Johnny Cueto and Johan Santana battle tonight in New York as the Reds continue their series with the Mets. Cueto comes off his worst start of the season. He gave up nine runs in 2/3 of an inning to the Phillies, and he’s given up at least five earned runs in three of his last four starts. Santana limits opponents power at Citi Field. Although eight of the 15 homers he allowed came at home, only seven of the 22 other extra-base hits came in Queens.
Two of their teams’ top pitchers meet in Colorado as Jair Jurrjens of the Braves faces Jason Marquis of the Rockies. The Rockies can work four lefties into their starting lineup (Marquis would make five), and lefties are hitting over .300 against Jurrjens this season. The Rockies might want to bunch them, however, as righties are hitting under .200. Marquis leads the NL in wins, and a W today means he’ll be alone at the top of the list at the All-Star break. He’s pitched very well in Colorado this season, allowing just three of his nine home runs there.
Matt Cain has a tough act to follow as Lincecum and Sanchez both held the Padres hit-less for seven innings in the two previous games, Sanchez of course completing the no-hitter. Cain allowed nine hits in his six innings of work against the Padres this season, but only two runs. He’ll face Tim Stauffer, making his first MLB appearance since 2007. He’s been out of action due to labrum surgery.
Finally, Texas tries to make it two in a row against Seattle as Kevin Millwood takes on Jarrod Washburn. Both pitchers hold ERAs better than their records. The Rangers scored two runs or less for Millwood five times, while the Mariners supported Washburn at that level seven times.
Enjoy!