9/21/18 Game Preview: New York Mets at Washington Nationals

The New York Mets (71-82) had a successful night in our nation’s capital yesterday. The offense picked up three runs against Max Scherzer, putting a dent into his Cy Young hopes by raising his ERA, and the Mets held on for a 12 inning, 5-4 victory over the Washington Nationals (77-76) to snap a two game losing streak. The Mets will look to move closer to officially eliminating the Nationals from playoff contention when the two teams continue their four game series tonight. First pitch for today’s game is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Nationals Park.

The Mets will send their ace, right hander Jacob deGrom (8-9, 1.78 ERA), to the mound today. deGrom was solid again in his last start, allowing three runs in seven innings against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, but was not a factor in the decision of a game the Mets went on to lose 4-3. The Nationals will counter with righty Joe Ross (0-0, 3.00 ERA). Ross made his return from Tommy John surgery on September 13th, allowing two runs in five innings of work, but did not receive a decision for his efforts. The Nationals went on to lose that game 4-3.

Local Coverage: 

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. SS Amed Rosario
2. 2B Jeff McNeil
3. LF Michael Conforto
4. RF Jay Bruce
5. CF Brandon Nimmo
6. 1B Dominic Smith
7. 3B Todd Frazier
8. C Devin Mesoraco
9. SP Jacob deGrom

Pre-Game Notes:

• deGrom is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in two starts against the Nationals this season.
• Ross is 2-2 with a 4.29 ERA in six career starts against the Mets.
• After sitting out yesterday, Todd Frazier is back in the Mets’ lineup. Frazier will start at third base and bat seventh.
• For the first time since September 3rd, Devin Mesoraco is in the Mets’ lineup. Mesoraco will catch and bat eighth.
• Bryce Harper (10 for 28, 2 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI’s), Adam Eaton (4 for 10, 2 2B), and Trea Turner (7 for 22, 2B, HR, 3 RBI’s) have had success against deGrom in their careers.
• Michael Conforto (3 for 6, 3 RBI’s) and Brandon Nimmo (5 for 6) have had small sample size success against Ross.