Game Preview (8/19): Braves vs Mets

The Mets start a series with the Braves tonight as they try to add on to their division lead over the Phillies. The Braves will be sending starter Jo-Jo Reyes to the mound, who hasn't pitched in the majors for a good bit of time. Due to lack of command, he was sent down the minors for 8 starts where he went 1-1 and posted an ERA of 2.31, showing that he is ready to come back up. Before he left, he went 0-5 in 6 games with and ERA of 8.47. He has never pitched a game against the Mets or any current Mets batter (he was a rookie last year for the Braves). All together on the season, he is 3-9 with a 5.33 ERA but do not let those numbers fool you. His struggles have been at home and not on the road. At home, his ERA is above 7, while on the road, it is a cool 3.61. So one key for today's game is to not expect Reyes to be a pushover due to his recent problems.

The Mets will be sending Oliver Perez to the mound who has been doing well as of late. Since July 29th, he has pitched 4 games with a 3-1 record over 25.2 innings pitched, and ERA of 2.81, 9 BB and striking out 24. He has not faced the Braves this year, but last year he faced them 5 times. He went 4-1 over 32.1 innings, had a nice ERA of 3.03, walked only 4, and struck out 32. Here are some Braves hitting stats against Perez:
    Chipper 7-18, 2B, HR, .389 BA, .542 OBP
    Francoer 7-20, 2 2B, 2 HR, .350 BA
    Kelly Johnson 0-7, 6 K
    Prado 0-7
Chipper knows how to hit, and really knows how to hit Perez. Perez on the other hand, knows how to handle Johnson, who out of 7 AB, has struck out 6 times against Perez. If Perez can continue his ways from the past several starts, he really should have no problems with this lineup.

On the Mets offense side, Reyes and Beltran have both been doing really well the last ten days. Reyes, in 48 AB, has 7 runs, 15 hits (.313 BA), a HR and 3 stolen bases. Likewise, Beltran in 37 AB, has had 7 runs, 12 hits (.324 BA, incredible considering he is hitting in the .270's on the season right now), with 2 homers. They have to keep their offense going strong today to back up Perez and take down this Braves team. Lets Go Mets!

This is the preview from 213 Miles From Shea. Check out the site for more great Mets related posts!