Mets @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/17)

Mets vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets are looking to make up serious ground on the division leading Nats.
• Jon Niese is coming off one of the worst games of the season, a 0-7 loss to the Cubs.
• First home game since before the All Star break for the Nats.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jon Niese
• 7-4 with a 3.74 ERA.
• Has given up a homerun in his last two starts, 15 total on the year.
• Hasn't faced Washington this season.

• Ross Detwiler
• 4-3 with a 3.43 ERA.
• Averaging 5.3 innings a start since returning from the pen on June 24th.
• Surrendered 11 hits last start against the Giants, the most he has all seasons.

Who to Watch:

• David Wright
• Batting .444 with a homerun and 4 RBIs against Detwiler lifetime.
• Batting .345 on the season with 11 homeruns and 30 extra base hits.
• Has stolen 9 bases, but has also been thrown out 7 times this season.

• Adam LaRoche
• Batting .333 lifetime against Niese with 2 homeruns.
• Went 0-5 with 7 left on base last night against the Mets.
• With Desmond out, LaRoche is the offensive leader in homeruns, walks, and RBIs.

Keys to the Game:

1. Run Support.  Detwiler is solid, but the Nats probably won't be winning a 1 run game.
2. Hit Early.  Niese is coming off one of his worst starts this season.  Don't let him regain confidence.
3. Be Hungry.  The Mets will be playing with desperation.  The Nats have to match their intensity level.