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Beltran, struggling Mets face tough test against Peavy

Jul 17, 2007 - 4:24 PM NY Mets (51-41) at San Diego (51-40) 10:05 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - Carlos Beltran and the New York Mets are struggling. A break-out against San Diego ace Jake Peavy is unlikely.

Peavy (9-3, 2.19 ERA) takes the mound as the Padres continue their three-game series with the Mets on Tuesday.

New York, which took three of four from Cincinnati prior to this series, has scored more than three runs just four times in the last 13 games.

Beltran's struggles have been a big reason for the lack of runs. The 30-year-old is hitting just .158 (6-for-38) in July with just five RBI, and is 1-for-16 since the All-Star break.

The Mets will have a hard time scoring on Peavy, who is second in the majors in ERA, and has allowed three runs or less in 13 of his last 14 starts. In his last start the hard-throwing righthander allowed three runs and five hits in seven innings against Florida on July 5, but lost 3-2.

Peavy will be opposed by Orlando Hernandez (5-4, 3.20) who is coming off a win over Cincinnati on Thursday. In that game he allowed three runs and six hits in six innings to notch only his second win in his last seven starts.

David Wells threw six solid innings and Michael Barrett drove in three runs as the Padres took the opener, 5-1, on Monday.