Jul 18, 2019; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
This post was published on 2019-08-09 09:59
