Washington Nationals at Mets Series Preview (9/2-9/4)

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Aug 27, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

A.J. Cole (0-1, 4.97 ERA) vs. Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55) – 7:10 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN2/WUSA9

Cole is still searching for his first Major League win, but he had another decent outing on August 27 against the Rockies. He went 5.2 innings, gave up three runs on four hits, struck out four, and walked three on 112 pitches in the loss.

While Cole did throw a wild pitch on an intentional walk, he did throw 71 of his 112 pitches for strikes. Plus, teams are only hitting .191 against him and left-handed hitters are 4-for-25 this season against Cole. He hasn’t been dominant, but he’s done a good jo against some of the better lineups in the league.

The 24-year-old right-hander has not faced the Mets in his career, but Kelly Johnson does have two at-bats against him from last season. Johnson went 1-for-2 with a double and a two RBI’s

As the calendar shifts to September, Syndergaard is starting to round into form, which is key for the Mets rotation. Against the Phillies on August 27, the 24-year-old right-hander went seven innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out seven, and walked two on 104 pitches in his third straight win.

During the month of August, Sydnergaard went 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts. But, in his last two outings, he has given up one run on four hits over 15 innings. Plus, he has struck out six or more batters in eight consecutive starts.

Against the Washington Nationals this season, Syndergaard is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts. Anthony Rendon is 5-for-13 with a home run and three RBI’s in his career against Syndergaard. Another player to watch is Clint Robinson, who has two home runs in six at-bats.

Prediction: Cole has pitched well in his first two starts of 2016, but this matchup looks lopsided in favor of the Mets. Cole will keep the Nats in the game, but I expect Syndergaard to bring his A stuff to the table in a game New York has to have considering who they will face in the next two games. Mets get the win in the series opener.

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup

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