My Team - Nationals versus New York Mets

Proposed starters -

Friday, Game 1: Zimmermann vs J. Meija

Friday, Game 2: Ohlendorf vs Harvey

Saturday: Haren vs Gee

Sunday: Jordan vs Torres

It took a Harper two-run walkoff to prevent a sweep at the hands of the Pirates. After blowing a 4-run ninth inning lead, Washington did show some resilience. The six-game losing streak is over. 

Next, the Mets come to town. They're 4-3 since the All-Star break. New York is two games behind Washington in the NL East. Consider this: if the Mets were to sweep the four games with the Nationals, Washington would go into next week in 4th place in their division. Friday's day-night double-header will be interesting to watch, if only to see how Washington responds.

Last time the two teams met (late June), Washington took two of three. Washington got to the Mets' bullpen after Harvey came out. Gee pitched well, and Wheeler struggled. Washington won't see Wheeler this series.

For New York, Meija has bone spurs in his right elbow, but prefers gutting it out until the end of the season. He could throw a perfect game, he could get injured worse, or anything in between. Harvey is a beast. In his last start versus Washington, he went 7IP, with 3H, 1ER and 11K. Gee's last start against the Nats, he went 6IP, with 6H, 1ER, 3BB and 4K. Torres pitched in relief, the same game Gee started. Torres went 2IP, with 1H, 1BB and 3K.

Offensively, I was surprised to see Marlon Byrd lead New York with 17 HR and 57 RBI. David Wright is the main threat. John Buck supplies power, and handles the pitchers fairly well.

I suspect Washington has the best chances in Game 1 on Friday and the Sunday series finale. Harvey and Gee very well may repeat their earlier performances against Washington.

For the Nats, the hole gets deeper.