The Mets will attempt to do something fairly difficult today. They will try to sweep the Atlanta Braves. When I say difficult, its not a reference to the Braves as a team but to the general task of sweeping. Even during the regular season the team that is about to be swept comes to the ball park that day with a different attitude, a different focus. Being swept is demoralizing. That being said, the Mets will be sending out of the prominent Mets in the season so far in Mike Pelfrey to go against a strong pitcher in Tommy Hanson.
Pelfrey has been so prominent this season so far because he has had a piece in 4 of the Mets 9 victories this season. He has won all three starts (with a dazzling 0.86 ERA) and also saved the 20 inning marathon that may have sparked this Mets turn around. Today's game will be a great test for Big Pelf because the Braves team is one that he has historically struggled against. He has a 2-5 record and 6.09 ERA against them, and they have been able to put up these batting numbers:
Chipper 6-18, 2B, 2 HR
Escobar 3-11
Prado 4-9, 2 2B, HR
Infante 1-6
Glaus 1-6
The Mets as a team have done a good job keeping the Braves from scoring so far this series. Pelfrey has done a good job keeping players from scoring all season. Lets hope that trend continues. One trend that we all hope does not continue is the Mets ability to score early in games. In order to break that tendacy, the Mets will have to get Tommy Hanson, who is 1-1 on the season with a 2.81 ERA over 3 games and 16 innings. The Mets historically have these numbers against Hanson:
Castillo 0-2
Francoeur 0-3
Wright 0-3
In the last few days we have seen Reyes, Bay and Francoeur start to hit again, albeit late in games. If they can start hitting early, and if Wright can start hitting again. Good things can happen tonight. Its another Nationally televised game for the Amazin's! Lets Go Mets!
