With the inter-league series on the line, New York Mets pitcher Steven Matz looks to seal the deal, and get his team back on track.
- New York Mets (4-6)
- Cleveland Indians (4-5)
- MLB, 4:10 pm ET, WPIX/STOh, Full Preview
- Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
The Mets will try to rebound and earn a series victory against the Cleveland Indians, and they’ll be trusting their top-prospect rookie, lefty Steven Matz, to deliver the much needed “W”.
In his last outing (and first of the season) against the Miami Marlins, Matz (0-1, 37.80 ERA) was simply demolished. He was pounded by the Fish to the tune of seven earned runs, just one strikeout, and lasted only 1 2/3 innings.
The responsibility doesn’t fall just on Matz’s shoulders, as the Mets’ offense appears to be alive and well for the time being.
After the Tribe busted out to a 7-1 lead, the Mets clawed back to make it 7-5 on the heels of Yoenis Cespedes and Neil Walker home runs.
The only notable lineup change is the absence of David Wright, who will have the day off to rest. Asdrubal Cabrera will take his place at the 2-spot in the order, and Wilmer Flores will man third base.
Additionally, Travis d’Arnaud took a live ball off of his elbow yesterday, and Kevin Plawecki will replace him behind the plate.
New York’s current five-game deficit in the National League East is larger than any hold they last season. In 2015, their largest was 4.5 games on July 5, 2015.
If I were the Mets, I’d take five games out in April over 4.5 out mid-season any day of the week.
The Washington Nationals are dominating with a 9-1 record through their first 10 and there are no signs of them slowing up. The one asterisk however, is their 8-0 record against the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
Then again, the Phillies earned two games out of three from the Mets.
Time for the Metropolitans to once again show that they’re in the business of winning ballgames.
We close out our series vs. Cleveland today at 1:10pm. Preview >>> https://t.co/wC2YAKGwYG pic.twitter.com/M0OO7tKXpe
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 17, 2016
Sunday #Mets at #Indians:
Granderson RF
Cabrera SS
Conforto LF
Cespedes DH
Duda 1B
Walker 2B
Flores 3B
De Aza CF
Plawecki CMatz LHP
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) April 17, 2016
Today's Indians Lineup:
Davis CF
Kipnis 2B
Lindor SS
Napoli 1B
Santana DH
Gomes C
Byrd RF
Uribe 3B
Ramirez LFKluber SP (0-2, 4.85)
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) April 17, 2016
Terry Collins expects to give Travis d'Arnaud another day off on Monday in Philadelphia to give more time for… https://t.co/KVpQJkhe2Y
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) April 17, 2016
