Mets @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/19)

Mets vs Nationals

12:35 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The match up of the series, Gio vs Dickey.  If you have to, take off work to get to the park.
• The Nationals will try and complete the 3 game sweep, taking a bigger hold on 1st place.

Pitching Match Up:

• R.A. Dickey
• 12-1 with a 2.66 ERA.
• Is third in the NL with 127 strikeouts. (tied)
• Gave up 5 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings during his last start.

• Gio Gonzalez
• 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA.
• Is third in the NL with 127 strikeouts. (tied) 
• Gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings during his last start.

Who to Watch:

•  Lucas Duda
• Batting .500 lifetime against Gio Gonzalez.
• Only has faced Gonzalez 3 times, reached base twice. (once on a walk)
• Went 1-4 last night with 2 strikeouts.

Keys to the Game:

1. Get to Dickey Early.  He has been hittable his last few starters...don't let him get back into his groove.
2. Complete Game.  Okay, so Gio doesn't have to pitch all nine, but having the game out of reach before the pen relieves him will help a tired looking relief core.
3. Cut Back LOB.  Nats stranded 10 last game.  With Dickey, that won't cut it.