Mets Game Preview: (6/11/21) vs. San Diego Padres (37-27)

Sep 3, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Miguel Castro (50) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets and San Diego Padres have a rematch of last weekend’s thrilling series at Citi Field. After a terrific 14-1 victory to finish off the road trip, they will try to rekindle the output against the Padres dominant pitching staff. The first pitch from Citi Field is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

The Mets have found a way to survive their typical June swoon so far by going 4-4 this month. They are happy to return home after their long road trip and begin their homestand, where they have found plenty of success. Despite playing the least amount of home games (20), they have more home wins (15) than nine other teams. Pitching is the main reason why they are playing well at home with a 1.81 ERA and allowing just seven home runs at Citi Field. The Mets will also play in front of their largest home crowd of the season at just over 23,000 fans.

The Padres wish they played in the NL East, where they would be in first place with their 37-27 record. However, everyone with the Mets is thankful they only have to worry about the dynamic Fernando Tatis Jr. twice a season. The MVP caliber shortstop has 17 home runs, 13 stolen bases and is well on his way to a 30-30 season; the first Padre to accomplish the feat. Tatis Jr. running ability translates to a team that leads MLB with 65 stolen bases, with the second-best team only having 43 steals.

Pitching Matchup

Jacob deGrom and his 0.62 ERA faces off against the Padres for the second consecutive start. He was magnificent in his last start, pitching seven shutout innings with 11 strikeouts and holding the Padres to three hits. deGrom needed just 85 pitches to get through his start and should get to the 100 pitch plateau tonight. Then, of course, the heavyweight matchup of deGrom vs. Tatis will be on full display for the enjoyment of all baseball fans.

Blake Snell also faces the same team for the second straight start and dominated the Mets. Snell carried a no-hitter through six innings to complete seven scoreless with just one hit allowed. Over three career starts at Citi Field, Snell has a 2.00 in 18 innings pitched. The matchup between deGrom and Snell features three Cy Young Awards between them.

Matchups To Lookout For

Blake Snell vs. Kevin Pillar: 7-for-19 (.368), 2 Doubles, Walk, 2 Strikeouts

Jacob deGrom vs. Victor Caratini: 4-for-12 (.333), 2 Home Runs, 2 Strikeouts

Jacob deGrom vs. Manny Machado: 6-for-18 (.333), Walk, 6 Strikeouts

Jacob deGrom vs. Wil Myers: 4-for-22 (.182), 2 Doubles, Home Run, 2 Walks, 10 Strikeouts

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