MMO Game Thread: Mets vs Nationals, 1:10 PM

Today the Mets look for a split with the Washington Nationals, sending Jonathon Niese (8-10, 3.59) to the hill against Jordan Zimmermann (11-5, 2.93). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10pm.

In his last start, Niese received a no-decision in the Mets’ 3-2 victory over the Rockies at Citi Field on September 8th. He tossed 6.2 innings, allowing eight hits and one earned run, including a home run to Michael Cuddyer. Despite the no-decision, he struck out seven while walking just one.

Niese also has a 2.96 ERA (24 earned runs/73.0 innings) in 12 starts at Citi Field this season. He has tossed six quality starts in his last eight starts and has allowed three earned runs or less in 28 of his last 31 starts dating back to September 13th, 2013.

The Mets are 28-21 during the day and the club’s .571 winning percentage is the seventh-best in the majors. Daniel Murphy ranks sixth in the NL with a .322 batting average during the day.

Starting Lineup

Eric Young Jr., lf
Juan Lagares, cf
Daniel Murphy, 3b
Lucas Duda, 1b
Wilmer Flores, 2b
Curtis Granderson, rf
Anthony Recker, c
Ruben Tejada, ss
Jonathon Niese, lhp

After a disappointing performance last night, the Mets try to split the series with the Nationals today with Jon Niese on the mound against Jordan Zimmermann. Niese on the season is 8-10 over 27 games and 168.0 innings with a 3.59 ERA. He started September off with a terrible start allowing 6 ER and 10 hits over 6 innings against the Marlins. Last time out he bounced back allowing only one earned run over 6.2 innings against the Rockies. He has not been overly effective against the Nationals this year allowing 11 runs, 9 earned over 10.0 innings. The Nationals have the following numbers against Niese:

Werth 8-25, 2B
Desmond 4-21, 2 2B
LaRoche 5-18, 2B, 3 HR
Espinosa 6-15, 2B, HR
Harper 3-8

The Mets bats will get to see Jordan Zimmermann again who is 11-5 over 29 games and 178.0 innings and a 2.93 ERA. In his last four starts he has pitched 26.1 innings with a 3-0 record and a 2.73 ERA. He is 2-0 in three starts against he Mets this year with a 2.89 ERA allowing 6 earned runs over 18.2 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against him: