The New York Mets' Pedro Martinez never made it out of his first start of the season to the disappointment of baseball prediction experts and bettors alike, as he suffered a hamstring injury against Florida. Now, two months later, Martinez will lead the Mets out at AT&T Park on Tuesday when they visit the San Francisco Giants for Game 2 of a three-game National League series. BetOnline.com has the New York Mets –140 odds favorites against the San Francisco Giants +120 with the total set at 8 runs.
Martinez (0-0, 10.80) was on his way to a poor performance in Florida before being injured, as he gave up four runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings and a pair of homers as the Mets fell 5-4 in extra innings. The 36-year-old Martinez, who has won the Cy Young award three times in both leagues, was already a legitimate injury concern due to two ailment-filled seasons and his age. Now, each pitch will be treated with care as the Mets try to extend Martinez's glittering career. Martinez last faced the Giants in 2004 as a Boston player, and he took a no-decision by giving up four runs on six runs over six innings as the Red Sox fell 6-4 in San Francisco.
It has been a strange season for Barry Zito (1-8, 5.53), who has been far better since a dreadful start to 2008. Zito, who won the Cy Young for the American League in 2002, earned a no-decision in a 4-3 win at Arizona by allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. Zito has had at least 11 wins every season since 2001, so it is not like he does not have the talent. In eight of Zito's 11 starts, the Giants have failed to score more than three runs. As badly as a pitcher is slumping, he needs some run support, which could boost his spirits and lead to better outings. Zito won both of his meetings with Mets last season, putting up an ERA of 2.08.
These two met six times in 2007, with the Mets coming out on top on four occasions. Martinez will likely be eased back into the lineup, while Zito looks as though he is about to get on a roll. Take the Giants to help Zito to his second consecutive victory with a big win on Tuesday. Get your Free Baseball Prediction in Now!
New York Mets at San Francisco Giants – 10:15 PM ET
Free Baseball Prediction: San Francisco Giants
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