The Mets were able to gain a game in the division yesterday thanks to the Phillies pen continued struggles, and now they will try expand their lead by taking on the Marlins tonight in what might be the toughest matchup of the weekend. Both pitchers tonight, Pelfrey and Nolasco, are having career seasons for their respective teams. They are both having great months where the only game they have each lost is vs the other team.
Nolasco is 13-7 with a 3.62 ERA this year. In August, in 5 games, he has been on fire with a 3-1 record and a 2.43 ERA. His only loss this month was not too bad of a start where he gave up 3 runs over 6.2 innings against the Mets. He has faced the Mets a lot this year, 4 games and 3 starts, where he has pitched 20.2 innings for a 1.1 record and a 3.43 ERA. During that time he has only 4 BB and 19 K. However, the Mets batters really see the ball well off of him:
Beltran 7-17, HR, .500 OBP
Reyes 9-19, 2 HR, .500 OBP
Wright 9-19, 3 2B, 2 HR, .500 OBP
Delgado 6-16, HR, .563 OBP
The key to getting to Nolasco is not letting scoring opportunities go to least. If they get on base, and this shows that they will get on base, they need to score, they need to keep the momentum, they need to back up Pelfrey, who will have his hands full with this Marilin lineup.
The Marlins are the team that has kept Pelfrey from looking like god this year. He is 13-8 this season with a 3.70 ERA. In August, he too has been amazing going 4-1 over 5 games, 36.1 IP, 2.97 ERA. His loss against Florida was ugly, 4.2 IP with 6 ER. Vs Florida in 2008 has been plan ugly. 3 games, 0-3, 12.2 IP, 10.66 ERA. He is going to need his confidence from the last two complete games to carry over into this one. Here are some Marlin stats against Pelfrey:
Ramierez 2-17, HR
Jacobs 5-14, 3 2B
Uggla 6-13 4 2B
Hermida 3-8
Ross 3-7
The issue with the fish is that when they get on, they bring them in against Pelfrey. When that happens today, Pelfrey will need to know when and how to stop the bleeding so he can win this game and keep the Mets soaring. Lets Go Mets! Fry the Fish!
