Mets Go For Series Win With Big Pelf On The Mound

NEW YORK-- After the best win of their season, the Mets will attempt to win a series from the Nationals and complete a winning home stand when they send Mike Pelfrey to the mound.

Pelfrey rebounded from an awful start against the Phillies with a good outing on Friday night against the Giants. In that game, he went 7 1/3, allowing 3 runs and he didn't walk a batter.

In a season, there are about five-to-seven games that a team must win if they want to prove they are the real deal. This is the first one of the year for the Mets. They have to win this game coming off of a miraculous comeback. The game they won last night changed the entire complexion of the home stand. It meant they'd have a chance to both win this series and win this home stand. With their big ace right-hander on the hill, they must come through and take positive vibes on the plane with them to Miami.

Standing in their way will be 26-year-old right-hander Craig Stammen. Last season, Stammen didn't have a great rookie season with the Nationals, going 4-7 with a 5.11 ERA in 19 starts. This season, Stammen has fared no better, posting a 5.63 ERA in his first six starts.

He's the type of pitcher the Mets must take advantage of, and they have reason to believe they will. The Mets ended last night's game in pretty good shape offensively, breaking out for six runs in the eighth inning. They finally got production out of the middle of their order. Both Jason Bay and David Wright collected three hits apiece. If Pelfrey can find a way to limit the Nationals middle of the order--Zimmerman, Dunn, Willingham--then the Mets should have enough offense to pull out the victory.

Meanhwile, maybe lost in last night's comeback, was the continued success out of reliever Hisinori Takahashi. After Jon Niese gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings of work, Takahashi settled things down in the sixth and seventh. Raul Valdes got the job done in the eighth and allowed the Mets to at least be in striking distance.

The Mets will attempt to take over second place from the Nationals, both teams are tied for second with a record of 18-15.

Mike Pelfrey vs. Washington (April 9)

Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 hits, 4 BB, 4 SO

Craig Stammen vs. New York (career)

1-2, 4.67 ERA, 17.1 IP, 17 hits, 6 BB, 9 SO

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

May 10: Washington 3, New York 2

May 11: New York 8, Washington 6

Nationals lead series 3-2