After a miraculous run to close within half a game of a wild card spot, the New York Mets start a very tough schedule. The Washington Nationals come into Citi Field for what is the most anticipated series since 2015, when they face these same Nationals.
How Did We Get Here?
The Mets pitching staff from top to bottom led the way throughout their hot stream. The hitting was hot and cold, but caught fire against the Miami Marlins. Their odds to make the playoffs were at single digits in July and now the odds are close to 50 percent.
The back page: Mets vs. Nationals: Citi will be rocking https://t.co/hRdL3lX9Lm pic.twitter.com/aOyXvbz5jt
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 9, 2019
The Mets seemed dead in the water and ready to sell at the trade deadline, but Brodie Van Wagenen had other plans. He added Marcus Stroman, traded Jason Vargas and kept the team in tact. The Mets took advantage of a relatively weak schedule, but the red hot Mets are no fluke.
Home Cooking Against the Nationals
The Mets swept the Nationals at home earlier this season and did the same during their magical 2015 run to move into first place in the NL East. Just like 2015 the Mets can pass the Nationals with a sweep, but their eyes are on the division not the wild card.
Forget the Wild Card. Pete Alonso says he would love to "slay the giants" and make a run at the division: pic.twitter.com/E1w82eTiaT
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 7, 2019
The Mets have Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom lined up to pitch. This give the Mets favorable matchups in all three games of the series. The Mets have been criticized for their weak schedule, but now they will truly be tested and they have the weapons to come out on top.