The New York Mets needed to rebound on the road, and did just so winning 7-of-9 games. They’ll return home looking to reach another gear.
After a 3-5 start to the 2016 season, the New York Mets found their groove during their most recent road trip.
The boys in blue and orange won 2-of-3 against the Cleveland Indians and the Philadelphia Phillies, before finishing off this road trip with a sweep of the Atlanta Braves.
The key was clearly the offense, especially the home run ball. After hitting only two home runs in their first eight games, the Mets jacked a total of 23 long balls in this nine game road trip, flashing back memories of the second half of last season when the Mets became one of the most powerful offensive teams down the stretch.
Now they are back home for a nine game homestand starting on Monday, taking on the Cincinnati Reds.
The Mets have struggled at home so far at 2-4. However after a successful road trip while getting their offense back together, could the Mets keep up the good vibes going at Citi Field?
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Noah Syndergaard, RHP vs. Raisel Iglesias, RHP
Syndergaard has been the biggest story so far this year among pitchers. He is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 20 innings. Along with him throwing a variety of 90+ mph pitches, including his 95 mph slider, it’s somewhat common for the man they call “Thor” to reach triple digits. Right now, it’s obvious he’s the ace of this young Mets staff.
He will go up against a tough Cuban right hander in Raisel Iglesias who is off to a solid start himself at 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA.
Game 2: Bartolo Colon, RHP vs. Brandon Finnegan, LHP
Colon has gotten off to a decent start at 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA. He has been consistent at what he’s expected to do, going at least into the sixth inning and not giving up more than three runs.
Brandon Finnegan will oppose him. He is a former Kansas City Royals pitcher who was a part of K.C.’s 2014 World Series run as a reliever in his first year in the majors. Now he is a starter for Cincy and off to a decent start himself at 1-1 with a 3.74 ERA.
Game 3: Matt Harvey. RHP vs. Jon Moscot, RHP
Harvey finally picked up his first win of 2016 although it was another sort of average start for him in Atlanta. Harvey gave up two runs in five innings in that start. He has clearly not been the pitcher we’ve expected this season but the Mets are hoping the win could get him going confidence wise.
The 24-year old Moscot will oppose him. Moscot first burst into the majors late last season. So far this season, he is 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA.
Keys To A Series Win
Thor must continue to be Thor
There isn’t a better way to start this homestand than with the hardest thrower in baseball.
Syndergaard will look to jumpstart this homestand and dominate yet again. His presence could give the Mets and their fans a huge boost as well.
The Reds still have hitters like Brandon Philips, 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto and power hitter Jay Bruce that can hurt you. But Votto has been off to a slow start and if Syndergaard pitches like he has so far this season, he shouldn’t have many problems.
Bats must stay hot
The New York Mets struggled early because of their bats. The Amazins were back on the winning track on this road trip, mainly because of guess what? Their bats. As great as their pitching is, the bats are the key and the Mets must continue to hit not just the long ball but produce runs as well. If they can maintain their momentum offensively, they shouldn’t have much problem with this struggling Reds team.
Players to Watch
Noah Syndergaard
Of course.
He has been a must watch all season not only with his hairy looks but more importantly his pitching. He strikes out a lot of guys but fans also look at the radar gun and how hard he throws especially when he dials into the 100 mph stratosphere. He is the most dynamic pitcher at the start of this season and his start tomorrow will definitely warrant watching.
Curtis Granderson
The Grandyman has really revived his season on this road trip. Granderson’s recent surge got his average above .200 and he has hit four home runs on this trip including a two homer game (one of them a grand slam) and five RBIs on Friday’s contest.
In the Mets three game sweep versus the Braves, Grandy hit .462 with two homers, .533 on-base percentage, scored six runs, and drove in five. He has done everything as a leadoff hitter and the Mets offense will continue to soar if Curtis stays hot.
Eugenio Suarez
One hitter the Mets have to look out for is shortstop Eugenio Suarez. He is off to a torrid start with the bat, hitting .300 with five home runs, 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored. He bats in front of Votto, Philips and Bruce but he is one of the Reds most dangerous batters right now so the Mets must keep watch of him.
Game Times
- Game 1: Monday, 7:10 PM ET, SNY
- Game 2: Tuesday, 7:10 PM ET, SNY
- Game 3: Wednesday, 7:10 PM ET, SNY
The New York Mets have struggled at Citi Field so far to start this season but they had a terrific road trip and are too talented to continue floundering at home. They should get their mojo back in the friendly confines especially against a weak Reds team.
Predictions
Noah Syndergaard will continue his brilliance, going eight innings, only one run and 10 Ks.
Matt Harvey will build upon his first win of this season. He will finally reach seven innings, giving up only one runs and strike out seven, finally showing his “Dark Knight form.
Offense will stay steady and the New York Mets will show that their road trip was no fluke with a second straight series sweep.