The Mets and Nationals conclude their 3 game series today in an afternoon game at 1:10 PM. Todays game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN 66.
We have a big pitching matchup as R.A. Dickey (8-1, 2.69 ERA) will take the ball against Chien Ming Wang (1-1, 6.43 ERA) who is making just his 3rd start since coming off the DL. Dickey’s knuckleball has been fantastic this year, including his past 3 starts where he is 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA and 30 K’s in 23.1 innings. Dickey has allowed just 1 run in his past 3 starts.
Wang has started just 1 game since his return from a hamstring injury, where he lasted just 4 innings, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits against the Miami Marlins.
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New York Mets 1) Kirk Nieuwenhuis CF
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Washington Nationals 1) Steve Lombardozzi LF |
Todays lineup courtesy of Metsblog.com
A couple of interesting points to todays lineup: Terry has moved Ike down to the 7 hole, behind Hairston who has been excellent coming off the bench for the Mets this year. Hairston usually faces lefties but will be in the game today. This is a possible foreshadowing of what may happen when Jason Bay does return. Bay is out of the lineup today with flu like symptoms. When Bay gets back, it looks like the possibility of Torres sitting and Bay will play LF.
The key to the game is to take advantage of Wang and not make him long for this game. The bullpen has been used a lot this series, and if the Mets can knock him around early, it may force Davey Johnson to go to the pen sooner than he’d like.
Dickey needs to continue to get ahead of batters and fool them with the knuckleball. He’s done a great job of keeping hitters off balance and his 30 K’s in 23 innings is pure proof of that.
As always, Lets Go Mets!!
