New York Mets Welcome Surprising Washington Nationals To Start Series

If you come to think of it, the Mets may have two key teams standing in their way of a possible Wild Card spot. The Giants, who the Mets won two from, and the Nationals, who are coming to town as baseball's surprise team.

After a thrilling but disappointing finish to Sunday's game, the Mets will send John Maine to the mound against Luis Atilano, who turns 25 on Monday. Maine, after a dreadful start to his season, has turned it around.

He hit rock-bottom in Colorado back on the Mets first road trip, allowing eight runs in a game. Questions starting surrounding his rotation spot. He semi turned it around in his next outing at St. Louis, giving up a key three-run home run to Colby Rasmus towards the end of his outing. His last three starts have all been quality.

He had a high strikeout game against the Dodgers during the Mets final game of a long home stand. He pitched a decent game in the Mets' only victory over the Reds although he didn't get credit for a win. That was the game Rod Barajas hit a ninth inning go-ahead home run.

He'll try to continue his efforts against the 17-14 Washington Nationals, who have come out of nowhere to be a factor in the NL. The Nationals came to Citi Field the first weekend of the season and took two of three from the Mets. That Saturday, Johan Santana allowed a grand slam to former Marlin and Mets' nemesis Josh Willingham in the first inning.

The Nationals have some good hitters in their lineup. Led by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn, they have veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate. They also have some younger players such as Ian Desmond at shortstop and Roger Bernadina in right field. Right in the middle of their lineup is Josh Willingham.

The Mets probably will have the pitching advantage in this series, with Maine against Luis Atilano in game one, and Mike Pelfrey against Craig Stammen on Wednesday afternoon. If anything, the Mets have shown a lot of ability to come back late in games, something they mastered in 2006. Both teams enter this game tied for second in the NL East, 17-14, two games behind the Phillies.

John Maine vs. Washington (career)

8-3, 4.20 ERA, 70.2 IP, 51 hits, 31 BB, 62 SO

Luis Atilano vs. New York (career)

Has never faced the Mets

2010 season series (New York vs. Washington)

April 9: New York 8, Washington 2

April 10: Washington 4, New York 3

April 11: Washington 5, New York 2

Nationals lead series 2-1