MMO Game Thread: Mets vs Brewers, Miller Park, 7:10 PM

After a stirring come from behind win on Friday, the Mets continue their series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at Miller Park. Jon Niese (5-5, 3.13 ERA) opposes right-hander Wily Peralta (11-6, 3.58) in a 7:10 PM matchup.

Niese went 21 consecutive starts allowing three runs or less before surrendering four runs in his last outing on July 21 at Seattle. It was tied for the second-longest streak in team history and was also his first start since returning from the DL with a left shoulder strain.

The Mets have three home runs since the All-Star break, the third-fewest in the majors, and Lucas Duda has all three home runs. The Mets had hit a home run in eight of nine games from July 4-12 (11 total during that span) heading into the All-Star break.

Jenrry Mejia struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his sixth save in his last six appearances. The last Mets reliever with a save in six straight outings was Billy Wagner in 2008 (July 11-24). He has hurled 6.0 shutout innings and allowed one earned run in his last 14.0 innings (0.64 ERA) with 17 strikeouts since June 21 and is 14-for-16 in save chances since he moved to the bullpen.

Starting Lineup

Curtis Granderson – RF
Daniel Murphy – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Lucas Duda – 1B
Travis d’Arnaud – C
Chris Young – CF
Wilmer Flores – SS
Jon Niese – LHP
Eric Young, Jr. – LF

The Mets bats still haven’t truly come back yet from the All-Star break but they were able to squeak out a win last night. The Mets were down 2-0 heading into the 9th against K-Rod when Murphy, Wright and Duda were able to get it done and score three runs (thanks to Duda’s 2 Run Blast) that put the Mets ahead. This puts the Mets in position now to have an opportunity to win the series or at least split, and also continued them playing .500 ball for the road trip.

Niese gets the start tonight for the Mets, on the season he is 5-5 over 18 starts and 109.1 innings with a 3.13 ERA. His first start since the All-Star break was not a pleasant one as he allowed 4 ER over 6.0 innings against the Mariners. He faced the Brewers earlier this year holding them to one run over 7.2 innings and 6 hits while walking only one and striking out 8. The Brewers have the following numbers against Niese:

Ramirez 6-16, 2B, 2 HR
Weeks 4-13, 2B, HR
Lucroy 5-15
Braun 2-11
Gomez 3-11
Reynolds 2-7, HR

The Mets bats will try to wake up consistently against Wily Peralta who is 11-6 this year with a 3.58 ERA over 20 games and 125.2 innings. After thee bad starts in a row where he allowed 4 ER over 6, 4 ER over 6 and 9 ER over 4.1, he’s gotten back on track allowing 1 ER in his last two starts (14.0 innings). Earlier this year when he faced the Mets, he allowed 1 ER over 6.1 while striking out 3. The Mets have the following numbers against Peralta: