9/2/17 Game Preview: New York Mets at Houston Astros, Game 2

The New York Mets (58-76) played the gracious role of punching bags this afternoon as the Houston Astros (81-53) returned home with a 12-8 win. Matt Harvey looked rusty in his first big league start since June, giving up seven runs in two innings of work to take a loss. The Mets didn’t quit in the game, putting up eight runs on 11 hits, but the hole was simply too deep for them to dig out of. The two teams are back in action tonight as they wrap up their double header, with first pitch for Game 2 scheduled for 8:10 pm at Minute Maid Park.

The Mets will send righty Seth Lugo (5-3, 4.85 ERA) to the mound tonight. Lugo returned from the disabled list last Sunday and allowed two runs in 3.2 innings of work against the Washington Nationals, but didn’t factor in the decision. The Mets ended up losing that game 5-4. The Astros will counter with right hander Brad Peacock (10-2, 3.12 ERA), who has been a revelation as a starter after beginning the season in the bullpen. Peacock pitched very well in his last start, allowing one run in six innings of work, but also did not receive a decision for his efforts. The Astros ended up losing that game 7-6 to the Los Angeles Angels last Saturday.

Local Coverage:

Television: SNY

Radio: WOR

New York Mets Lineup:

1. RF Nori Aoki
2. CF Juan Lagares
3. DH Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 3B Wilmer Flores
5. 1B Dominic Smith
6. C Kevin Plawecki
7. LF Brandon Nimmo
8. 2B Gavin Cecchini
9. SS Matt Reynolds

Pre-Game Notes:

• The Astros have never seen Lugo before.
• Peacock is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, but hasn’t faced them since the 2014 season.
• Newly signed Nori Aoki will make his Mets’ debut tonight, batting lead off and playing right field.
• Asdrubal Cabrera will serve as the designated hitter tonight and bat third.
• Jose Reyes, Amed Rosario, and Travis d’Arnaud will sit out of the night cap. Gavin Cecchini will play second base and bat eighth, Matt Reynolds will play shortstop and bat ninth, and Kevin Plawecki will catch and bat sixth.