8/12/21 Game Preview: Washington Nationals at New York Mets, Doubleheader Edition

MLB: Game One-Washington Nationals at New York Mets

Rain scuttled the plans of the New York Mets (57-55) and Washington Nationals (50-63) for a second straight day on Wednesday. The teams were able to complete Tuesday’s suspended game, which resulted in an 8-7 Mets win, but rain wiped out the regularly scheduled night game. The two teams will make it up today as part of a single-admission doubleheader. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. at Citi Field while Game 2 will begin roughly 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1.

Right-hander Marcus Stroman (7-11, 2.83 ERA) is set to start Game 1 for the Mets. Stroman lasted five innings against the Phillies on Friday, allowing two runs, but was stuck with a third straight loss due to a lack of run support. The Nationals will counter with lefty Sean Nolin (3-3, 3.72 ERA across two minor league levels), his first big league appearance since he was a member of the Oakland A’s in 2015.

Game 2 will see righty Trevor Williams (4-2, 5.06 ERA) make his Mets’ debut after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Williams’ last big league start came as a member of the Cubs on July 25 when he tossed 6.1 shutout innings to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nationals will counter with righty Erick Fedde (4-8, 5.15 ERA). Fedde was hit hard by the Atlanta Braves last Friday, giving up five runs (four earned) in 4.2 innings pitched to suffer his eighth loss of the year.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WCBS

New York Mets Lineup (Game 1):

Pre-Game Notes:

  • Both games will be scheduled for seven innings as part of the 2021 health and safety rules.
  • This will be the 12th doubleheader of the season for the Mets. They are 13-9 in doubleheader games this season and have secured at least a split in each of their previous 12 twin bills, including in their last one against the Atlanta Braves on July 26.
  • This is the fifth doubleheader of the season for the Nationals, who are 3-7 in doubleheader games this season and split their last doubleheader with the Phillies on July 29.
  • Stroman faced the Nationals in New York on April 24, giving up five runs (four earned) in four innings to suffer his first loss of the season.
  • Nolin has never faced the Mets before.
  • Fedde is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts against the Mets this season.
  • Williams faced the Nationals on May 20, giving up two runs in 4.2 innings of work in a game the Cubs won 5-2.
  • Javier Baez (lower back tightness) is still out of the Mets’ lineup for Game 1. Jonathan Villar will start again at shortstop and bat sixth.
  • Soto is 2 for 3 with a double, a home run and two RBI’s against Stroman.
  • Active Nationals’ hitters are 11 for 31 (.483) and an 1.186 OPS against Stroman.
  • Michael Conforto (4 for 9, HR, 3 RBI) and Jeff McNeil (5 for 8, 2B, RBI) have good numbers against Fedde.
Arrow to top