Mets Game Preview (8/17/21) @ San Francisco Giants (77-42)

May 11, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets and San Francisco Giants matchup for game two of their series while the Mets look to avoid their fifth consecutive loss. Game two has a great pitching matchup lined up as runs should be at a premium tonight. The first pitch from San Francisco is scheduled for another 9:45 p.m. ET start from Oracle Park.

The Mets’ ability to score runs despite failing to get hits with runners in scoring position has become broken all logic. Pete Alonso‘s two-run triple was the only hit the Mets had with runners in scoring position, but the Mets still found a way to put up five runs. They recorded 10 hits but left nine runners on base and continues to make us question how good they could be if they could get multiple clutch hits.

Yesterday’s win was a perfect example of the way Gabe Kapler has managed his first-place Giants. Kapler used five of his six bench players and five relievers after Kevin Gausman‘s solid outing. He looks for every possible matchup and advantage he can squeeze out, and his players have executed far more times than they have not this season. It also helps when Kris Bryant tattooed two home runs as well. Bryant reminded the Mets of what they were missing when they decided to look elsewhere at the trade deadline.

Pitching Matchup

Marcus Stroman gets the start for the Mets and attempts to put an end to the losing streak. In his last start against the Washington Nationals, Stroman battled through 5.1 innings, allowing just one run and tying a season-high with eight strikeouts. This is an interesting matchup because of Stroman’s groundball prowess against the Giants’ high-powered home run offense.

Logan Webb is the Giants starter and has pitched like an ace since returning from the IL. In seven starts since returning, he has a 1.75 ERA, .195 average against, and 36 strikeouts in the same amount of innings. Webb was terrific in his last outing, shutting out the Colorado Rockies and holding them to three hits in six innings. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his last four starts.

Matchup To Lookout For

Marcus Stroman vs. Evan Longoria: 9-for-33 (.273), 2 Doubles, 2 Home Runs, 2 Walks, 7 Strikeouts