The New York Mets are looking to extend their winning streak to seven games -- a stretch that they haven't been a part of since the middle of June last season. If they can get a win tonight against the Washington Nationals they would have swept two straight series and also would be the first time they took a full set as the visiting team since the June 15-18 series against the Cleveland Indians last year. Their current six-game surge has given them a record of 11-13 and put them a half game above the Nationals for fourth place.
Lately, the Mets have been getting wins every way possible -- outslugging teams, pitching well and rallying late in games, like last night. The Amazin's are undefeated -- 6-0 -- since Jason Bay returned to the lineup, while Ike Davis is on a nine-game hitting streak as well. Even when Daniel Murphy doesn't start, he's still making his presence felt as last night's pinch-hit homerun, then late-inning two-run double showed. He may not be a great defender but his bat is certainly a plus at second base. If we know one thing from Murphy, he'll continue to put in the time to get better with the glove.
Chris Capuano will take on Livan Hernandez tonight. Capuano (2-1) has a 5.95 ERA but is coming off his best start of the year, a seven-inning, one-run, four-strikeout performance against the Astros. Hernandez is 2-2 on the year with a 3.48 ERA and is coming off his worst start of the year when he allowed four earned runs (seven altogether) on nine hits against the Pirates. Hernandez is very hittable and will need to change speeds to be effective. The Mets' bats could have another solid game in this one.