On paper, the Padres and Mets look to be having a similar season. They're both currently sitting in 4th place in their relative divisions. Their win-loss records differ by just one game. They're both 2-8 in their last ten games. And overall, both teams have just been playing poor baseball. Tonight they'll begin a three-game set at Citi Field.
Andrew Cashner's last start - his first since returning from the disabled list - was a brilliant one, but the Padres offense was once again unable to provide him any run support so he could earn the win. It was his sixth straight outing without a win, despite posting a 2.83 ERA during that stretch, thanks to a run support average of just 1.5. In ten starts this season, his overall run support average is just 2.3, second lowest in the majors among pitchers who have thrown 60+ innings. Tonight he'll be making his first career start against the Mets. In 6 2/3 relief innings against New York, he's posted a 2.70 ERA.
Bartolo Colon will be making his fourth career start against San Diego, going 1-2 with a 1.50 ERA in his first three. He comes into this game with a 3-0 record and 1.51 ERA over his last four starts. Seemingly the Mets don't have much to worry about while Colon is on the mound, but they'll want to keep him on there as long as possible and avoid going to their bullpen too early. Mets relievers have combined for a 5.40 ERA over their last nine games, two of which resulted in blown saves; the team is 1-8 during that span. To make matters worse, they're coming off a 13-inning 5-1 loss, during which relievers pitched 5 1-3 innings. Their closer Jenrry Mejia pitched 2/3 of an inning but exited with back stiffness, so it's unsure whether he'll even be available tonight.
Tine in at 4:10 to see if the Padres can win the battle and start the series on a high note.