The Mets go for the series sweep of the Reds today as they play game three in their three game set. After dropping the first three games of the season, the Mets were able to win Friday night and yesterday in walk-off fashion thanks to a pinch-hit grand slam by Ike Davis who was demoted earlier as back up first basemen for the time being. Today Jon Niese will make his season debut as he faces off against Alfredo Simon.
Jon Niese, originally the opening day starter, will be on a shorter leash of around 95 pitches today as he make first start of the season. Last year he was 8-8 over 24 games and 143.0 innings with a 3.71 ERA and 105 K’s. Last year he made two starts against the Reds pitching 13.0 innings allowing 13 hits, 5 runs, 2 earned (1.38 ERA) while striking out 13. The Reds have the following numbers against Niese:
- Phillips 7-18, 2B, 2 HR
- Votto 2-15, HR
- Bruce 2-13, HR
- Cozart 3019, 2B
- Ludwick 4-9
- Frazier 4-9, 2 2B
- Bernadina 1-8
The Mets bats will get a look at Alfredo Simon today and he is also making his 2014 debut. In spring training he made 6 starts pitching 23.1 innings with a 4.63 ERA and 14 strikeouts. Last year he pitched in 63 games, no starts but 20 finishes and one save with a 6-4 record and a 2.87 ERA while striking out 63. Last year he had limited exposure to the Mets out of the pen pitching in two games, 2.2 innings allowing no hits, no runs and no hits while picking up the win. The Mets have the following numbers against Simon:
- Granderson 0-6
- E Yount 0-4
- Davis 0-1
- d’Arnaud 0-1
- Duda 0-1
- Satin 0-1
- Wright 0-1
Lets Go Mets! Sweep!
