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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 24, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Matz (7-3, 3.29) vs. Max Scherzer (8-5, 3.52) – 7:05 p.m ET, MASN2/ESPN2

After a great start to his season, Matz has had his fair share of struggles lately. On Friday night, the Mets gave Matz a 8-0 lead, but he was unable to finish the fifth inning against the Braves. He went 4.1 innings and gave up six runs on nine hits in a no-decision.

The 25-year-old left-hander has been winless in his last five starts. Plus, he told the media after Friday’s start that he has been dealing with tightness in his elbow. This month, he is 0-2 with a 5.91 ERA and opponents are hitting .333 against him after hitting only .172 in May (4-0. 1.31 ERA).

Back on May 20, Matz threw eight shutout innings, gave up four hits, struck out seven, and walked one in a 2-0 win over the Nats (first career start against Washington).

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As for Scherzer, his command was erratic in the first inning against the Brewers and the high pitch count early ended up costing him. He went six innings, gave up five runs on five hits, struck out ten, and walked three in a loss.

Even though Scherzer struck out 10+ batters for the third consecutive start, he gav away a 3-2 lead when he gave up solo home runs to Keon Broxton in the fifth and former Met Kirk Nieuwenhis in the sixth. While Scherzer has held opponents to a .203 batting average, he has given up 20 home runs this year (most in National League).

Against the Mets on May 17, Scherzer went 6.1 innings, gave up two solo home runs on three hits, struck out ten, and walked three in a loss to Syndergaard. He is 3-3 with a 2.30 ERA in nine career starts against New York.  Loney is 8-for-26 (.308) with two home runs and eight RBI’s against Scherzer in his career.

Next: Takeaways From 3-2 Win Over Brewers

Prediction: Scherzer has fared well against the Mets in his career, but this is the kind of team that can hit multiple home runs and change a game with the long ball. Scherzer will give up his fair share of home runs, but the Washington Nationals might be catching Matx at the right time. Nats get the win, but lose two out of three in the series.

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