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Starting With An Important Series Against Washington, The Mets’ True Push To The Playoffs Begins Tonight

Over the past few seasons, the month of August has been one of turmoil and depression for the Mets and their fans. There’s always hope leading up to the All-Star break, but nothing comes from it. This second half of the season, with a 19-6 record, they have a chance to change the narrative.

The team enters the weekend having won six in a row and 13 of their last 14. They are right in the wild card hunt after being DOA at various points this season. Starting tonight (August 9), they play the Nationals in a crucial battle for playoff aspirations.

Some see their last 14 games as something to gloss over, considering they played the Padres, Pirates, White Sox and Marlins. Struggling teams, pundits are saying the Mets had it easy. On paper that is true, however, baseball is unpredictable. That is especially true when it comes to the Marlins, who have always been a thorn in the Mets’ side. Along with the Nationals this weekend, the team will play 27 games in which multiple teams are competing for a spot in the playoffs. That includes the Indians, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals, the latter of which may be a somewhat easier battle.

If you were to think about it, the Mets’ season push begins now.

Everything seems to be clicking for the team; Michael Conforto’s second-half surge has returned while Pete Alonso has recently gotten out of his post-Home Run Derby funk. The pitching, especially the bullpen, has managed to hold it all together, minus the occasional Edwin Diaz meltdown. The acquisition of Marcus Stroman, while also holding onto Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, has worked wonders for the team.

Even with the loss of Robinson Cano, the Mets have filled the void with Jeff McNeil and recently-acquired Joe Panik. Whether that holds up well, especially with the uncertainty of Jed Lowrie’s status, remains to be seen.

Here are the pitching matchups for the Mets’ clash with the Nationals:

  • Marcus Stroman v. Stephen Strasburg
  • Noah Syndergaard v. Patrick Corbin
  • Jacob deGrom v. Anibal Sanchez

Obviously missing is Max Scherzer, who is on the IL and will be skipping one more start. Regardless, these type of matchups makes baseball in August that much sweeter. Fans will get a chance to truly see a juggernaut of a matchup for NL supremacy.

Meaningful games in August is rare in Flushing. When it does happen, however, New York has a special kind of buzz to it. In order to reach the apex, the Mets must continue their run. Will they step up to the plate and provide more clutch moments? Do you believe in the 2019 New York Mets?

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Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event.
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