Looper On Facing Mets Tonight

Steve popper at The Journal News, writes about Branden Looper and him getting his first start agenst the Mets tonight:

Former Mets closer Braden Looper is slated to start today's game for the Cardinals. It'll be his first major league start after 572 relief appearances.

"For a few reasons, this is special," Looper said before Tuesday's game.

"It's my first start. It's against the club I was with before I came here and, on top of that, they're one of the best teams in the National League. I'll have to face one of the best lineups in the National League and those are the kinds of games you want to be in. The reason you play is the challenge, the competitive nature of it."

Looper has never pitched more than three innings in a game in the majors -- a plateau he certainly hopes to surpass today. He has adjusted well to the switch, compiling a 2-0 record with a 2.18 ERA in five spring starts.

Lets bring the pain boys!