MILWAUKEE — Winners of three in a row and 16 of their past 21, the red-hot Mets look to complete a road sweep of the Brewers this afternoon when Oliver Perez takes on right-hander Dave Bush at Miller Park. The Mets, who are two games up on the Phillies in the NL East, already are assured of a winning record on this grueling trip to playoff contenders Philadelphia, Miami and Milwaukee after Tuesday nightâs 6-5 victory in 10 innings.
Perez continues to pitch well in the second half and has allowed just 14 hits and eight runs combined in his past three starts (18 2/3 innings). Luck hasnât been on his side, though, as the lefty has gotten a no-decision in each of those outings.
The Mets will have a challenge in Bush, who is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA against them in two career appearances. Bush also comes on a hot streak, having won each of his past four decisions.
Jerry Manuel will try to counter Bush with a lefty-heavy lineup that will include Luis Castillo (second base), Ryan Church (right field) and Brian Schneider (catcher) alongside the regulars.
The overall lineup for the 78-61 Mets is as follows:
Jose Reyes SS
Daniel Murphy LF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Delgado 1B
Carlos Beltran CF
Ryan Church RF
Luis Castillo 2B
Brian Schneider C
Oliver Perez LHP (9-7, 3.90)
The 80-58 Brewers, who have been wasting chances to make up ground on the Cubs in the NL Central, will counter with:
Rickie Weeks 2B
J.J. Hardy SS
Gabe Kapler CF
Ryan Braun LF
Corey Hart RF
Mike Rivera 1B
Bill Hall 3B
Jason Kendall C
Dave Bush RHP (9-9, 4.12)
Game time: 2:05 p.m.
TV: SNY.
