New York @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 13, 2009 ) NY Mets 0, Philadelphia 1
The New York Mets’ seven-game winning streak has elevated the residents of Queens to the kings of the Big Apple.
That's quite the lofty perch, considering the Mets have traditionally played second fiddle in the never-ending song that echoes throughout the city.
But for a New York minute, the Mets are playin’ Amazin’ ball. Sure, they capped a 9-1 homestand by sweeping the Manny being Manny-less Los Angeles Dodgers and the woeful Chicago Cubs - who played like Buttermaker's Bad News Bears - but the victories did catapult Jerry Manuel's charges to the top of the NL East.
That's right, the top of the division - ahead of the three-time reigning NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Well, the Mets will face those same Phillies tonight when they invade Citizens Bank Park for the beginning of a three-game set. The series mark the start of a 10-game homestand for Philadelphia.
Jonathon Niese (0-1, 3.68 ERA) will get the nod for the Mets, who are looking to extend their winning streak to eight for the first time since rolling off 10 in a row in July 2008.
To do so, they'll have to give Niese more run support than they have thus far this season. The Mets have produced one or no runs in three of the 23-year-old left-hander's first four starts in 2010.
Niese, who has never faced the Phillies, has allowed only one home run in 22 innings. That may change when one considers Philadelphia's loaded lineup and the hitter-friendly dimensions at the Bank.
The Phillies will counter with Kyle Kendrick (0-0, 7.71), who may be returning to the bullpen as the bulky Joe Blanton eases back into the rotation following his stint on the disabled list with an oblique injury.
In his last outing, Kendrick allowed five runs, eight hits and four walks in an 8-6 setback to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his previous start, the 25-year-old right-hander tossed eight scoreless frames before the bullpen wasted his strong performance in a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Braves.
The hurler may have to pay extra attention to David Wright, who looks to have awoken from his early-season slumber. The Mets' third baseman is 6-for-10 in his last three games - a stark contrast to his early-season efforts. To be kind, let's just say he struck out (24 times in 19 games) more times than a local gigolo at the neighborhood bar.
Should Kendrick and the Phillies' middle relievers find success, the ball could be turned over to Brad Lidge. The veteran closer is expected to be activated prior to tonight’s contest after being sidelined with elbow and knee issues.
When he does takes to the mound, there are doubts which version of Lidge will show up.
Last year, the 33-year-old right-hander squandered 11 of his 42 save opportunities. Conversely, Lidge was simply perfect the previous season en route to fueling the Phillies to their World Series championship.