The Mets look to avoid a crushing defeat and sweep tonight as the ace lefties for both teams, Johan Santana and Cole Hamels take the hill.

Keys to the game:

• There’s a Church in Right Field! Beyond adding needed thump to the Mets lineup, Ryan Church will added some needed defensive help in right that Pedro Martinez certainly would have appreciated.  There were two doubles to right that Fernando Tatis couldn’t come up with and Church probably would have this afternoon, and the Greg Dobbs HR just barely got over the fence - and while unlikely - Church might have had a shot at snagging that ball too.  Even though Tatis is in left this evening, at least Johan has Church in right.
• Jump on Hamels Early.  When you’re facing an ace, you can’t let him get into a groove because if he mows you down the first few innings, he’ll be comfortable for the rest of the game and mow you down the rest of the game.  The Mets have to get on Hamels, work his pitch count and get runners on base. 

For a full lineup, head over to Adam Rubin’s blog Surfing the Mets. 

For in-game chat, banter and sweet commotion, head over to the Hot Foot Bleachers. 

Avoid the sweep boys, go Johan!