Noah Syndergaard (3-2, 2.53 ERA) gets the ball for the New York Mets (21-16) as they go up against Max Scherzer (4-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (23-15) in the first of a three-game series at Citi Field. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 17 and will air on MASN and SNY.
In his last start, Syndergaard pitched 8.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 4-3 victory over the Dodgers. Yoenis Cespedes (.287, 22 Rs, 12 HRs, 32 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Nationals were also victorious the last time Scherzer pitched. He pitched well, going 9.0 innings, giving up two runs and striking out 20 in a 3-2 victory over the Tigers.
Notes
Washington recorded at least two errors for the second time this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Nationals are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Mets have a 7-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mets are 14-4. The Nationals have an 18-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 152 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 14th with 161.
Ranking 15th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.732). New York ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .747.
The Nationals are 12-12 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Mets are 8-10 when they allow at least one homer.
