The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers play the final game of their four-game weekend series as the Mets look to avoid a sweep. While the weather is ugly on the east coast, the weather in Los Angeles is a typical 72 degrees and sunny. The first pitch from Dodger Stadium is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. as the Mets finish off their road trip.
Thank you to all the #Mets fans who made the trip! We appreciate the support on the road. #LGM pic.twitter.com/CZRUJbRFsy
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 22, 2021
The big question surrounding Sunday’s finale is whether Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez will be activated off the IL and immediately inserted into the lineup. As of 2:10 p.m. ET, the Mets have not released their starting lineup, which means both will be game-time decisions. It has been clear the Mets lack energy on the field, and any production from their bats will be welcomed with open arms.
The Dodgers have found ways to be a little bit better than the Mets throughout their season series. Outside of their 14-4 blowout, every game has been a close, down to the wire matchup. The difference is the Dodgers’ ability to wear pitchers down on offense to get clutch hits and their abundance of home runs. The Dodgers have clubbed ten homers against the Mets while the Mets have just four, and Pete Alonso has half.
Pitching Matchup
Marcus Stroman continues his amazing 2021 campaign after his gutsy outing against the San Francisco Giants. Stroman battled through seven innings, allowing three runs, struck out nine, and threw a season-high 114 pitches. He has been the most consistent Mets starter with a 2.84 ERA and leads the team with 139.1 innings pitched. Stroman may not win the Cy Young but is certainly putting himself in a position to earn a few votes.
Former Cy Young winner David Price takes the mound and is back in the starting rotation after starting the season in the bullpen. The change of roles has not deterred Price as he finds ways to put together solid outings. In 31 outings (10 starts), Price has a 3.62 ERA in 59.2 innings pitched. In his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he pitched 4.2 innings and allowed two runs. Price should not last long as he only has two outings of five innings or more and has one outing above 70 pitches.
Matchups To Lookout For
Marcus Stroman vs. Albert Pujols: 5-for-14 (.357), Double, Walk, 2 Strikeouts
David Price vs. Kevin Pillar: 3-for-22 (.136), Double, Home Run, Walk, 8 Strikeouts
David Price vs. Jonathan Villar: 4-for-21 (.190), 4 Strikeouts