Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs New York Mets – August 31/September 2
As the calendar turns to the month of September, the Miami Marlins travel to Citi Field in New York for a matchup against their NL East division foe Mets.
Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs New York Mets
The Marlins hit the road for a quick three-game series fresh off a series win over the Reds at home over the weekend. After dropping Game One of the series, Miami was able to take the next two in an impressive showing against one of the top teams in the National League.
The Marlins enter this series in New York ranked fifth in the NL East at 55-76 overall, and have struggled on the road this season with a 21-44 record away from loanDepot Park. Miami has had success against the Mets this season however as they have won six of nine games overall, including three of four in the last meeting between the two in early-August.
The Mets on the other hand have struggled in recent weeks. Despite these struggles, New York is coming off a series win over the weekend at home against the Nationals.
The Mets currently sit at 63-67 overall, good for third in the NL East. Despite holding a lead in the NL East for a majority of the season, New York’s postseason chances have taken a turn in recent weeks, mainly due to a 16-27 record since the All-Star Break.
New York Mets Players to Watch
1B Pete Alonso
The most consistent piece of the Mets everyday lineup for the entire season has been Alonso. Having hit 29 home runs this season with an .847 OPS, Alonso currently leads the Mets in almost every offensive statistical category.
CF Brandon Nimmo
Nimmo serves as New York’s primary leadoff hitter, and holds an .804 OPS for the season. Across his last 11 games, Nimmo has slashed .349/.451/.442.
INF Jonathan Villar
The former Marlin has played many roles for the Mets this season splitting time between third base, shortstop, and second base. Villar has slashed .458/.519/.750 across his last seven games.
SS Francisco Lindor
The four-time All-Star has struggled at times during his first season as New York’s starting shortstop. Lindor recently returned from an injury on August 24 where he is 4/24 at the plate since.
RP Aaron Loup
Undoubtedly the Mets most consistent reliever this season has been Loup who sports a career-best 1.22 ERA this season. Since June 1, the left-hander has posted a 0.57 ERA across his last 31.1 innings pitched used in anywhere from the fifth to eighth inning.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Tuesday, August 31 at 7:10 pm ET
Probable Starters: TBD vs RHP Trevor Williams
Williams (NYM): 4-2, 4.54 ERA, 1.455 WHIP, 26 BB, 66 K
Game 2: Wednesday, September 1 at 7:10 pm ET
Probable Starters: RHP Zach Thompson vs RHP Carlos Carrasco
Thompson (MIA): 2-6, 3.16 ERA, 1.117 WHIP, 22 BB, 52 K
Carrasco (NYM): 0-2, 6.94 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 4 BB, 23 K
Game 3: Thursday, September 2 at 7:10 pm ET
Probable Starters: RHP Sandy Alcantara vs LHP Rich Hill
Alcantara (MIA): 8-12, 3.27 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, 47 BB, 158 K
Hill (NYM): 6-6, 4.11 ERA, 1.197 WHIP, 43 BB, 115 K
Series Prediction
The Marlins as mentioned previously have performed well against the Mets this season, so is there a chance Miami could see success here?
Both teams have struggled in recent weeks, but the Mets in particular have been good at home this season sporting a 38-27 record at Citi Field. Despite the Mets recent struggles, New York is clinging at the moment to any chance of postseason baseball this season with almost every game considered a “must-win.”
The Marlins should win at-least one here against the struggling Mets, most-likely coming in Game 3 with Alcantara starting, who owns a 2.79 ERA across eight career starts against Mets.
Prediction: Mets 2-1