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Mets-Braves Preview: April 27, 2008 |
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Written by Mark Healey
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Saturday, 26 April 2008 |
 Atlanta's John Smoltz (3-1. 0.78 ERA) looks to continue his
impressive start to the season as he faces the New York Mets in the
deciding game of a three-game series at Shea Stadium.
The veteran right-hander has been close to perfect this season, and his last start was no exception, even though it didn't have the desired result. Against the Nationals on Tuesday night, Smoltz allowed just one run and five hits over seven innings, didn’t walk a batter, but was on the losing end of a 6-0 defeat. He did become the 16th pitcher in major league history to reach the 3.000 strikeout milestone plateau, but received little support from his teammates.
Smoltz has faced the Mets 69 times in his career – 41 starts – and has posted a 18-14 mark (and 24 saves) with a 3.37 ERA.
The Mets, who have took the middle game of this series with a 4-3 win on Saturday, will send Nelson Figueroa (1-1, 4.05 ERA) to the hill to try to avoid the sweep.
Figueroa has pitched relatively well in his first three starts, but struggled a bit in his last outing, an 8-1 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday, He gave up three runs, seven hits and five walks – one intentional -- in five-plus innings.
He has limited experience against the Braves in his career, going 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA in seven games, two of which were starts.
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