Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/25)

Nationals vs Mets

12:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets will try to avoid their second consecutive sweep by winning today.
• The Nationals are trying to win their 5th game in a row.
• Johan Santana is on the DL, so Jeremy Hefner is replacing him in the rotation.

Pitching Match Up:

• Stephen Strasburg
• 10-4 with a 2.85 ERA.
• Hasn't pitched beyond 6 innings since June 20th.
• Gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings during his last start.

• Jeremy Hefner
• 1-3 with a 5.85 ERA.
• Last time he faced the Nats, he surrendered 3 runs in 6 innings.
• Has given up 5 runs in his last 3.1 innings.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Homered off Dickey last night to give the Nats the lead.
• His last two homeruns have come off the Mets.
• Batting .667 lifetime against Hefner with 1 homerun and 3 RBIs.

• Ike Davis
• Batting .400 lifetime against Strasburg.
• Went 1-4 in last nights game.
• His last 2 homeruns have come off of Nationals pitching.

Keys to the Game:

1. Strasburg Double Digit K's.  Time for Stras to bring home the sweep.
2. Hit Hefner Hard.  He's back in the rotation because of Santana's injury.  Hit him hard, early..and the Nats can get to the bullpen quickly.
3. Strikeout Ike.  He is the only Met's player who has more than 1 hit against Stras.