Game Chat: Nationals vs. Mets, 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 • 7:10 p.m.
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
LHP Mitchell Parker (7-9, 4.24) against RHP Thomas B. (3-5, 4.48)
SNY

The Mets came back and won a decisive game against the Nationals on Monday night! The Mets had a fantastic start from Sean Manaeabut the bats disappeared again. After he hit the bat of Jose IglesiasThe Mets sent the game into overtime, where Starling Marte had the walk-off hit.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers did the Mets a favor and beat the Braves again. The Diamondbacks lost, so the Mets enter today as the only holders of the third Wild Card spot, just one spot behind second.

Mets lineup

1. Jose Iglesias – 2B
2. Starling Marte – RF
3. Pete Alonso – 1B
4. Mark Vientos – 3B
5. Thomas B. – LF
6. JD Martinez – DH
7. Francisco Alvarez – C
8. Harrison Bader – CF
9. Luisangel Acuña – SS

Tylor Megill is looking to lead the Mets to victory again. On the season, Megill has a 4.48 ERA, 3.52 FIP, 1.316 WHIP and 87 ERA+ over 62 1/3 innings. He's just off to a fantastic start against the Blue Jays, limiting them to one hit over six innings while striking out six batters. Since returning to the Mets' rotation, Megill has allowed four runs on 11 hits and four walks over 15 1/3 innings while striking out 18 batters (2.35 ERA, 1.80 FIP). The Nationals were better than Megill in June, scoring five runs (four earned) over five innings.

The Nationals have the following career numbers against him:

Opponent formation

1. CJ Abrams – SS
2. James Wood – LF
3. Jose Tena – 3B
4. Juan Yepez – DH
5. Luis Garcia Jr. – 2B
6. Keibert Ruiz – C
7. Dylan Crews – RF
8. Joey Gallo – 1B
9. Jacob Young – CF

Mitchell Parker is coming off his rookie season in which he started 27 games and threw 142 1/3 innings with a 4.24 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.272 WHIP and 95 ERA+. He's off to a good start, allowing two unearned runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Marlins. In his five starts prior to that, Parker struggled, allowing 19 earned runs in 23 1/3 innings (7.33 ERA, 3.56 FIP). The Mets had a strong outing against Parker in early July, scoring five runs on five hits, including three home runs in six innings.

The Mets have the following career numbers against Parker:

Game Notes

Kodai Senga had a bullpen session and fielded drills today. He could be activated before the end of the regular season.

It is James Wood's birthday! He turns 22 today.

Three things to look out for

1. I am Jose Iglesias. Iglesias has snapped a 10-game hitting streak after yesterday's 2-4 performance. In the home stretch, he's hit 14-for-36 with two doubles and a batting average of .389/.436/.444. He's not very strong right now, but he's getting on base. While Lindor recovers, it looks like Iglesias will get the first bat. Iglesias has saved this team before, and he continues to deliver great work when the Mets need him most during this home stretch.
2. Can JD Martinez get out of his slump? In his five games, JD has completed 0 of 18 at-bats with two walks and four strikeouts. Two of those four strikeouts came in Monday night's game. There are 12 games left in the season – can Martinez turn things around in the final few weeks?
3. Inevitable. The Mets are at their best when they feel inevitable. The 2022 Mets felt inevitable – never out of action. The Grimace Mets were inevitable – they were going to win the game. The Mets have felt like they always had a chance during their recent winning streak. Losing two straight games in Philly after taking a lead has dulled that sense of inevitability somewhat, especially when coupled with the injury to Lindor. Monday night was a good step forward in regaining that confidence. Let's hope for that same feeling tonight when the Mets hitters go to work early.

Let's go, Mets!