7/7/18 Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets

MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets

For just the third time since the middle of April, the New York Mets (35-49) are on a winning streak. The Mets picked up their second consecutive win with a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays (43-44) thanks to a walk off grand slam from Jose Bautista. New York will look to record its third straight W as they continue their series with Tampa this afternoon. First pitch for the middle game of the weekend set is scheduled for 4:10 pm at Citi Field.

7/7/18 Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets
Jul 6, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jose Bautista (11) hits a game winning grand slam in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets will send left hander Steven Matz (4-5, 3.46 ERA) to the mound today. Matz delivered another solid turn on Sunday, holding the Miami Marlins to an unearned run in 5.1 innings to earn his fourth win of the season. The Rays will counter with a lefty of their own, Blake Snell (11-4, 2.24 ERA), to complete the matchup of southpaws. Snell dominated the Houston Astros on Sunday, allowing one run in 7.1 innings to pick up his 11th win of the season.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

  1. CF Brandon Nimmo
  2. RF Jose Bautista
  3. 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
  4. LF Michael Conforto
  5. 1B Wilmer Flores
  6. 3B Todd Frazier
  7. C Kevin Plawecki
  8. SS Amed Rosario
  9. SP Steven Matz

Pre-Game Notes:

  • Neither team has faced the opposing starter before.
  • Kevin Plawecki will catch the day game after the night game, giving Devin Mesoraco the day off, and bat seventh.
  • The Mets are looking to win their first series since they swept the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field in the middle of May.
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