Mercifully, the downtrodden Mets open their final series of the season tonight at Citi Field when John Maine takes the mound against the Astros in the first of a three-game set.
Maine had pitched well since coming back from a lengthy stint on the DL with shoulder problems until a brutal outing in Florida last weekend in which he allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks in just 4 2/3 innings.
Maine, who is 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA in four career starts against Houston, will square off against Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros left-hander is 14-11 with a 2.97 ERA this season.
Here is the 67-92 Mets’ order for the 7:10 p.m. game:
Angel Pagan LF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Jeff Francoeur RF
Fernando Tatis 1B
Omir Santos C
Anderson Hernandez SS
John Maine RHP (6-6, 4.72)
