The Pre-Game: Hernandez vs. Kawakami

Posted on May 5, 2009

Headline: The Mets look to complete the sweep with the bats.

The Rundown:
New York Mets :: 11-13 (3rd in NL East, 3.0 GB)
Atlanta Braves :: 11-14 (4th in NL East, 3.5 GB)

Mets Lineup:

1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Daniel Murphy, LF
   
3. Carlos Beltran, CF
   
4. Carlos Delgado, 1B
   
5. David Wright, 3B
   
6. Ryan Church, RF
   
7. Ramon Castro, C
   
8. Luis Castillo, 2B
   
9. Livan Hernandez, P
   

Pitching Preview:

Livan Hernandez -- Hernandez's four starts have produced -- in order -- a victory, a no-decision, a loss and a no-decision, just about what would be expected in total from a No. 5 starter for a sub. 500 team. He pitched into the sixth inning and was removed with the Mets leading in his most recent start, Tuesday against the Marlins. The current Braves roster presents only one specific challenge for him. Chipper Jones is batting .386 with 12 extra-base hits and 11 walks in 68 career plate appearances against Hernandez. Remarkably, he has produced a winning record since the beginning of the 2006 season, 38-36, while left-handed and right-handed hitters have batted .309 and .313, respectively, against him. In that period, he has produced a 1-1 record in three starts against the Braves, the victory coming in Turner Field in 2006.

Kenshin Kawakami -- Kawakami has had trouble consistently keeping his pitches down in the zone and has surrendered at least one homer during each of his first four career starts. The 33-year-old right-hander endured his worst start on Sunday, when he allowed eight runs and eight hits, including two homers, in just 4 2/3 innings. Known for his control during his playing days in Japan, he has issued 11 walks and surrendered 24 hits in 21 2/3 innings.

Prediction: I guarantee, this will not be pretty. However, the Mets will still pull away with this game, and win big. Mets win 9-5.