Mets(courtesy of mlb.com)
Francouer has struggled recently, however, and is in the midst of an 0-for-18 slump and hasn’t scored a run in eight consecutive games. He’s batting just .100 with one extra-base hit in May, but is confident he can work out of his recent funk.
“Sometimes you have five different people telling you what you need to do,” Francoeur said. “I know my swing better than anybody. When I stand tall, use my leverage and attack the ball, I’m at my best.”
Meanwhile, Pelfrey has maintained that his shoulder is healthy and not to blame for his recent struggles. He felt tightness in his shoulder last week, but it subsided before his start against the Nationals on Wednesday.
Pelfrey did give up four runs in 5 2/3 innings in that start, but was feeling good enough to make 119 pitches. Even after his recent struggles, he’s still been solid this season with a 4-1 record and a 3.14 ERA.
The Mets still haven’t announced their newest member of the rotation after left-hander Oliver Perez was sent to the bullpen. Manager Jerry Manuel wants to keep his options open. “We have to make sure that we can get through these games and see what options we have, and then go from there,” Manuel said.
Lineup
Jose Reyes, SS
Luis Castillo, 2B
Jason Bay, LF
Chris Carter, RF
David Wright, 3B
Ike Davis, 1B
Rod Barajas, C
Gary Matthews Jr, CF
Mike Pelfrey, RHP
-As much as this lineup doesnt make sense, they did score 8 runs yesterday…
Braves(courtesy of mlb.com)
Braves right-hander Derek Lowe and Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey are seemingly headed in different directions going into Monday’s meeting between the two clubs at Turner Field that begins a rare two-game series.
Lowe is coming off one of his best starts of the season on Wednesday, when he limited the Brewers to two runs in six innings, marking the first time he completed six innings since April 10, while Pelfrey has cooled off after a hot start with a 6.88 ERA over his past three starts after posting a 0.69 ERA over his first four starts.
Lowe said the key for him has been a change in his approach on the mound. He’s now going after hitters and isn’t afraid to pitch inside.
“I think there comes a game where you have to assess your game,” Lowe said. “The whole ‘I’m going to throw every pitch away’ game gets kind of predictable and old.”
Chipper Jones went 0-for-2 against the D-backs on Sunday and his batting average now stands at just .224. But Jones said his confidence level is high despite his struggles, which wasn’t the case last season. “From the confidence, mental side of it, it’s totally different,” Jones said. “I was screwed up mechanically at the end of last year. I didn’t feel dangerous at the end of last year. Now I’m starting to center balls when I walk up to the plate, and I’m starting to hit balls in the gap and down the line. I’m starting to get doubles, and now I’m starting to feel like I’m dangerous. Hopefully that will continue.”
Lineup
Martin Prado, 2B
Jason Heyward, RF
Chipper Jones, 3B
Brian McCann, C
Troy Glaus, 1B
Eric Hinske, LF
Yunel Escobar, SS
Nate McLouth, CF
Derek Lowe, RHP
PLAY BALL
5 comments
metsfan4decades
5/17/2010-7:11pm at 7:11 pm (UTC -4)
Um…I’d really like to see a win tonight.
Kingman 26
5/17/2010-7:14pm at 7:14 pm (UTC -4)
Better get out the 69 or 86 postseason DVDs…..
metsfan4decades
5/17/2010-10:15pm at 10:15 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, Kingman.
We got our wish though. Big Pelf stopped the bleeding!
stickguy
5/17/2010-7:23pm at 7:23 pm (UTC -4)
LGM?
Pretty sad for both teams, since this should be billed “the battle for the basement”
njstuckintx
5/17/2010-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
whew…