Game Preview: Mets at Astros [Game 97] July 26, 2009
New York Mets (45-51 Road: 20-31) at Houston Astros (50-47 Home: 28-24) 2:05pm
Livan Hernandez (6-5 4.93) vs. Brian Moehler (7-5 4.92)
TV: SNY
What to watch: The Mets and Astros play the rubber game of the series before the Mets finally head home from this long road trip. Hernandez had a great start in Washington going 7 innings and only giving up 2 runs. He had several clunkers before that, and there was even speculation that he could lose his spot in the rotation. Moehler has been very consistent. He hasn’t allowed more than 3 earned runs in a game since June 9. He’s 5-1 in his last seven starts.
Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans!
Video: Highlights Mets-Astros July 25, 2009
Mets 10 – Astros 3 July 25, 2009
The Mets had a rare offensive explosion, and even more surprising it came on a day when Gary Sheffield was put on the DL. They even had three home runs from Jeff Francoeur, Omir Santos, and David Wright. Yes, Wright actually hit a home run.
Jon Niese was very good in his first start back from the minors. He looked shaky at first, giving up a run and a couple of walks in the first inning. But he calmed down and got through 7 innings giving up only the one run. Overall, it was a great job by Niese.
Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth to get some work in during the blowout game. He ended up giving up 3 hits including a big home run to Hunter Pence. K-Rod seems to struggle in these games where the outcome appears to be decided.
The Mets finally have a game to be happy about. Hopefully, that will continue tomorrow afternoon before the Mets return home.
Mets Sheffield To DL; Niese Added To Roster
The Mets finally put 
Gary Sheffield on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring. This is after a week of sitting on the bench and taking up a roster spot without playing. Sheffield said that he felt fine and was dressed to play about two hours before the game today. At least they’re able to make the DL retroactive to July 18, so he can come back in a week.
Jon Niese was added to the roster taking Sheffield’s spot to make the start in Houston tonight. Of course, he’s starting because Fernando Nieve tore a muscle in his quad in his last start.
- Flickr photo courtesy of Keith Allison
Game Preview: Mets at Astros [Game 96] July 25, 2009
New York Mets (44-51 Road: 19-31) at Houston Astros (50-46 Home: 28-23) 7:05pm
Jon Niese (0-0 5.91) vs. Russ Ortiz (3-4 4.33)
TV: WPIX
What to watch: Niese is making his third big league start of the season. He got bombed by the Braves on May 13 and he’s been in Buffalo ever since. He’s been pitching well there, so we’ll see if that translates into a good start in Houston. Ortiz has gone back and forth from the bullpen to the rotation. This is his twelfth start of the season. He hasn’t won a game since a relief appearance on June 2. Frankly, he’s lucky to still be in the league after some of the miserable seasons that he’s had over the past few years. We’ll see if Gary Sheffield is healed enough to play tonight. If not, he may land on the disabled list with plenty of company.
Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans!
The Mets Report 