Tonight's Pitching Match Up

Tonight the (9-4) Mets take on the the (6-7) Marlins. Here's a look at tonight's starters:

Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez (1-1, 4.00ERA)

After two effective starts, El Duque was battered by the Nationals his last time out. He was removed -- by the home-plate umpire -- four batters into the sixth, having allowed three home runs among eight hits. The last of his 98 pitches struck opposing pitcher Shawn Hill and prompted umpire Mike Winters to eject Hernandez. The Braves scored one run iun six innings against him April 8.

Rick Vanden Hurk (0-0, 3.86ERA)

A rainout last Saturday in Atlanta bumped the rookie back from a start on Monday in Houston until this game against the Mets. Vanden Hurk looked impressive in his Major League debut against the Brewers, although his day was halted because of a 49-minute rain delay with two outs in the fifth inning. Vanden Hurk's line was one run on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three, throwing 84 pitches. The 22-year-old native of the Netherlands was promoted from Double-A Carolina, filling in the rotation spot vacated due to Ricky Nolasco's elbow injury.