The Mets kick off the second half against the Reds with a four game set at Great American Ballpark. The game is slated to start at 7:10 EST and can be seen on SNY. The game will feature an ace and an up and coming fireballer. Johan Santana will toe the rubber opposite Johnny Cueto.

Key to the Game:

• Keep the Streak Alive: The Mets finished the 1st half on a nine game winning streak, and most wins were in dominant fashion. The Mets have to keep it going against a second tier Reds ballclub. Although they have some good hitters, they can be pitched to i.e Adam Dunn. The Reds squad also has poor pitching, with the exception of right hander Edinson Volquez. Cueto, Josh Fogg, and Bronson Arroyo all have an ERA above 4.5 and can be hit hard. Santana will have to take advantage of this young Reds lineup that is for the most part a bunch of free swingers.

For a lineup, head to Matthew Cerrone’s Metsblog.

For a chat, head to The Hot Foot Bleachers.