Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/23)

Nationals vs Mets

7:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets will look to gain back some ground on the Nationals starting tonight.
• Ian Desmond is hitting the DL for the Nationals, who are being carried by Ryan Zimmerman's hot bat at the moment.
• Young has pitched well against the Nats this season, but hasn't gotten a win against them.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jordan Zimmermann
• 7-6 with a 2.35 ERA.
• Has only allowed 1 run in his last 19 innings.
• Has given up 9 hits, 2 runs, and 0 walks against the Mets this season.

• Chris Young
• 2-4 with a 4.11 ERA.
• Has allowed 10 runs in his last 16 innings.
• Has given up 12 hits, 4 runs, and 2 walks against the Nats this season.

Who to Watch:

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Hitting .294 with a homerun against Young lifetime.
• In the last two series, he has hit 4 homeruns and is hitting .444.
• With Desmond sidelined, he is heating up at just the right time.

• Daniel Murphy
• Hitting .353 with a homerun against Zimmermann lifetime.
• Went 4-5 last night against the Dodgers.
• Went 2-6 in the last series against the Nationals.

Keys to the Game:

1. Do What You Do J-Zimm.  It's working.
2. Table Setters Gotta Set.  Zim is on fire, but the guys in front of him have to get on base.
3. Hit Young Hard.  His height makes a weird arm angle, but the Nats have seen him twice already.