Justin Verlander. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, May 21, 2023 • 7:10 PM
Citi Field • Flushing, New York
RHP Shane Bieber (3-2, 3.20) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (1-2, 4.76)
SNY

The New York Mets look to win their fifth game in a row and sweep a series with the Cleveland Guardians tonight. Earlier this afternoon, the Mets recorded their fourth win in a row on the back of Max Scherzer’s excellent start and a go-ahead two-run home run from Starling Marte in the bottom of the eighth inning.

It was the third time in the last four games where the Mets had a late homer in the game be the difference maker. The Mets are reveling in their new found “never-say-die” mentality.

Mets’ Lineup

Justin Verlander makes his fourth start of the year tonight. Over 17 innings this season, he has allowed nine runs via 15 hits and five walks while striking out 15 batters (4.76 ERA, 5.48 FIP, 1.176 WHIP, 89 ERA+). He was great in his first two starts of the season, allowing three runs over 12 innings. Though, he hit a wall his last time out against the Tampa Bay Rays. In that start, he allowed six runs via eight hits, including two home runs, over five innings of work.

Overall, on the season, he has allowed four home runs, which is slightly concerning. In one game against the Guardians last year, he held them to no runs over six innings, scattering two hits and a walk. The Guardians have the following career numbers against him:

Guardians’ Lineup

The Mets’ bats will get a look at the two-time All-Star pitcher Shane Bieber tonight. In nine games (56 1/3 innings) this season, he has a 3.20 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 1.225 WHIP, and a 132 ERA+. After a terrific start to May where he allowed two runs via 12 hits and two walks over 14 innings, he got roughed up in his last outing allowing six runs (five earned) and 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings.

The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

Game Notes

Josh Walker will serve at the 27th man for the nightcap of the doubleheader as well.

David Peterson had his best start of the season, either level, for Triple-A Syracuse this afternoon. He threw eight innings of two-hit baseball. Peterson struck out nine and walked three. His Triple-A ERA is down to 2.77. Syracuse won 9-1.

Max Scherzer revealed early afternoon that he was pitching through a thumb callus being split open. He added that pitching with that is like basketball player playing with a sprained ankle. Scherzer was terrific in game one, throwing six scoreless innings despite the thumb ailment.

Three Things To Watch For

  1. Doubleheaders this season. This is the Mets fourth doubleheader of the season, their second set at home. All of their doubleheaders have happened this month. They have split a doubleheader with the Braves and Nationals, and got swept by the Tigers. Today was the first time this month that the Mets won the first game of the doubleheader. Now they have a chance to sweep.
  2. Quality Starts are in again! Wednesday night Kodai Senga pitched six innings, and allowed one run and struck out 12. On Thursday, Megill gave New York six innings of two-run ball. Today, Max Scherzer shutout the Guardians over six innings scattering three hits. New York has been struggling to put together quality starts from their starting pitchers but now have three in a week. With the state of the bullpen, the Mets could really use another quality start from Justin Verlander tonight.
  3. It’s Francisco Álvarez time! Álvarez has had two straight games with a home run. More importantly, he has recorded five RBIs over his last two game. He only had six on the season going into Thursday’s game. Hopefully, the good times can continue tonight in game two of the doubleheader.