Chicago Cubs (95-61 Road: 40-35) at New York Mets (87-70 Home: 46-30) 7:10pm
Carlos Zambrano (14-6 3.77) vs. Oliver Perez (10-7 4.10)
What to watch: The Mets may run into a buzz saw tonight going up against Zambrano. He’s a big-time star in baseball, but got smoked in his last start for eight runs in less than two innings. Let’s hope he’s still having trouble tonight.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
Johan Santana went eight innings throwing more pitches than he ever has in his career. The 125 pitch effort, giving up only two runs, is exactly what the Mets needed to get the monkey off their backs of a three game losing streak.
The big offense came from a three run triple by Jose Reyes in the sixth inning that solidified the Mets lead over the Cubs.
The Phillies lost tonight so the Mets move to 1.5 games back in the NL East.
Reader TD tipped me to this column by Jayson Stark on relief pitching in the NL East. I know it’s a sensitive topic but it’s a really good read. Thanks TD.
SI’s John Donovan continues the trend of writing about the Mets weak bullpen.
Mets P John Maine says he’s ready to go after throwing a simulated game yesterday.
Jerry Manuel says he won’t re-arrange the starting rotation this week.
SI senior baseball writer Jon Heyman joins Mike Francesa on WFAN.
Mets catcher Brian Schneider does his weekly spot with Joe & Evan on WFAN.
ESPN.com is reporting that the Mets will announce a four year extension of Omar Minaya’s contract. Minaya’s had his up’s and down’s during his tenure but I like his aggressiveness. He’s consistently put the Mets in a position to make the postseason, as would be expected with the payroll he has to work with.
I’m all for signing Minaya to be here for four more years. He would be a hot commodity in Philadelphia and Seattle in the offseason if the Mets let him go.
Chicago Cubs (95-60 Road: 40-34) at New York Mets (86-70 Home: 45-30) 7:10pm
Sean Marshall (3-4 3.62) vs. Johan Santana (14-7 2.65)
What to watch: It’s getting down to do-or-die time for the Mets and they’ve got the right guy on the mound tonight. The Cubs switched up their starters in preparation for the playoffs so Marshall gets the start instead of Ted Lilly.
Visit The Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other Mets fans.
The Mets Report 