Mets at Braves
The New York Mets are making an early statement in the National League East, much to the chagrin of the Atlanta Braves. The Mets will vie for their fifth win in as many games over their division rival this season when they continue their three-game set at Turner Field on Tuesday.
Ike Davis belted a three-run homer in the sixth inning and Dillon Gee tossed seven solid frames as New York ended Atlanta's five-game winning streak with a 6-1 decision on Monday. Jason Bay also went deep and denied former Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Jack Wilson his bid for a homer with a sensational leaping grab in the fifth inning.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSS (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Johan Santana (0-1, 0.90 ERA) vs. Braves RH Randall Delgado (1-0, 3.60 ERA)
Santana has struck out 13 batters while making two solid starts this season, but has yet to make a notch in the win column. The veteran left-hander hasn't received much offensive support while dropping six of nine career decisions to the Braves. Santana has struck out 66 batters in 84 innings while yielding a 2.14 ERA versus Atlanta.
Delgado struck out six in five innings to win his season debut during last Wednesday's 6-3 triumph over the Houston Astros. After he was struck by a comebacker, Delgado finished the fifth before being relieved to start the next inning. The promising Panama native has yet to face the Mets during his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York's David Wright has reached base at least twice in his first seven games this season.
2. The Braves announced that they will retire John Smoltz's No. 29 on June 8 and induct the veteran right-hander into the team's Hall of Fame at Turner Field.
3. The Mets have won three of four on their current six-game road trip.