NL Beast

The Game: New York Mets (16-13) at Los Angeles Dodgers (17-14)

The Matchup: Oliver Perez (2-2, 4.03) vs. Chad Billingsley (1-4, 5.20)

The Story: The Mets head a little further west to take on Joe Torre and the Dodgers, who are hot, having won 8 of 10 after a very slow start to the season. The Mets are coming off of a huge series win at Arizona, and look to continue their winning ways with a “regular” lineup for just the second time this year. Oliver Perez makes his first start after last Wednesday’s embarrasment against the Pirates, and if he sticks to his one-on, one-off plan tonight might be a good night. He needs to find control, and if any catcher can help him keep his composure it is Brian Schneider, who makes his second start after being hospitalized.