The Pre-Game: Pelfrey vs. Moyer

Posted on May 7, 2009

Headline: Mets look to continue the streak and a sweep over the Phightin' Phils.

The Rundown:
New York Mets :: 13-13 (3rd in NL East, 1.5 GB)
Philadelphia Phillies :: 14-11 (1st in NL East)

Mets Lineup:

1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Luis Castillo, 2B
3. Carlos Beltran, CF
4. Carlos Delgado, 1B
5. David Wright, 3B
6. Gary Sheffield, RF
7. Fernando Tatis, LF
8. Ramon Castro, C
9. Mike Pelfrey, P

Pitching Preview:

Mike Pelfrey -- Pelfrey wasn't satisfied with the performance that produced his third victory Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. His command was lacking, he said. And the Phillies did draw four walks in his 5 1/3 innings. But he kept them quiet in four of his innings. Now he has to do it again. Spacious Citi Feld ought to be an ally, certainly more of one than the Phillies' smallish digs. He now has a 2-2 record and 4.28 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies. Chase Utley has three hits in 12 at-bats against Pelfrey, but the hits are a double and two home runs. Greg Dobbs has five hits, one a home run and one a double, in merely nine at-bats against the Mets starter.

Jamie Moyer -- Moyer gave the Phillies their best starting pitching performance of the season April 26 in Florida, where he allowed one run in six innings in a 13-2 win. But against the Mets on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, he allowed seven hits, five runs, four walks and two home runs in 5 2/3 innings. Moyer has a 5.65 ERA after five starts this season, which makes him the second-best pitcher in the rotation at the moment.

Prediction: Mets pick up another sweep. Mets win 6-4.