Jon Niese (0-1) takes the hill Tuesday night (7:10 p.m. EST, SNY) for the New York Mets looking to breathe some life into a bullpen that's been extremely shoddy this season. He'll be opposed by Colorado Rockies' 25-year-old Esmil Rogers (1-0).
Niese started out his last outing against the Phillies smoothly, then quickly ran into trouble and pitched only four innings. The Rockies' 7-2 record is the best in their history and currently they're being fueled by an offense that's clicking on all cylinders. If you're going to give them free outs like the Mets did Monday night, guys like Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki will make you pay. The Mets have learned that first hand several times already. Colorado's pitching has also been superb, accumulating a 2.98 ERA and 1.15 WHIP on the season, with a back-end of the bullpen that's been rock solid and extremely tough to beat. The Amazin's need to get to Rogers early in this one. Niese is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.
Rogers' debut this season in place of Ubaldo Jimenez went well as he tossed 7 1/3 innings and allowed just one run on four hits while striking out seven. He's got a power arm and a good curveball but his command does waiver at times and he gives up his fair share of hits.
New York's offense hasn't been the major problem this season; it's been its bullpen, which has a 6.57 ERA and is 0-3 over the past six games (five of which the Mets have lost). A lengthy Niese outing would go a long way to limiting the bullpen usage and increasing the chances of a win.
Current Series
Rockies lead the series 1-0
| Mon 04/11 |
WP: Matt Belisle (2 - 0) SV: Huston Street LP: Bobby Parnell (0 - 1) |
6 - 7 loss |
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Colorado Rockies Tuesday, Apr 12, 2011, 7:10 PM EDT Esmil Rogers vs Jon Niese Mostly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing in from left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 55.
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| Wed 04/13 | 7:10 PM EDT | |
| Thu 04/14 | 1:10 PM EDT | |
