The Mets look to get back on track as they open a two-game set against the Orioles at Citi Field on Tuesday night.
Here is today’s starting lineup for New York:
1) Curtis Granderson – RF
2) Juan Lagares – CF
3) Lucas Duda – 1B
4) Michael Cuddyer – LF
5) Daniel Murphy – 3B
6) Wilmer Flores – SS
7) Kevin Plawecki – C
8) Dilson Herrera – 2B
9) Bartolo Colon – RHP
Here are three things I’m looking for today:
Take advantage of a struggling pitcher.
The Mets offense is scuffling–they’ve scored 2.9 runs per game in their last 10 and are coming off of back-to-back 1-0 losses in their own ballpark. Tonight, they face Orioles starter Bud Norris, who’s been absolutely hammered this season. In four starts this year, Norris is 1-2 with a 12.28 ERA and has allowed a home run in each of his last three starts. While the Mets have an injury-laden line-up, something’s gotta give. They can’t stay this cold forever, and tonight would be a great shot to get back on the scoreboard in a big way.
Support the pitching staff.
At this point, these pitchers have to be frustrated. Not only are their teammates not scoring for them, but they’ve also been making critical mistakes in the field. Tonight–and I feel like I say this every night–that needs to come to an end. If Bartolo Colon induces a double play ball, don’t boot it, don’t hesitate, don’t get just one out–turn the double play. These pitchers have been stellar so far, and it’s time that their teammates picked them up.
Just Mets 