New York Mets Game 3 Preview

New York Mets Game 3 preview (April 8 vs. Florida, 7:10pm- Citi Field)

NEW YORK-- If the Mets want to avoid losing the opening series of the season after winning the first game on Monday, they'll have to hope that their least-experienced pitcher can come through for them. On Thursday, the Mets will send 23-year-old Jon Niese to the mound, who will be pitching in a Major League game for the first time since his gruesome hamstring injury last August 5. After a good solid start from ace Johan Santana, and an awful one from John Maine, Jon Niese will be out to prove that he can be a potential number two starter in the future. But first thing is first, Niese must have an effective curveball which is his best pitch to go along with a fastball that he throws in the low 90s. The problem is that Niese, who can be called a "soft-tossing lefty," will be going up against a Marlins lineup stacked with powerful right-handed hitters. Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu amongst others will test young Niese the most. If Niese can do his job, the Mets should have an easy time with Marlins starter Nate Robertson considering the fact they've scored seven and six runs respectively in each of their first two games. Robertson has a career lifetime record of 51-69, with a 4.92 ERA, mostly with the Tigers. He did begin his career with the Marlins back in 2002 when he appeared in six games including one start. The keys to a Mets victory have to be pounding Nate Robertson in the early innings and if Niese can do his job, pitch effectively out of the bullpen which is what ultimately cost them last night's extra inning affair.

Pitching splits:

Jon Niese vs. Florida (career)

Has never faced the Marlins

Nate Robertson vs. New York (career- June 18, 2004)

0-0, 2.35 ERA, 7.2 IP, 4 hits, 1 BB, 6 SO

2010 season series (New York vs. Florida)

April 5: New York 7, Florida 1

April 7: Florida 7, New York 6 (10)

Series tied 1-1