1 innings and a 5.51 ERA (and these three games where against tough offense clubs: the Dodgers twice and the Phillies). Against the Mets this year he has a 1-0 record in two games, 13.2 innings, and an 1.32 ERA. Here are some stats the Mets have on Jurrjens:
Castillo 1-7
Murphy 1-7
Pagan 0-6
Reed 2-5
Tatis 2-6
Yikes. Those numbers are not particularly great. The Mets offense went hit happy last night as they tallied 17 hits in the game and 9 runs (and ten hits and 8 runs in the same inning). Lets keep that hitting going tonight! Lets Go Mets!
