The New York Mets (35-26) have done their part to maintain their National League East lead through a tough stretch at the start of June. Going 5-2 on their last homestand against the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs was a good start, but the Mets can make a big statement over the next two weeks when they are slated to play 16 games against divisional foes. That stretch begins tonight with a four-game weekend series against the Washington Nationals (30-35). First pitch for tonight’s series opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park.
Left-hander Joey Lucchesi (1-4, 5.18 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Mets tonight. Lucchesi is coming off his best start of the season on Sunday when he held the Padres to one run in five innings but was stuck with a no-decision after the Mets’ bullpen collapsed in a 7-3 loss. The Nationals will counter with righty Erick Fedde (4-4, 3.86 ERA). Fedde picked up a win last Saturday, tossing five shutout innings against the San Francisco Giants to secure his fourth victory of the season.
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
Friday night lineup. #LGM pic.twitter.com/7FyR6vQ7GW
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 18, 2021
Pre-Game Notes:
- The Mets won two out of three against the Nationals when these teams last met in late April.
- The Mets went 2-4 at Nationals Park last season.
- Lucchesi is 1-0 with a 5.79 ERA in three career starts against the Nationals.
- Fedde is 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in nine career appearances, including four starts, against the Mets.
- James McCann and Kevin Pillar will get the night off. Tomas Nido will catch and hit seventh while Mason Williams starts in center field and bats eighth.
- Victor Robles is 3 for 6 with a double, a home run and one RBI against Lucchesi.
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