Game Preview: Trachsel looks for arguably the biggest win of the season

Tonight is arguably the biggest game of the season up to this point, in terms of the standings. If the Mets win tonight's game then their lead over the Phillies increases to five, which is one more coming into the series. However, should the Mets lose the lead drops to three, which is a very different number then five, and can be overcame in one series. Steve Trachsel will oppose Gavin Floyd, and will look to go over .500 on the season for his third win.

Notes:
1) In 27 career starts against the Phillies Trachsel has a 3.93 era in 169.1 innings pitched with a 10-9 record.
2) Bobby Abreu has had the most at bats of any Phillie agaisnst Trachsel, 57 and he only has 12 hits, which is a .211 batting average. Seven on those 12 hits were for extra bases.
3) David Bell has been the most succesful against Trachsel of any Phillie. In fact in 31 at bats the thirdbaseman has 12 hits, good for a .387 batting average along with his .459 OBP.
4) Pat Burrel has had 46 at bats against the Mets starter, and he has merely 10 hits, however four of those were over the fence.
5) Chase Utley has only eleven at bats against Trachsel and only one hit. However, that one hit was a three run home run.
6) In two career games (one started) against the Mets, Phillies starter, Gavin Floyd, has allowed nine runs in ten innings.
7) Floyd has struggled with his control thus far this season. Floyd has struck out 19 batters, and has walked an incredible 17.
8) Jose Reyes hit a home run in last night's game, and in two career at bats against Floyd Reyes has one hit, a home run.
9) David Wright has four rbi's, including a home run in three at bats against Floyd.
10) Floyd's best pitch is a curveball, however when a curveball is hung it is almost always good for hit, and in Phillie it's usually a home run. In fact, in six starts and 30.2 innings pitched Floyd has allowed an astronomical seven homers.

Score Prediction:
Mets 7 Phillies 6
WP-Aaron Heilman
LP-Arthur Rhodes
H-Duaner Sanchez
SV- Billy Wagner

Game Play Prediction:
1) Billy Wagner will pitch tonight, and be booed ruthlessly.
2) Jose Reyes will have a big game.
3) Chase Utley will hit a home run.
4) Beltran and Wright have at least four hits combined.
5) A Met makes an incredible diving catch.