New York Mets

The New York Mets had a tough weekend in Queens. They lost three consecutive games to the Pittsburgh Pirates at home. Luckily, the Washington Nationals’ six game losing streak has allowed the Mets to maintain a 4.5 game lead over the NL East.

Manager Terry Collins told Fox Sports:

I believe it in my heart, as I’m sitting here, if any of you guys in this room would’ve told me May 15th that with 44 games left in the season, we’d have a 4 1/2 game lead, I’d take it

The Mets now look to begin their upcoming nine game road trip with two wins against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Park.

The Orioles are currently in the middle of a much tighter divisional battle, currently standing in third place in the AL East, four games out of the top position.

This is a critical series for both teams with the MLB season winding down. The Mets look to end their three game losing streak, while the Orioles look to build upon their four game winning streak.

Tuesday, August 18th

Probable Pitchers: Jacob deGrom vs. Kevin Gausman

New York has won all six of the six most recent games deGrom pitched in. With a 1.64 ERA since the All Star game, DeGrom has become the most dominant pitcher on New York’s terrific rotation. In his last appearance against Baltimore, DeGrom allowed just one run on six hits, and got the win.

Gausman enters tonight 2-4 with a 4.48 ERA. The 24-year-old will look to limit a Mets offense that has been one of the least productive in the league this year. Gausman has had a rough month, with a 1-2 record and a 5.03 ERA thus far. He looks to lower the ERA and tack a W onto the record in Tuesday night’s inter-league matchup.

Wednesday, August 19th

Probable Pitchers: Noah Syndergaard vs. Ubaldo Jimenez

Although Syndergaard is no DeGrom, he too is proving to the MLB just how talented he is this season. The rookie has posted a 7-6 record to accompany his 3.07 ERA.

He told Newsday on Sunday at Citi Field:

They have quite a bit of thunder in their lineup…But I’m looking forward to it and I’m feeding off [my] last start. I think it’ll be a good outing

He has been a huge part of the Mets pitching success and looks to continue his effectiveness in Baltimore this week.

Jimenez’s last start against New York did not go so well. In just four innings, he allowed six hits and three earned runs.  Jimenez had a great start to his season, but since the all star break he has an ERA of 7.39. Jimenez will have the opportunity to get back on track on Wednesday against the mediocre Mets lineup.

Jimenez told the Baltimore Sun earlier in the month:

It’s not easy coming into the stadium every day knowing you are not doing what you’re supposed to…Especially in the spot we are in right now, and that’s fighting for the division and the wild card, one of those two

Prediction: Game 1: Mets 4 Orioles 1 / Game 2: Mets 6 Orioles 2
Photo by apardavila

At just 17-years old, this New Jersey writer has quite the resume. Has written for several sites such as FanSided, Daily Game, etc. Griffin is a Fantasy Football guru and a diehard Islanders and Nets fan.