Can the Mets put the Nats away again, and is it lucky to hit the first batter with a pitch? Lets find out shall we.

It’ll be interesting tonight one way or the other, as the Mets welcome up Claudio Vargas from the minor leagues to pitch. The Saturday doubleheader put them one shy, and Vargas gets the nod from New Orleans. He’s 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in AAA, and comes to NY via the Brewers. He’s started twice against the Nats, getting two no decisions and a 3.75 ERA. To the best of our knowledge, he is of no relation to famed WWII pin up artist Alberto Vargas. He faces Tim Redding , 4-3, 3.83. He’s 4.22 career against the Mets, taking a loss last time he played them, when he gave up three earned runs on five hits in five innings. He lost his last start against the Marlins, but has yet to lose two consecutive decisions this year.

Lineups, courtesy of Metsblog:

  • SS Reyes
  • RF Church
  • 3B Wright
  • CF Beltran
  • LF Alou
  • 1B Delgado
  • C Schneider
  • 2B Easley
  • P Vargas

Ryan Church continues to eat the Nats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes brunch. He’s got four RBIs this series, hitting .367 for the season against them, and has three doubles to go with his two home runs. What Ryan, no triples? Castillo sits again with his quad issues, don’t be surprised if he hits the DL tomorrow when a move with Vargas on the roster is made. But act surprised, he’s really sensitive. Jose Reyes is 4 for 11 with a triple against Redding. See that Ryan, a triple.

Game time is 7:10, as always catch it on SNY and WFAN. Or stop on by the Hot Foot Bleachers, to talk the game, Mets baseball, and dance lessons with Jose Reyes.