MMO Game Thread: Mets vs Phillies, 7:05 PM

After a 4-1 victory on Thursday night, the Mets continue their five-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia tonight at 7:05 PM.

Rafael Montero (0-2, 4.96 ERA) gets the start for the Mets and will be opposed by A.J. Burnett (3-4, 3.51 ERA) for the Phillies.

Last Start: Montero earned a no-decision in the Mets’ 2-1 defeat to the Diamondbacks on May 25 despite a dominant pitching performance. He tossed 6.0 innings, allowing one run while striking out a season-high 10 batters.

Injury Update: Noah Syndergaard, who is currently on the disabled list with a mild flexor-pronator strain in his right elbow, has been long-tossing and is expected to rejoin the Las Vegas rotation on June 5.

Ramble On: The Mets have scored 4.91 runs per game on the road, which is the most in the National League. The Dodgers are second (4.65 runs per game).

Oldie But Goodie: Bobby Abreu is hitting .308 (8-26) with a home run and five RBI in eight starts this season. Abreu has hit .300 (225-749) with 33 home runs and 142 RBI in 219 career games at Citizens Bank Park.

Starting Lineup

Juan Lagares – CF
Daniel Murphy – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Curtis Granderson – LF
Bobby Abreu – RF
Lucas Duda – 1B
Travis d’Arnaud – C
Ruben Tejada – SS
Rafael Montero – RHP

The Mets and Phillies play game two of the five game set tonight, as the Mets look to stretch their winning streak to four games. Why have they won three games in a row? I blame 50 Cent. Throwing the ceremonial first pitch changed the course of the Mets. Anyway, Wheeler was phenomenal last night and the Mets bats were able to scratch out some runs (even a bases loaded walk! although that is all they did with the bases juiced). Tonight Montero gets the start against Burnett.

Montero is 0-2 on the season over three games with a 4.96 ERA and 16.1 innings while striking out 17 batters. His last start was easily the best of his career (of three major league games) where he allowed 2 hits and one run and walked 3 while striking out 10 batters over 6 innings. The Mets offense stunk that day so he received a no decision. This is his first start of many against the Phillies, so they have no major league stats against Montero.

Burnett is 3-4 over 11 starts and 66.2 innings and a 3.51 ERA this season. In his last four starts he pitched 23.0 innings with a 6.26 ERA. Last year he faced the Mets once allowing 2 ER and 7 hits over 5.2 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against Burnett: