The New York Mets (62-59) got a win they desperately needed last night, topping the Atlanta Braves 10-8 in a game that turned from a blowout into a nail biter late. Despite hanging on for dear life, the Mets were able to snap a three game losing skid and gain a game on two teams in the National League’s crowded wild card picture. The Mets will look to build on the momentum of that win when they continue their road trip with a visit to one of the American League’s worst teams, the Kansas City Royals (43-78). First pitch for the opener of this weekend set is scheduled for 8:15 pm at Kauffman Stadium.
Mets’ fans may not be too fond of the Royals after they beat the Amazin’s in the 2015 World Series, but things have gotten a bit depressing in Kansas City. The Royals are currently in the midst of a massive rebuilding project, and as a result are one of three AL squads likely to lose over 100 games. One of the few bright spots for Kansas City has been infielder Whit Merrifield, who is hitting .305 with 14 homers, 62 RBI’s, and has stolen 16 bases so far this season. Outfielder Jorge Soler is also breaking out, crushing 35 homers and driving in 87 runs to lead the Royals in both of those categories, but apart from those two there isn’t much to write home about for Kansas City. Simply put, this is another gift from the scheduling gods that the Mets need to take advantage of.
The Mets will send right hander Noah Syndergaard (8-5, 3.89 ERA) to the mound today. Syndergaard continued his second half brilliance last Saturday, limiting the Washington Nationals to two runs in seven innings of work, but he was not a factor in the decision. The Mets ended up winning that game 4-3. The Royals will counter with lefty Mike Montgomery (2-5, 5.19 ERA), who was acquired prior to the trade deadline. Montgomery had his finest start with the Royals last Saturday, tossing seven shutout innings to pick up his first win with his new club.
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
New series with Noah on the bump. #LGM
⌚️ 👉 8:15 p.m.
🏟️ 👉 Kansas City, Mo
💪 👉 @Noahsyndergaard
👀 👉 @SNYtv
👂 👉 @wcbs880, @ESPNDep1050AM
💻 👉 https://t.co/mLnOyxcg00 pic.twitter.com/HnN07tRLIZ— New York Mets (@Mets) August 16, 2019
Pre-Game Notes:
- The Mets and Royals last met in 2016, with the Mets winning three out of four against Kansas City.
- The Mets and Royals played two games in Kauffman Stadium that year, with the teams splitting the pair.
- Syndergaard is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two career regular season starts against the Royals, which doesn’t factor in his win over them in Game 3 of the 2015 World Series.
- Montgomery is 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA in four career appearances, including two starts, against the Mets.
- Todd Frazier will serve as the designated hitter tonight and bat fifth, opening up a start at third base for Ruben Tejada, who will bat ninth.
- Wilson Ramos get a night off today, allowing Tomas Nido to catch for Syndergaard. Nido will bat eighth.
- The Mets have recalled right hander Paul Sewald from AAA Syracuse to add a new arm to their bullpen. Drew Gagnon, who gave up four home runs last night, was optioned to the minors and Tim Peterson was designated for assignment to open a 40 man roster spot for Sewald.
- Chelsor Cuthbert has a homer in three career at bats against Syndergaard, while Soler is 2 for 3 against him.
- Michael Conforto does have a homer against Montgomery, his lone hit against him in four at bats.
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