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The New York Mets open their second straight two-game series when the Cincinnati Reds visit Citi Field on Wednesday night. The Mets are fresh off splitting two games with the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Reds split their own two-game set with the Atlanta Braves.
Tuesday night the Mets fell 8-0 as their offense couldn't solve Brewers ace Zach Greinke, but the game was overshadowed by a screaming match between manager Terry Collins and third baseman David Wright. The two got into it after Collins pulled his star to prevent Milwaukee from retaliating for a seemingly intentional HBP of Ryan Braun.
Wright wanted to stay in the game, while Collins was clear after the game he had no interest in losing one of the few reliable bats in the Mets lineup to a stint on the DL.
With the fireworks hopefully behind them, New York will attempt to get back on track offensively against one of the worst starting pitchers in the league, Mike Leake. The 24-year old is 0-5 with a 7.11 ERA and has yet to give up less than three earned runs in a start this season.
Taking the ball for the Mets is Johan Santana. The veteran turned in a solid six innings of three run ball last time out, but got the no-decision in a 6-5 loss to the Miami Marlins. Santana has just a 1-2 record, but he has pitched to an impressive 2.92 ERA and has gone at least six innings in each of his last four starts.
This quick series is a warm up for both teams before they head off to their first interleague matchups of the year. The Mets hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors, while the Reds go across town to take on the New York Yankees.
You can watch all the action locally on SNY or listen on WFAN 660 with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.