Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/24)

Nationals vs Mets

7:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets look to break a 4 game losing streak tonight behind R.A. Dickey.
• The Nats look to extend into a 4 game winning streak tonight behind Gio Gonzalez.
• Gio and Dickey faced off July 19th, with Dickey winning the matchup.

Pitching Match Up:

• Gio Gonzalez
• 12-5 with a 3.32 ERA.
• Last time facing the Mets, he went 3.1 innings and gave up 6 runs.
• Has given up the fewest homeruns (6) and the most walks (45) out of the Nats starters.

• R.A. Dickey
• 13-1 with a 2.84 ERA.
• Last time facing the Nats, he went 7.1 innings and gave up 3 runs.
• Has given up 3 runs in 14.2 innings faced against the Nats this season.

Who to Watch:

• Bryce Harper
• Came through big time with his bat in yesterday's 10 inning win.
• Batting .000 with 3 strikeouts against Dickey lifetime.
• Hitting .333 in his last 4 games against the NY Mets.

• David Wright
• Batting 1.000 with a homerun lifetime against Gio.
• Hit 2 homeruns on July 19th against the Nats.
• Hitting .471 in his last 4 games against the Nationals.

Keys to the Game:

1. Patience at the Plate.  Dickey had to come in for a relief appearance during the last series, meaning he wont be as rested tonight.  Let him throw a lot of pitches.
2. Stay Away Wright.  David Wright was outstanding the last series against the Nats, and his homerun last night shows he doesn't plan on slowing down.
3. G-G-Gio Time.  He hasn't looked quite the same since the All Star Break.  Time for him to get back on track.