MMO Game Thread: Mets vs Nationals, 7:05 PM (D.C. Showdown!)

After a huge comeback win on Monday, the New York Mets will try to keep the good times rolling in Washington D.C. as they take on the Nationals at 7:05 PM tonight.

For the first time since the innings limit bombshell exploded on Thursday night, Matt Harvey (12-7, 2.60) returns to the mound for the Mets and he will oppose Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (12-8, 3.38) in what should be an entertaining pitching matchup at Nationals Park.

General manager Sandy Alderson said Harvey would make fewer starts during the remainder of the regular season than they had originally planned. It is not known when Harvey will start again for the Mets after tonight.

Regardless, the Mets will now go with a six-man rotation the rest of the season, because Noah Syndergaard’s innings need to be conserved too. Logan Verrett is subbing for Harvey whenever he will skip a start.

The Mets have scored three or more runs in each of their last 21 road games dating to July 21, which sets a franchise-record for the longest such streak. They are 15-6 in those games.

Since August 1, the Mets lead the majors with 11 come-from-behind wins, including yesterday. Overall, the Mets have 33 comeback wins, tied for the sixth-most in the majors.

Mets Starting Lineup

Curtis Granderson – RF
Yoenis Cespedes – CF
Daniel Murphy – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Lucas Duda – 1B
Travis d’Arnaud – C
Michael Conforto – LF
Wilmer Flores – SS
Matt Harvey – RHP

The Mets get to focus on Matt Harvey throwing tonight rather than any of the other Matt Harvey stuff as the Mets take on the Nationals for second game of the series. Yesterday the Mets got out to an early 3 run lead, but the Nationals came back taking the lead 5-3. The Mets fought back and through some solid bullpen help took the opening game.

Harvey is 12-7 over 25 starts and 166.1 innings with a 2.60 ERA. After a great August where he allowed 1 ER over 27.0 innings striking out 24 batters, his last start wasn’t so good allowing 4 ER over 6.1 innings against the Phillies.

This will be his fifth start against the Nationals this year. In his season opener he held the Nats scoreless over 6.0 innings, striking out 9. A month later he held them scoreless over 7.0 innings. On July 20th he allowed 5 runs, 2 earned over 7.0 innings against them and finally on July 31st he held them to 1 ER over 7.2 innings while striking out 9. The Nationals have the following numbers against Harvey:

Desmond 5-20, 2B, HR
Harper 0-17, 7 K
Werth 4-16, 2B
Zimmerman 4-17, 2B, HR
Escobar 3-12
Taylor 3-13, 2B
Rendon 2-10
Ramos 3-6, 2B

The Mets bats will get another look at Jordan Zimmermann who is 12-8 over 28 starts and 173.0 innings with a 3.38 ERA. After back to back poor starts in August, he has now tossed 13.0 innings allowing 2 ER and striking out 9 in his last two starts. This will be his fourth start against the Mets this year. He held the Amazin’s to 1 ER over 6.0 innings to start his season. On July 22nd the Mets scored 3 ER over 7.0 innings. In his last start the Mets hit him for 5 ER over 6.0 innings. The Mets have the following numbers against Jordan: