MMO Game Thread: Mets vs Nationals, 7:05 PM
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 • 7:05 PM
Nationals Park • Washington, DC
RHP José Butto (0-2, 4.30) vs. RHP Joan Adon (2-1, 5.90)
SNY
The Mets walloped the Nationals last night 11-5, hitting four home runs and collecting 11 hits in total. It was also the first time that all four baby Mets started in the same game, collectively going 5-for-13, with Mark Vientos and Francisco Álvarez doing most of the damage. The Mets are now 3-1 since all four young Mets have been on the roster together, and they look for the two-game sweep of the Nationals tonight.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mets Lineup
Tonight’s lineup against the Nats! #LGM pic.twitter.com/7ieC6O87Ts
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 6, 2023
José Butto makes the start tonight as Carlos Carrasco landed on the injured list with a fractured finger before yesterday’s game. Butto has pitched in four games this season, starting two for the Mets totaling 14 2/3 innings with a 4.30 ERA, 5.65 FIP, 1.773 WHIP and a 99 ERA+. His last outing wasn’t great for the Mets on August 15th where he allowed three runs from two hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings. He made one start against the Nationals this season back in April where he allowed two runs from four hits and six walks over 4 2/3 innings. The Nationals have the following batting lines against him:
- Joey Meneses 2-3
- Luis García 0-3
- Keibert Ruiz 1-2, HR, BB
- Dominic Smith 1-2, BB
- CJ Abrams 0-2
- Victor Robles 0-2
- Alex Call 0-1, 2 BB
- Lane Thomas 0-1, BB
Nationals Lineup
PRESENTING pic.twitter.com/7Otlez59Np
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 6, 2023
The Mets bats will get a look at Joan Adon tonight. Adon has pitched in seven games this season making five starts, tossing a total of 29 innings. He has a 5.90 ERA, 4.95 FIP, 1.138 WHIP and a 73 ERA+. In the month of August he was only used as a starter, posting a 6.00 ERA and 4.30 FIP. He’s had one great start where he held the Marlins scoreless for six innings. In his other four starts, he has allowed 19 runs. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:
- Francisco Lindor 0-2, 3 BB
- Brandon Nimmo 1-2, 3 BB
- Pete Alonso 1-5, HR, 2 K
- Jeff McNeil 0-3, BB
- Daniel Vogelbach 2-3, HR
Game Notes
Buck Showalter made some interesting comments to Gary Cohen, indicating that Brett Baty may not play against left-handers for the rest of the season as Showalter feels he “owes it” to teams in the postseason race.
After his two-home game last night, Brandon Nimmo is now tied for third all-time for home runs out of the leadoff spot in franchise history. The record is 26 from Curtis Granderson in 2015.
Ronny Mauricio has recorded a hit in four straight games to start his Mets career, the first Met to do that since Pete Alonso in 2019. Mauricio is chasing down the record of seven-straight games with a hit, by Daniel Murphy in 2009 and Keith Miller in 1987.
Daniel Palka had another big day for the Syracuse Mets on Wednesday, launching two long home runs. He now has five long-balls since re-joining the Mets.
SNY’s Steve Gelbs shared an interesting note on the broadcast a few nights ago about Francisco Álvarez asking him to conduct a non-televised interview fully in English, as he continues to try and learn the language. Last night, Álvarez put his practice to the test answering a question from reporters fully in English.
Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga will be posted by his club this offseason, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. The Mets have scouted Imanaga, who has a 2.72 ERA in Japan this season.
Three Things To Watch For
- Francisco Álvarez. Last night was a huge night for Álvarez, who went 2-for-3 at the plate with a homer, a double and scored three runs. Álvarez’s home run was his first since August 1st, a major drought. It would be tremendous if he could end the season on a hot streak similar to what he had earlier this season, as he chases down some catching history.
- Pete Alonso. Speaking of ending home run droughts, Pete Alonso confirmed Sunday was not a fluke. In his last two games Alonso has now hit three homers, bringing him up to 42 on the season. Reaching 50 for the season is ticking more and more towards probable, especially if he keeps this hot streak up. Alonso is a lifetime .327 hitter with 13 homers at Nationals Park.
- Francisco Lindor. We are just looking for home runs and milestones across the board now. Francisco hit his 26th homer of the season last night, making 30 for the season more likely. His 26th homer last night tied his season high as a New York Met. He hasn’t hit the 30 homer mark since 2019 (he had a three year stretch of at least 30 homers from 2017-2019).
Let’s go Mets!
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