Rocks Face Maine
Ahead of what may be a critical series, the New York Mets look to close out a frustrating road trip with a second straight win when they meet the Colorado Rockies on Sunday at Coors Field.
New York (23-24) lost the first five games of the trip, encouraging speculation that manager Willie Randolph may be fired. The Mets won 9-2 on Saturday to end their slide and even this three-game series, but the next few days could go a long way towards determining the status of their beleaguered manager.
Oddsmakers from Sportsbook.com have made Colorado -110 money line favorites (MLB Odds) for tonight’s game, the over/under has been set at 9.5 total runs (Matchup). Current public betting information shows that 50% of bets for this game have been placed on New York +100 (View MLB Bet Percentages).
"We were able to get the ‘W’, just to get these guys feeling good about themselves again," Randolph said. "There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to play well and win our share of games."
After Sunday’s game at Colorado (19-30), the Mets return home for a three-game series with surprising Florida, which leads the NL East. A poor showing by Randolph’s club against the Marlins could bring further questions about his job, especially after general manager Omar Minaya made the trip to Denver for this series.
"It’s good to get a win with the week we had," Minaya said. "It gets you laughing and looking forward to playing tomorrow."
Randolph got help from some unlikely sources Saturday as catcher Ramon Castro went 3-for-4 in his fourth start of the season and Nick Evans made his major league debut a memorable one.
Evans, who had three doubles and two RBIs, arrived at Coors Field about three hours before game time after New York purchased his contract from Double-A Binghamton. The 22-year-old left fielder is the first player to get three extra-base hits in his debut with the Mets since Kaz Matsui on April 6, 2004
David Wright and Carlos Delgado each added a homer for New York, which also ended a seven-game losing streak to NL opponents.
Colorado fell to 4-4 on its nine-game homestand after placing shortstop Clint Barmes (knee) and right fielder Brad Hawpe (hamstring) on the 15-day disabled list. The Rockies also played without third baseman Garrett Atkins, who was scratched with a stiff neck. Atkins is batting .357 (10-for-28) on Colorado’s homestand.
"At this level, nobody feels sorry for you," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "Half the people don’t care."
John Maine (5-3, 3.29 ERA) looks to take over the staff lead in victories for New York. He’s tied with Johan Santana in wins and has the lowest ERA of any New York starter.
Maine had his four-start winning streak snapped Tuesday at Atlanta when he gave up four runs over four-plus innings in a 6-1 loss.
The right-hander is making his first appearance at Coors Field. Maine won his lone appearance against Colorado on April 23, 2007, by giving up one run over 7 2-3 innings in a 6-1 victory.
The Rockies counter with Aaron Cook (6-3, 3.06), who looks to improve to 4-0 in day outings this season. He’s posted a 2.91 ERA in winning his first three day starts.
Cook, though, has lost back-to-back starts overall after winning six in a row. He gave up four runs and 10 hits over seven innings in a 6-5 loss Tuesday to San Francisco.
The right-handed sinkerballer is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in six career appearances, including four starts, against the Mets.
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