The Mets open a four-game series against the Rockies at Citi Field at 7:10 PM.
Here is tonight’s starting lineup for New York:
Curtis Granderson RF
Daniel Murphy 3B
Yoenis Cespedes CF
Lucas Duda 1B
Kelly Johnson 2B
Travis d’Arnaud C
Michael Conforto LF
Jonathon Niese LHP
Ruben Tejada SS
Here is tonight’s pitching matchup:
Jon Niese (6-9, 3.51 ERA) will start for the Mets.
Jon Gray (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will start for the Rockies.
Here’s what I am looking for from the Mets tonight:
Recharge.
The Mets are coming off a couple of flat and uninspiring losses on Saturday and Sunday, although they were playing a pretty good team in the Tampa Bay Rays. Still, losses are losses and this time of year they either mean missed opportunities, games in the standings or both. The Mets need to come out with that same fire and intensity which was on display during their recent seven-game winning streak.
The Rockies did a nice job playing the role of spoiler against the Nationals this past weekend, so it’s up to the Mets to back them up, and take care of business against this second-division team at home.
Less whiffs.
The Mets struck out 28 times in the last two games. That unquestionably served as an inhibitor for them to capitalize on run scoring opportunities. They faced a good pitching staff, and were beat at their own game, but 28 strikeouts in a span of 18 innings is entirely too much. More contact, more situational hitting, and an ability to take advantage of their opportunities will result in a better outcome.
Don’t use the margin for error.
It’s about winning right now, and not pushing the envelope on a starter or a reliever. I’m hoping Terry Collins manages a tight situation with that mentality on Monday. At times, specifically with Bartolo Colon on Sunday and maybe Noah Syndergaard on Saturday, Collins has pushed the envelope to try to get more out of less, but this isn’t the time to test anyone. If plan A isn’t working, they have to turn to plan B and not depend on the other parts of the whole, especially if the team has a lead and a flood appears imminent.
Just Mets 