Barring a rain out (which doesn’t seem likely as my friends at the Shea tell me), LHP Johan Santana (5-3, 3.36) will face off against LHP Andrew Miller (4-3, 5.33). The Marlins currently sit atop the NL East while the Mets are struggling to stay out of last. Which brings us to…

Keys to the game:

• Run support, run support and oh yea, run support: With Johan Santana giving up 11 home runs in 7 of his 10 starts this year, run support will be needed tonight, and all season long, when he takes the mound. While he is lights out most of the time, he does not fair well with the long ball.
• Take an early lead: Because the Mets seem unable to score runs in the late innings, it will be important to score a lot of runs early on. I know this seems obvious, but I will take a win any way I can. Please guys, I’m begging you!
• Rookies wanting to earn a spot: With key players coming off the disabled list soon, Tatis and Evans will need to step up their games if that want to see the light of Shea again. I mean, come on, did no one see what happened to Figgy after 2 bad starts?
• Easley handling 1st with ease: With Delgado struggling I’m glad he’s taking a day off, but once again, due to the number of HR’s Santana gives up, not letting the runners take to the basepads will be important tonight.

Game time is set for 7:05pm and can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN. For lineups, check out David Lennon with Newsday. As always, head on over to the Hot Foot Bleachers to watch tonight’s Mets games with the writers and fellow fans.