Fresh from dropping the final two games in Atlanta to fall 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, the Mets have set their pitching rotation for a crucial four-game series with the Cubs that starts tonight at Shea Stadium. Here is the breakdown:
Tonight — RHP Jason Marquis (10-9, 4.39) vs. LHP Jon Niese (1-0, 4.09), 7:10 p.m., SNY.
Tuesday — RHP Rich Harden (5-1, 1.66) vs. LHP Johan Santana (14-7, 2.65), 7:10 p.m., SNY.
Wednesday — RHP Carlos Zambrano (14-6, 3.77) vs. LHP Oliver Perez (10-7, 4.10), 7:10 p.m., SNY.
Thursday — LHP Ted Lilly (16-9, 4.17) vs. RHP Pedro Martinez (5-6, 5.50), 7:10 p.m., SNY.