Johan Tries To Bounce Back Against Giants

NEW YORK-- The Mets may be 4-8 on the road so far this season, but at home, it's a whole other ballgame. With last night's win at Citi Field, the Mets have now won eight consecutive home games en route to a 12-5 home record.

Citi Field is becoming a home field advantage and maybe even a place to hit home runs? Well, let both Ike Davis and Rod Barajas answer that question. Both guys belted two home runs in last night's Mets' 6-4 walk-off victory.

What an amazing story Rod Barajas has been so far, cracking nine home runs, which leads all Major League catchers.

Whatever Jerry Manuel touches turns to gold regarding home game decisions. After going 9-1 on the previous home stand, tied for their best home stand ever, Ike Davis hit two home runs off of a left-hander, batting seventh.

He'll try to continue his hot hitting today with Johan Santana on the mound, coming off of the worst start of his career.

Santana, who's ERA believe it or not is higher than Oliver Perez's, will be opposed by Giants right-hander Todd Wellemeyer. Wellemeyer was a reclamation project of Dave Duncan's last season with the Cardinals.

For the Mets, if they'd like to actually win this series from the team who entered with the league's best record, they should think of winning today. Their matchup doesn't favor them on Sunday as they'll send the erratic Oliver Perez opposite two-time defending Cy Young Award winner Tim Linecum.

The Mets, with a win, would actually tie the Giants in wins with 17. Unfortunately, the Mets will be without their home run leader today, as Rod Barajas will be sitting out due to day game-after-night game.

If the Mets can get a lead by the ninth inning, they'll be looking for a bounce-back performance from their closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The Giants meanwhile, will try to avoid losing two-in-a-row after sweeping the Marlins in Miami before this series.

Johan Santana vs. San Francisco (career)

2-0, 3.67 ERA, 27 IP, 30 hits, 7 BB, 26 SO

Todd Wellemeyer vs. New York (career)

0-2, 6.67 ERA, 28.1 IP, 41 hits, 15 BB, 14 SO

2010 season series (New York vs. San Francisco)

May 7: New York 6, San Francisco 4

Mets lead series 1-0