San Diego Padres (44-70 Road: 19-36) at New York Mets (59-54 Home: 33-21) 12:10pm
J. Banks (3-4 3.65) vs. Johan Santana (9-7 2.86)
What to watch: The Mets need this one to take the series from the lowly Pads. Santana’s been pitching really well over the last three weeks and could use a win. Banks hasn’t lost a game since July 6th.
The game looked like it might be over early when Pedro Martinez gave up two solo homers in the first inning. But he bounced back to pitch 6.1 innings giving up three runs and only two were earned. It was a good performance for Pedro.
Other than Daniel Murphy the Mets had no solid offense tonight. Murphy was 3 for 5 with a triple and an RBI. The Mets left 10 runners on base in this one.
Eddie Kunz worked the eighth inning and gave up a solo homer. It’s the first homer he’s given up since he was a freshman in college.
David Wright made an error at third and a bonehead play on the bases. It’s the second night in a row he’s made a big mistake on the bases.
The Mets go to three games behind the Phillies with the loss tonight.
San Diego Padres (43-70 Road: 18-36) at New York Mets (59-53 Home: 33-20) 7:10pm
C. Baek (3-5 5.12) vs. Pedro Martinez (3-2 6.16)
What to watch: Pedro’s having a terrible, injury plagued season. But the Mets sure could use him to put up a good game with the bullpen struggling. He isn’t known to go deep into games and that could hurt the Mets without any reliable options in the bullpen right now.
Mike Pelfrey did a nice job going 6.2 innings and giving up only two solo homers. And Fernando Tatis had a monster night with two home runs and 4 RBI’s which prompted a curtain call from the fans.
But the Mets struggled without Billy Wagner in the ninth. Aaron Heilman gave up a hit, a walk, then a three run homer to bring the Pads within one run of tying the game. He was bailed out by Scott Schoenweiss but the ninth inning is going to be very tenuous for the next two weeks until Wagner gets back.
The Mets are selling the seats in pairs when Shea closes for $869 plus tax. You can order a pair here and season ticket holders will get priority.
I can just see myself now… sitting on my upper deck seat watching a game at Citi Field on TV. Sounds good.
The Mets put closer Billy Wagner on the 15-day disabled list today after having X-rays and an MRI on his left forearm. It was diagnosed as a strain and requires rest.
Jerry Manuel told reporters that he’ll got with a closer by committee approach and give the struggling Aaron Heilman first crack at the job because he can get righties and lefties out.
Ruddy Lugo was called up to replace Wagner on the roster. He’s been starting games at Triple-A New Orleans. Lugo, the younger brother of Julio Lugo, will be the long man in the bullpen.
The Mets Report 