The New York Mets (68-68) split a doubleheader yesterday in a very strange fashion. The win came after the Mets blew a 9-0 lead to the Washington Nationals (56-79) before hanging on for an 11-9 win. The night game saw the Mets play it conservative with their lineup, benching Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez for a precautionary measure and predictably struggled to score in a 4-3 loss. The net result was a half-game gained in the standings, which was a missed opportunity since both the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies lost earlier in the day. The Mets will look to try and gain more ground in the standings as they continue their series with the Nationals this afternoon. First pitch for today’s game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at Nationals Park.
Right-hander Taijuan Walker (7-9, 3.89 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Mets this afternoon. Walker’s last appearance came in the completion of Tuesday’s suspended game against the Miami Marlins, when he allowed three runs in 4.2 innings of work, but was not a factor in the decision as the Mets rallied for a 6-5 walk-off win. The Nationals will counter with rookie righty Josiah Gray (0-2, 4.73 ERA), who was one of the key players they received from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Max Scherzer trade. Gray was hammered by the Phillies in his last start, giving up six runs in four innings on Monday to record his second loss of the season.
Local Coverage:
Television: SNY
Radio: WCBS
New York Mets Lineup:
Today’s starters. #LGM pic.twitter.com/d8Tza3DuWn
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 5, 2021
Pre-Game Notes:
- Walker is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in two starts against the Nationals this season.
- Gray has never faced the Mets before.
- Both Lindor and Baez are in the lineup this afternoon. Lindor will bat second and start at shortstop while Baez plays second base and hits fifth.
- Travis Blankenhorn was optioned to AAA Syracuse after yesterday’s doubleheader to return the active roster to 28 players.
- RHP Geoff Hartlieb, who was designated for assignment after the Mets acquired Brad Hand, has been claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.
- Alex Avila (4 for 7, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and Alcides Escobar (3 for 7, 2 2B) have done well against Walker before.
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