PHILADELPHIA â- The Mets begin an eight-game trip against playoff contenders here tonight when Pedro Martinez takes on the ageless Jamie Moyer in the first of two contests against the NL East-rival Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets are 9-4 against Philadelphia this season, including five wins in the past seven meetings. Jerry Manuelâs club took three of four from the Phillies the last time it was here in early July. This will be the Amazinâs fifth game this season against Moyer, who is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in the first four contests.
Martinez has gone seven innings in each of his past two outings and appears to be gaining strength after some injury woes early in the season. Pedro hasnât been rewarded, though, getting no-decisions in four of his past six starts.
As for Manuelâs lineup, he is giving Damion Easley the start at second base over Luis Castillo with the Mets facing a lefty. Manuel also is going with Fernando Tatis over rookies Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy in left field because Manuel wants a veteran batting against the crafty Moyer.
Here is overall lineup for the 73-59 Mets:
Jose Reyes SS
Damion Easley 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Fernando Tatis LF
Ryan Church RF
Ramon Castro C
Pedro Martinez RHP (4-3, 4.97)
The 72-59 Phillies will look like this:
Jimmy Rollins SS
Chase Utley 2B
Pat Burrell LF
Ryan Howard 1B
Shane Victorino CF
Jayson Werth RF
Pedro Feliz 3B
Carlos Ruiz C
Jamie Moyer LHP (11-7, 3.54)
Game time: 7:05 p.m.
TV: SNY.