Game Thread: Mets (5-8) vs Cubs (5-8)

Mets(courtesy of mlb.com)

With right-hander Mike Pelfrey scheduled to take the mound for the Mets, the Cubs will likely return to their usual lineup, with Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Fontenot resuming their regular places. In the only game of the series in which the Cubs will face a right-hander, the offense could capitalize on having two of the more dangerous hitters in the mix.

The Mets on Monday made a significant lineup change of their own, as manager Jerry Manuel inserted a new name into his lineup, that of Davis. Batting out of the sixth spot, Davis provided a definite spark, going 2-for-4 with an RBI single in his much-anticipated Major League debut.

Before the game, Manuel attempted to temper expectations for his rookie.

“I’m not sure he has to be the savior of [the 2010 Mets],” Manuel said. “He’s a good complement for what we have. Be careful of high expectation.”

The rookie responded with a strong day at the plate in his debut. He will look to continue his strong start on Tuesday, as Manuel said that Davis will be an everyday player.

“It’s nice to know that all my hard work paid off,” Davis said before the game.

Jose Reyes was told by Manuel before Monday’s game that he needed a break, and the shortstop apparently didn’t argue. The rest didn’t last too long, though. Reyes ended up being pressed into service as a pinch-hitter for starting shortstop Alex Cora in the seventh inning. Reyes was hit by a pitch and later scored on Angel Pagan’s homer, then remained in the game defensively.

Lineup

Reyes, SS

Castillo, 2B

Wright, 3B

Bay, LF

Francoeur, RF

Davis, 1B

Pagan, CF

Blanco, C

Pelfrey, P

Cubs(courtesy of mlb.com)

Entering Game 2 of their four-game series on Tuesday, the Cubs’ offense is still looking for a spark. The Mets have seemingly found theirs, in first baseman Ike Davis.

Prior to the opener on Monday night, with his club facing left-hander Jon Niese, Cubs manager Lou Piniella made some big lineup changes, moving Marlon Byrd to the leadoff spot and dropping Ryan Theriot to eighth. Entering Monday’s action, Byrd was 6-for-9 against lefties, whereas Theriot had been 1-for-10 to that point.

“We need to score more than two or three runs to win games,” Piniella said. “We’re going to try this with a left-handed lineup. Byrd’s been hitting left-handers good.”

But the move didn’t spark much change for the Cubs, who left 12 men on base and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Byrd went 3-for-4 with an RBI, but his teammates were unable to get the job done.

With Ted Lilly expected to be activated from the disabled list soon, the Cubs will be faced with a numbers issue when it comes to their rotation. Lilly threw 88 pitches over seven innings for Class A Peoria on Monday night, striking out nine, and could return for a start on Saturday in Milwaukee. But who will get bumped? The thought has been all along that either Carlos Silva or Tom Gorzelanny would be headed to the ‘pen, but Piniella has been reluctant to confirm who will make the move. “These last starts that these guys are getting are not a competition for who’s going to stay in the rotation,” Piniella said on Monday. “We feel good about all our starters. We’re fortunate in that regard. Unfortunately, somebody is going to have to go into the bullpen. We’ll have some news for you later on this week.”

Lineup

Fukudome, RF

Baker, 2B

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Byrd, CF

Soriano, LF

Fontenot, SS

Hill, C

Zambrano, P

NEWS: Our very own author Mr. Baby will be throwing out the first pitch tonight at Citifield! Want to wish him congrats and good luck! Dont bounce bounce it!

PLAY BALL

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