Game Preview: New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Angels
As I sat down to catch the second game of the three-game interleague series between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels, I couldn’t help but feel the adrenaline rush that comes with playoff baseball. The vibes are electric, especially for a Saturday evening match-up like this one. The Mets, boasting a record of 57-51, are eyeing that elusive wildcard spot, while the Angels, struggling with a 47-62 record, are trying to find a silver lining amid their season’s tribulations.
Peterson on the Mound for the Mets
David Peterson takes the mound for the Mets, and let me tell you, the guy is a mixed bag. He has the potential to shine, but recent outings have left a lot to be desired. His last performance saw him surrendering four runs in just five innings against the Braves. Ouch! However, he did boast a solid 3.38 ERA last month, and with a 5-1 record in 53.2 innings this season, he’s not a stranger to success. The stats are favorable when he faces the Angels – only two runs given up in nine innings pitched against them. Mets fans must be hoping he finds that groove again.
The Angels’ Hope with Soriano
On the other side, the Angels are sending out young Jose Soriano. I’ve got to say, I’m a fan of his tenacity. Sure, he got roughed up last time out, giving up six runs in just 3.2 innings, but let’s not forget he has posted a commendable 3.69 ERA this season. Despite some growing pains, he’s been a valuable asset, with a 6-7 record across 97.2 innings. The Angels will need him to step up now more than ever as they finish off a rather lackluster homestand.
Mets’ Recent Performance
The Mets have been on a rollercoaster ride. Sure, they dropped two out of three games against the Braves, but they managed to bounce back against the Twins, securing two wins. Still, they’re not exactly a lock for the playoffs, being just half a game out of the second wildcard spot. Pete Alonso, typically a powerhouse at the plate, has had a quieter month of July by his standards, with just 11 RBIs. New York’s averaging 4.88 runs this season, but their pitching staff has an ERA sitting at 4.18, which is far from ideal.
Angels’ Struggles
Now, diving into the Angels’ woes, it’s been a tough ride for them this season. They’ve struggled to find consistency, evidenced by their 10-game deficit at home. Their lineup, aside from hitters like Logan O’Hoppe who is batting an impressive .793 OPS in July, has faced challenges regularly scoring runs – averaging just 4.05 per game. It’s tough to win ballgames when you’re that far down the list, and their pitching staff doesn’t make it any easier with a 4.59 ERA.
The Stakes
Let’s get real for a moment. If the Mets aim for the postseason, abandoning the idea of losing isn’t an option. Similarly, the Angels need to rediscover their winning ways to salvage what’s left of their season. With tight races in the standings, every game is a must-win, and that’s where the heat lies.
As I look ahead to this match-up, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing one. The Mets are favored, but there’s something about that Angels’ grit that you can’t ignore. In the end, I’m leaning toward the Angels. They’ve been competitive in recent games despite their record, and with Soriano showing flashes of brilliance, I wouldn’t be surprised if they steal one. My prediction? Los Angeles takes this one with a tighter finish than most expect. Let’s get ready for some exciting baseball!
