The Mets open a four-game series at Pittsburgh, with Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-1, 2.68) opposing right-hander Vance Worley (1-0, 1.98) at 7:05 PM tonight at PNC Park.
New York had its season high-tying three-game winning streak snapped last night. Despite the loss, the Mets have won five of their last seven and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
In his last start, Dice-K received his first loss since September 2, 2013 in the Mets’ 3-2 defeat to the Marlins on June 20 at Marlins Park. He pitched 5.1 innings allowing one earned run and a season-high six hits while walking one and striking out four.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Mets will activate outfielder Juan Lagares from the 15-Day Disabled List. He was placed on the DL on June 2 with a right intercostal strain. The Mets optioned infielder Wilmer Flores to Las Vegas (AAA) to make room on the roster.
Ruben Tejada has hit in four straight games, going 6-14 (.429) with a .500 on-base percentage. Tejada is hitting .304 (24-79) since May 25, a span of 24 games. His 31 walks are the fifth-most by a shortstop.
The Mets lead the National League and are third in the majors with 283 walks. Oakland is first with 323 walks and Minnesota is second with 284. Curtis Granderson is third in the NL with 47 walks.
Starting Lineup
- Curtis Granderson – RF
- Daniel Murphy – 2B
- David Wright – 3B
- Lucas Duda – 1B
- Bobby Abreu – RF
- Juan Lagares – CF
- Travis d’Arnaud – C
- Ruben Tejada – SS
- Daisuke Matsuzaka – RHP
The Mets look to bounce back from the loss yesterday and get back to the winning track they have been on for the better part of hte last week in Pittsburgh tonight as they take on Ike Davis‘ new squad. Yesterday the Mets had the offense, but not the pitching in a bizarro world game experience. Today Matsuzaka gets the start for the Mets while the bats face in old foe in Vance Worley.
Matsuzaka is 3-1 on the season over 47.0 innings of work with a 2.68 ERA. In his last four outings he has started 3 times, pitched 13.1 innings and a sparkling 1.35 ERA. Daisuke has never faced the Pirates in his career but he has faced a few of the Pirates players while they were with other teams:
- Snider 1-10
- Barmes 0-2
- Sanchez 0-2
- Martin 1-1, 2B
Vance Worley, who debuted in the majors with Phillies is back to face the Mets with his new team. He has made two starts this year pitching 13.2 innings allowing only 3 ER. He pitched in 10 games, 8 starts against the Mets in his career going 3-4 with a 6.64 ERA. The Mets have the following numbers against him:
- Murphy 12-17, 2 2B, 3B
- Tejada 7-18, 2B
- Wright 6-17, 2B, HR
- Duda 5-11, 2B, HR
- Abreu 1-2
Lets Go Mets!
