Max Scherzer (9-6, 3.21) vs. Logan Verrett (3-5, 4.01) – 7:15 p.m, FOX
Scherzer didn’t have his best stuff against the Brewers on July 4, but he did keep the Washington Nationals in the ball game. He went six innings, gave up one run on four hits, struck out seven, and walked three on 114 pitches in the loss.
The only mistake Scherzer made in the game was a solo home run by Martin Maldonado in the top of the fifth. Despite the loss, the right-hander has given up only 10 runs in his last six starts combined. He still has the most strikeouts in the National League (155) and is third in innings pitched (120.2)
Scherzer has been dominant against the Mets this season as he is 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA in two starts and has 20 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. Over his last five starts against New York, he is 2-2 with a 1.51 ERA. Curtis Granderson is 8-for-24 (.333) with three doubles and two home runs against Scherzer.
The Mets were going to start Matt Harvey in this game Saturday night, but after yesterday’s win, the Mets put him on the disabled list. Here’s the latest on Harvey:
Matt Harvey has been diagnosed with "symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome" and is considering season-ending surgery. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 7, 2016
In Harvey’s place, the Mets will go with Logan Verrett, who has thrown out of the bullpen and has been a spot starter during his career.
When the Mets skipped Matz in the last Nats series, Verrett filled in and pitched a good game. He went five innings, gave up two runs on four hits, struck out one, and walked four in a loss to Scherzer on June 29. Daniel Murphy is 2-for-3 with a double and a home run against him.
Prediction: Even if Harvey was going to get the start in this game, Scherzer’s dominance against the Mets gives him the edge over the Mets as the Nats get the win on Saturday night.
Next: Sunday's Matchup