15-2. That was the combined score of the Mets’ two-game flop in Chicago. The starters did their job, but the pen imploded, and the bats have been flailing away futilely. The Mets’ (10-9) road trip continues with another two-game series, this time in Washington, where the Nationals (6-15) have a shiny new ballpark that—surprise, surprise—people still aren’t coming to see. The Nationals, save John Lannan, still aren’t playing very well, which is good for the Mets who need them to remedy another short losing streak.

This time, Johan Santana (2-2, 3.25) faces Tim Redding (3-1, 3.27) in the opener, and they’re followed by Oliver Perez (2-0, 2.49) and Shawn Hill (0-0, 7.20).

Game 1: Tim Redding, RHP

What’s the Story? Redding’s off to a nice start, and whether or not it lasts, I’m glad for him; Redding’s long been a personal favorite, ever since he came up as a top prospect with the Astros a few years back. Back then, he displayed tremendous strikeout and walk ratios in the minors, but they never manifested themselves after he graduated to the big league level. That’s likely going to remain true at his age, no matter his early season success. Redding’s ultimately, just too hittable to keep this up for long, I think. Redding most sits around 90 with his four-seam fastball, and he also throws a sinking two-seamer. His best pitch is a hard curveball he throws in the high-70s. He also throws an above average slider and an average change-up.

Last Year: Redding made two starts against the Mets, one on July 2nd and another on September 17th. The first was fairly effective: he did allow four walks over six innings, but he did limit the Mets to one run on five hits while striking out eight batters. The second start was less successful, as he allowed four runs on six hits and a walk over four innings.

What to Expect: When Redding’s able to get either of his breaking balls over the plate with any consistency, he’s a very dangerous pitcher. As it is, Mets hitters would be best off sitting on his fastball—which is a decent pitch, but straight enough to be hit—and laying off the breaking stuff. Also, Redding isn’t known for his great endurance, so anything that helps elevate his pitch count is a good thing for Mets hitters.

Game 2: Shawn Hill, RHP

What’s the Story? When he’s healthy, Hill is probably the ace of the Nats’ staff. Too bad that hasn’t happened very often these past few years. After missing much of 2006 recovering from Tommy John surgery, elbow pain periodically resurfaced in 2007, causing him to make only 16 starts. As if that wasn’t enough, Hill began 2008 back on the disabled list with forearm soreness. Hill’s got solid stuff: a sinker he throws in the high-80s that bores in on righties, an above average curveball, and an improving change-up.

Last Year: Hill made two starts against the Mets also. In both, Hill allowed two runs over seven innings. He walked a total of three batters and struck out seven while giving up 15 hits, six for extra bases.

What to Expect: Hill can almost put things on auto-pilot when he pitches: pound the lower strike zone with sinkers, throw a few late-count curves, and maybe the occasional change-up. When you’re a sinkerball pitcher, life doesn’t throw very many tough decisions your way on the mound. He’s got very good control and won’t put too many batters on base via the walk. That said, he won’t get very many strikeouts either. Hill’s health will be a big question, as this will be just his second start of the season. His first start was a little rough, but he looked fairly sharp—he didn’t walk a batter and got ten groundballs, an indication that the results were mostly bad luck.

Overall: I’m picking a sweep here. The Mets showed me nothing in Chicago, but the opener is a monumental mismatch in starting pitching, and I think Oliver can beat a Nationals team without too many big power threats.