(Best E Casino) - Two teams battling for the postseason conclude a three-game series this afternoon, when the National League East-leading
New York Mets take on the
Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.
The Mets remained two games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the division standings after Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Brewers in 10 innings. Endy Chavez was the hero with the game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th and Carlos Beltran finished 2-for-3 with a three-run homer for New York, which couldn't stretch its lead in the division after the Phillies beat Washington.
Jonathon Niese made his major league debut for the Mets and was roughed up for five runs and seven hits in three innings for the no-decision. Joe Smith later recorded the win in relief and Luis Ayala notched his fifth save of the season. After today's game in Milwaukee, the Mets will return home for a crucial three-game series versus Philadelphia at Shea Stadium.
Oliver Perez gets the nod for the Mets on Wednesday and he is 9-7 with a 3.90 earned run average in 28 starts. Perez is 2-0 through the past five starts with three straight no-decisions. He last toed the rubber in a 5-4 win at Florida on August 29, allowing two runs -- one earned -- in six innings.
Perez has enjoyed success in his career against Milwaukee, going 3-1 with a 5.09 earned run average in eight starts.
Rickie Weeks, meanwhile, went 4-for-6 with a home run and two runs scored last night for the wild card-leading Brewers, who are now 4 1/2 games ahead of the Phillies in the chase for the final NL playoff spot. Brewers starting pitcher Manny Parra went 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBI, while giving up five runs -- four earned -- in five innings of work.
Salomon Torres was saddled with the loss for surrendering the go-ahead run in the 10th inning.
Dave Bush will take the ball for Milwaukee today and he is 9-9 with a 4.12 ERA this season. Bush is unbeaten (4-0) over his previous five starts with back- to-back wins, including an August 29 outing at Pittsburgh. He gave up only one run and six hits in 6 2/3 frames.
Bush, who is 6-3 at home this season, owns a 2-0 record in two career games (one start) against the Mets.
Milwaukee won two of three games against the Mets at Shea Stadium from April 11-13 this season.
