9/24/17 Game Preview: Washington Nationals at New York Mets

Despite losing 4-3 last night, the New York Mets (66-88) had a successful game last night. Noah Syndergaard made his long awaited return from a partial lat tear and tossed a scoreless first inning, which was far more important than the outcome of a meaningless game with the Washington Nationals (93-61). The two teams have split the first two games of their three game series and are set to play their final game of the season today. First pitch for the matinee affair is scheduled for 1:10 pm at Citi Field.

The Mets will send right hander Jacob deGrom (15-9, 3.55 ERA) to the mound tonight. deGrom picked up his 15th win back on September 16th, when he allowed one run in seven innings to defeat the Atlanta Braves. The Mets originally had deGrom slotted in to start on Friday but pushed his start back two days due to a stomach bug. The Nationals will counter with their ace, right hander Max Scherzer (15-6, 2.59 ERA). Scherzer also earned his 15th win in his last start, giving up two runs in seven innings to defeat the Braves last Tuesday.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. RF Nori Aoki
2. 2B Jose Reyes
3. LF Brandon Nimmo
4. C Travis d’Arnaud
5. 1B Dominic Smith
6. 3B Phillip Evans
7. SS Amed Rosario
8. CF Juan Lagares
9. SP Jacob deGrom

Pre-Game Notes:

• deGrom is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts against the Nationals this season.
• Scherzer is 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in three starts against the Mets this season.
• After sitting out last night’s game, Travis d’Arnaud is back in the Mets’ lineup. d’Arnaud will catch and bat cleanup.
• Asdrubal Cabrera will get the day off today. Phillip Evans will play third base and bat sixth.
• This will be the final meeting of the season between the Mets and Nationals. The Nationals have already won the season series, posting a 12-6 mark over the first 18 games between them.