Milwaukee @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 28, 2010 ) Milwaukee 3, NY Mets 4
Once hopeful contenders in the National League, the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers simply will settle for ending the season on a positive note at this point.
Both teams' starting pitchers could use a positive development as well in the second game of today's doubleheader at Citi Field.
The Mets send 23-year-old left-hander Jonathon Niese to the mound in search of something to salvage a sour September. Niese (9-10, 3.95 ERA) has lost his last three starts and five of his last six, going 1-5 with a 6.55 ERA in six outings since Aug. 26.
Niese has been hurt by poor defense at points during that stretch, allowing five unearned runs in a loss to Atlanta on Aug. 31 and six unearned runs in another loss to the Braves on Sept. 17. But that was not the culprit Wednesday, when he allowed six runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 7-5 loss at Florida.
In one start against the Brewers in 2008, Niese was hit hard, allowing five runs over three innings, though he didn't factor in the decision. Rickie Weeks had two hits against Niese, including a home run.
The Brewers turn to 30-year-old right-hander Dave Bush, who has endured his own difficult September. Bush (7-13, 4.70 ERA) has lost his last two decisions and hasn't won yet this month, going 0-2 with a 4.64 ERA in four starts.
Bush is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against the Mets, but he has not pitched against them this season.
The Mets enter the doubleheader having won three straight and started their season-ending seven-game homestand on a strong note with a 4-3 win Tuesday.
Light-hitting rookie infielder Ruben Tejada delivered the winning hit in that one, lacing a two-run double off Milwaukee closer John Axford in the bottom of the ninth. Tejada entered the game hitting .199, but he went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles.
It was only the third blown save in 25 opportunities for the rookie Axford, who emerged early in the season as the Brewers' closer after all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman struggled.
Both teams could be without key hitters in the middle of their lineups for the doubleheader. New York's Carlos Beltran left Tuesday's game with pain in his right knee - the same knee he had surgery on in January, which prompted him to miss the first half of the season - and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun missed the series opener with a stomach virus.
Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo and New York's R.A. Dickey are scheduled to pitch the first game of the doubleheader.