Series Preview: Nats @ Mets

 
Pitching Matchups, Times, & TV Listings 

• Friday, April 19, 7:10PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Matt Harvey (MASN2 HD)
• Saturday, April 20, 3:05PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Jeremy Hefner (FOX) 
• Sunday, April 21, 1:10PM - Jordan Zimmermann v. Dillon Gee (MASN2 HD)

 

After winning a three game set with the Miami Marlins, the Washington Nationals head north to New York where they will take on the New York Mets at Citi Field. This is the first match-up this year between the division rivals.  We've got our analysis, song of the series, our matchup to watch, and a classic series moment with FP and the clapper after the break.

Series Preview

The Mets are exceeding expectations as they are currently 7-6 (they finish up a series with the Rockies today), and the Nationals are doing the opposite, as they are 9-6 (sounds strange to say that).  An though it is only the 6th series of the season, it is a very important one for the Nats.

Despite some unfortunate illnesses and injuries to the Nationals down south in Miami, some major positives came out of that series. The Goon Squad (otherwise known as the Nationals’ bench players) hit the ball very well over the course of the 3 game set, specifically Tyler Moore and Stephen Lombardozzi. Kurt Suzuki and Bryce Harper are also hot like Hansel right now.

The Nationals have fared well in Citi Field in recent years, and they hope to continue this trend.  They are looking to pile up a few wins as their schedule is very tough over the next 6 weeks.

The Nationals will get to see the Mets hot pitcher Matt Harvey, and unfortunately the Mets will not get to face the Nats hot pitcher Ross Detwiler.  I guess Strasburg, Gio, and Zimmermann will have to do.

 The offense got going in Miami, and they will hope to continue to keep the bats hot...

Song of the Series: Bright Lights, Bigger City by Cee Lo Green 

This is a pop song which talks about New York city and all of the wild happenings that go on there. A part of the chorus states “bright lights and the big city, it belongs to us tonight,” which is exactly what the Nationals will hope to be saying after each game. (Well…really only on Friday, since Saturday and Sunday are day games, but you get the point.)

Matchup to Watch: Nationals Lineup vs Matt Harvey 

Matt Harvey has been lights out so far this season.  He even flirted with a no-hitter in Minnesota in his third start of the season. Harvey faced the Nationals once last season, losing to John Lannan even though he only gave up 1 earned run, a solo shot to Ryan Zimmerman. In that loss, he had 10 strikeouts, which is not a good sign for a Nationals lineup that is strike out-prone.

Classic Matchup Moment

This kid was clapping like a maniac right underneath the press box all night long at Citi Field last season.  It was so loud you could clearly hear it on TV and Bob & FP were getting annoyed.  FP ended up getting security to make the kid stop clapping.  The kid made out with some cool swag.

Relive The Full Story With Audio & Pictures Here

 

Written By Kevin Craig