The Mets play the rubber game of the series today as Bartolo Colon gets the start vs Chad Billingsley. the Mets got another strong start from Jon Niese last night and the offense was able to do just enough to beat the Phillies 3-2. In addition to the strong starting pitching, Juan Lagares hit a critical two run homer to break out of a 0-16 skid and Tejada/Herrera/Duda turned a critical double play with the bases loaded (ground ball courtesy of Buddy). Originally today was Gee’s day to pitch but a groin tear landed him on the DL and brought Colon to pitch on regular rest.
Colon is now 5-1 on the season over 6 starts with a 2.90 ERA over 40.1 innings after his win against the Orioles earlier this week. In that game he pitched 7.2 innings, allowing a solo homer late, and struck out 9 batters while walking none. He missed the Phillies when they came to town earlier this year and last year he was 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA over four games and 28.0 innings against them. The Phillies have the following numbers against Colon:
- Howard 3-14, 2 HR
- Revere 6-15
- Ruiz 5-15, 2B
- Sizemore 1-11
- Utley 4-11, 2B
- Asche 2-8, 2B
- Francoeur 1-5
The Mets bats will get a crack at Chad Billingsley who will be making his second start of the season. In his first start he allowed 6 runs, 5 earned over 5.0 innings of work. He missed all of 2014 only pitched in 2 games in 2013 with a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA over 12.0 innings. 2012 was his last mostly full season where he pitched to a 10-9 record, 3.55 ERA over 25 starts and 149.2 innings. The last time he faced the Mets was way back in 2009 where he allowed 3 ER over 6.1 innings of work. The only Mets who have faced Chad are Cuddyer who is 0-3 with 2 walks and Murphy who is 1-2 with a walk.
Lets Go Mets!
