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Washington Nationals vs. Mets Series Preview (6/27-6/29)

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) delivers a pitch to an Atlanta Braves batter in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Mets won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) delivers a pitch to an Atlanta Braves batter in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Mets won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Jun 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Noah Syndergaard (8-2. 2.08 ERA) vs. Joe Ross (6-4, 3.11) – 7:05 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN/MLB Network

While Syndergaard hasn’t lost a start since May 6 against the San Diego Padres, there are some concerns about him going into tonight’s start. Against the Royals on June 22, he went six innings, gave up three runs on eight hits, and struck out four in a win.

However, Syndergaard left the game early and went to the hospital to have his elbow checked out. While he got good news, it is the second time Syndergaard has gone to the doctor about his elbow this season. Nevertheless, the pitcher Mets fans call Thor is 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA in four starts this month and he has only one start this year where he’s given up more than three earned runs (May 1 vs. the Giants).

Syndergaard is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four starts against the Washington Nationals. Back on May 17, he gave up five hits and struck out ten in a 2-0 win. Anthony Rendon is 4-for-10 with a double and a home run against him.

Against the Dodgers on Monday, Ross went 6.1 innings, gave up two runs on seven hits, struck out five, and walked one in a no-decision. The only mistakes he made in that start were a wild pitch in the first inning that led to a run and a Corey Seager home run in the third.

Even though Ross got off to a bad start this month, the 23-year-old has thrown three straight quality starts and he has given up three earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven outings.

Ross has not faced the Mets this season, but he did face them twice last year (0-1, 2.84 ERA) and gave up only four runs in 12.2 innings. Neil Walker is 1-for-3 against Ross with a solo home run.

Prediction: This game should be a close pitcher’s duel with the way both of these teams are struggling to score runs. While I expect Ross to keep the Nats within striking distance, the offense hasn’t figured out Syndergaard yet and I don’t expect that to change tonight. Mets take the series opener.

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup

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