Pressurized First Start

Fresh off their three game sweep to open the series, the Mets will be welcoming in another division rival to Citi Field this week, when they open up a 3-game set vs the Washington Nationals.  Again pitching should take the headline in this series, mainly due to the battle of aces on Wednesday afternoon.

But tonight's game is extremely important for the Mets and more specifically the Mets starter, Mike Pelfrey.

Pelfrey was on the end of a lot of criticism last season due to his poor performance and he didn't fare much better in Spring Training.  Although his final two starts in March had better results, the overall body of work wasn't to be desired.

Mets fans have their position player they love to boo, Jason Bay, and it seems as if Pelfrey will be the pitcher feeling the wrath from fans.  Bay did a small part this weekend to quite the birds for a few days, collecting a pair of hits and an RBI.

The Mets are off to a 3-0 start all in part to the strong starting pitching they received.  Pelfrey doesn't have to replicate Jon Niese's performance and throw a no hitter into the late innings, but he can't get chased early on and not give the team a chance for the W.