The Dodgers had one little job to do and they completely blew it. The Mets (72-59) managed only a split with the Astros over the weekend, while the Dodgers completely rolled over for the Phillies, who completed the four-game sweep Monday with a 5-0 win. Now the Mets travel to Philadelphia to play the Phillies (72-59) for two games with a mere half-game lead. It’s not quite a must-win series, but it’ll certainly help if the Mets can take both games from a Phillies team who just outscored the Dodgers 27-5.

The Mets will be facing a pair of familiar faces in Jamie Moyer (11-7, 3.54) and Kyle Kendrick (11-7, 4.87). They’ll throw Pedro Martinez (4-3, 4.97) and Johan Santana (12-7, 2.64).

Game 1: Jamie Moyer, LHP

What’s the Story? You may find my original scouting report on Moyer here.

This Year: In his last start against the Mets, Moyer went seven innings and allowed one run on two hits and three walks. He struck out six. On the season, Moyer improved to 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA over 25.2 innings against the Mets.

What to Expect: Since the Mets last faced Moyer, he’s been pitching pretty well. In fact, he’s been great over his past 88 innings, averaging almost six-and-a-third innings a start, while going 5-4 with a 2.66 ERA and 63 strikeouts against 35 walks. As I’ve said a few times already this season—this is probably my ninth write-up on Moyer over the past two seasons—his control isn’t quite as good as it used to be, but it’s still above average, and he’s one of the best out there at pitching to contact. Craft, guile, finesse, bewilderment: Jamie Moyer buzz words.

Game 2: Kyle Kendrick, RHP

What’s the Story? You may find my original scouting report on Moyer here.

This Year: In his last start against the Mets, Kendrick held them to just one run—that resulting from a Jose Reyes homer—over six innings, but there were plenty of lost opportunities. He allowed 11 baserunners, struck out just two, and 13 of 24 balls in play were hit in the air. It’s amazing he escaped with so little damage. His first start was a disaster, as he completely lost the plate. He allowed seven runs (one earned) on four hits and six walks over two-and-a-third innings. He struck out no one.

What to Expect: Kendrick hasn’t been as fortunate as Moyer in his time since his last start against the Mets. He’s made eight starts, going 3-4 with a 6.00 ERA over 42 innings, while striking out 21 and walking 19. Considering he’s a sinkerballer, those are some terrible numbers; you pray that a guy who pitches to contact would be able to pitch deeper into games and would have better control. That really hasn’t been the case for Kendrick, who has a tendency to fall behind hitters. Kendrick frequently hits the 100-pitch mark around the sixth inning, so expect the Philadelphia bullpen to get involved.

Overall: A split worked out well (for my reputation as a prognosticator, at least) last time, so I’ll repeat the prediction. I have the Mets losing the opener—there’s no stopping Father Time—but winning the finale on the back of a strong performance by Johan.