The Mets try to take the rubber game of the three game set with the Dbacks with another marquee pitching matchup. Neither pitcher has recent history with their opponents, so the pitchers in this game have a major advantage. For the Diamondbacks, Dan Haren makes his seventh start of the season. So far in his 4-1 season, he has pitched 37.1 innings posting a 3.13 ERA. The last time that he pitched against the Mets was in 2005 where he received a No Decision in 7 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs, walking 2 and striking out 4. I was questioning why Randolph had Alou sitting out yesterday until I saw his numbers against Haren:
    Alou 8-14, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .571 BA/OBP
    Beltran 2-8, 3B
    Reyes, Wright 1-8
Today's game is one of the reasons why the Mets have Santana. The best way to make a statement is to take a series from the best team in baseball. Santana has limited exposure to the Diamondbacks:
    Byrnes 3-13
    Hudson 3-13
    Synder 2-3
If Santana shows up strong today, then the Mets will play strong. Lets hope that Willie uses a lineup similar to Friday, because a lineup like that will be key for the Mets in order to perform this season.
Lets Go Mets!