Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets
Scott Feldman (5-5, 3.22) vs Jonathon Niese (3-5, 4.24)
Citi Field, Flushing • 1:10 PM
Starting Lineup
- Jordany Valdespin – 2B
- Daniel Murphy – 1B
- David Wright – 3B
- Marlon Byrd – RF
- Lucas Duda – LF
- Justin Turner – SS
- Anthony Recker – C
- Juan Lagares – CF
- Jonathon Niese – LHP
Game Notes
Terry Collins said before the game today that shortstop Ruben Tejada is not close to being activated from the disabled list. Tejada has yet to begin running on flat ground; but has been running in a pool. Tejada, 23, injured his quad sliding awkwardly to field a foul popup on the third base side during one of the subway series game against the Yankees. He was initially expected to miss up to eight weeks.
Shaun Marcum allowed four runs in the second inning last night…It was the sixth time this year he’s surrendered three or more runs in an inning…Marcum has allowed 20 of his 34 runs this year in those six innings…Marcum has allowed at least one multi-run inning in each start this year. Marcum dropped to 0-8, the second-longest skid in franchise history to begin a Mets career, as the Chicago Cubs won the series opener, 6-3, Friday night at Citi Field.
David Wright went 3-3 with a walk last night and ended Thursday’s game with three straight singles…He has reached base safely in seven straight plate appearances (six singles, one walk), tying the third-longest streak of his career…Wright reached base safely in a career-best nine straight plate appearances from August 23-24, 2005. Since June 5, Wright is hitting .452 (14-31) with five RBI over a span of seven games.
Daniel Murphy went 2-2 with two RBI tonight with runners in scoring position…Murphy is hitting 16-52 (.308) with RISP this season…Murphy is hitting .522 (12-23) with RISP and two outs.
Jon Niese was 2-0 after his first three starts, and he got a combined 34 runs of support in those two games. However, his record has dipped to 3-5, and the Mets have averaged just 2.6 runs per game in his last nine appearances.
Scott Atchison pitched a scoreless inning tonight for Binghamton (AA) of the Eastern League vs. Bowie…Atchison allowed one hit and recorded one strikeout…He’s been on the 15-Day Disabled List since May 14 with inflammation of his right elbow.
Zack Wheeler, the Mets’ top pitching prospect, is scheduled to make his Major League debut Tuesday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Braves. Mets manager Terry Collins on Friday officially announced Wheeler would pitch in the second game of the twin bill, and Collins acknowledged the start would be widely watched, no matter when the 23-year-old made it.
https://twitter.com/Wheelerpro45/statuses/345697250023993344
https://twitter.com/Wheelerpro45/statuses/345697652865916928
Game Preview
The Mets look to bounce back from last night’s game as they face the Cubs in game two with Scott Feldman going up against Jon Niese. Niese is 3-5 over 12 games on the season while pitching 68.0 innings with a 4.24 ERA. In his last four starts he’s totaled 27.0 innings with a 1.69 ERA walking 7 while striking out 18. He missed the Cubs earlier this season and last year he allowed 8 ER over 14.0 innings against the Cubs who have the following numbers agaisnt the Mets:
Soriano 4-14, 2B
Castro 5-13, 3B, HR
Barney 4-9
Rizzo 1-7, 2B
Hairston 0-3
The Mets bats go up against Scott Feldman who is 5-5 over 12 starts and 72.2 innings with a 3.22 ERA. His last four starts have been a palindrome of sorts as he has gone 5.1 IP, 5 ER, 6 IP with 2 ER, 6 IP with 2 ER and most recently 6.0 IP with 5 ER. He looked good against the Mets earlier this season as went 6.2 innings (he has only done that twice this season) allowing 7 hits and no runs. The Mets have the following numbers against Feldman:
Buck 3-15, 2 2B, HR
Wright 1-5
Duda 1-3
Murphy 2-3
Cowgill 0-2
Lets Go Mets!
