Washington @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2012 ) NY Mets 9, Washington 5
The New York Mets are spiraling out of contention in the National League East, dropping eight of nine games since the All-Star break, and may be staring at their last chance to get back in the race when they host the division-leading Washington Nationals in a three-game series. New York lost two of three to Washington a week ago and were swept in a three-game set by the Los Angeles Dodgers, surrendering 23 runs in the process.
This series will conclude a stretch of 14 consecutive games against NL East opponents for Washington, which won the final two against Atlanta to maintain a 3 1/2-game edge over the Braves. The Nationals absorbed a blow Sunday when an MRI exam revealed a tear in the left oblique of All-Star shortstop Ian Desmond. His replacement, Danny Espinosa, is riding an eight-game hitting streak and will slide over from second base to shortstop.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-6, 2.35 ERA) vs. Mets RH Chris Young (2-4, 4.11)
Zimmermann's record may not quite reflect it, but his ERA speaks volumes to his superb pitching. The 26-year-old has has gone 4-0 in his last five outings, allowing a total of five runs in that span. He blanked the Mets on four hits over six innings Wednesday and has pitched at least six innings in all 19 starts this season.
Young has lost three consecutive starts, including his last outing against Zimmermann and the Nationals, when he allowed two runs in six innings. He also was beaten by the Nationals a month ago, giving up three runs in six innings. In eight career starts against Washington, Young is 3-2 with a 2.77 ERA and .208 batting average against.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman had two homers Sunday, giving him 11 in his last 23 games. He has 26 RBIs in that span.
2. Mets 2B Daniel Murphy was 9-for-11 against the Dodgers, including a pair of four-hit games.
3. Washington OF Roger Bernadina is 11-for-19 in his last six games.