Game Preview: Nationals vs Mets

In the most improbable way, the Mets have won three games in a row! This afternoon they look to sweep the Nationals. Last night the Mets were trailing 1-0 until the 8th inning. They got the exact start they needed from deGrom and another strong outing in relief from Gagnon but the offense was falling flat. Then Adeiny Hechavarria hit a double which eventually led to a bases loaded situation with Juan Lagares up at the plate (and two outs), hitting below .200. Juan cleared the bases with a double and then later in his first game as a Met, Rajai Davis hit a 3 run homer and the Mets would go on to win 6-1, their first win this season that happened after trailing 7 innings.

This afternoon we are treated to the battle of the Stevens. Or the Stephens. The Stev(ph)ens? As Matz and Strasburg square up.

Steven Matz is 3-3 over 8 games and 38.2 innings with a 3.96 ERA, 5.08 FIP, 1.267 WHIP and 98 ERA+. He had a short outing his last time out, coming back from the IL, only lasting 3.2 innings allowing 2 runs off 5 hits and 2 walks. Against the Nationals earlier this year he pitched 5.0 scoreless innings. The Nationals have the following numbers against Matz:

Anthony Rendon 8-25, 3 HR, BB, 10 K
Michael A Taylor 4-23, HR, 2 BB, 13 K
Juan Soto 3-10, 4 K
Wilmer Difo 1-8, BB, K
Adam Eaton 2-8, BB, K
Victor Robles 1-4, HR

The Mets bats get the second straight strong pitcher from the Nationals today, Stephen Strasburg. He is 4-3 over 10 games and 65.0 innings with a 3.32 ERA, 2.75 FIP, 0.985 WHIP and 131 ERA+. He has been his normal dominant self his last two starts allowing 3 runs over 14.0 innings while striking out 14 batters. The Mets haven’t seen him since the start of the season where he me made back to back starts against them. In the first start he allowed 4 runs over 6.0 innings from 7 hits and 2 walks. In his second start he shut out the Mets over 6.2 innings holding them to 2 hits and a walk. Between the two starts he struck out 17 Mets who have the following numbers against him: