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Johan Does His Job...Niese Looks to Keep it Going

Written by Mike Mariano | 30 July 2009

Johan Santana is back to pitching like Johan Santana.  He recorded 7 spectacular innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 8.  It's nice to see his ERA back under 3, and if history is any indicator he is poised for a strong finish to the season.  And if the Mets have any prayer of getting back into the race, they're going to need a Santana-like second half.  For the first time in 2 months, the team is playing solid, consistent baseball.  They are absolutely rolling right now and things are starting to get interesting.  I've officially given up hope on the division, but the Mets sit just 5.5 games back of the wild card.  It's worth noting that they would need to leapfrog 7 teams, but there will be plenty of opportunities to face those teams in the coming months.  If the Mets can maintain their current hot streak and get some guys healthy, this thing is far from over. Jon Niese looks to complete the four game sweep tonight and build off of his last strong start.  I have to admit, I was extremely impressed last time he took the hill, and I really want to see what he is capable of.  Will he develop into a #2 that the Mets so desperately need?  Only time will tell.  But he has been absolutely dominating the last 2 months, and I think I know why.  His cutter.  Last year Niese relied heavily on his curveball, and big league hitters were able to sit on it.  But with a good cutter in his arsenal, Niese now commands 3 MLB caliber pitches.  Check out this article from Mets Minor League Blog on the advent of Niese's cutter.  It's a fantastic read, and it inspires a lot of confidence in Niese.  So hopefully he goes out tonight and pitches a gem.  The Mets are going to need just about everything to go their way from here on out, and a 4 game sweep would be huge.  Lets go Niese and lets go Mets!

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