The Mets and Nationals play a split-admission double header today, with an interesting pitching match-up. The Mets send Jenrry Mejia in game one, a young pitcher making his 2013 debut, with 55 MLB innings under his belt and a 4.91 career ERA. He’ll face Jordan Zimmermann, one of the Washington aces. Game two features Matt Harvey for the Mets against Ross Ohlendorf, the fifth starter for the Nationals. It would seem to me that the Nats should have a pretty good chance of beating Mejia, so why not send Zimmermann against the Mets ace? Plenty of times this year, Harvey did not get a decision due to lack of offense on the Mets part. Ohlendorf has pitched well, however, and Zimmermann has some neck issues, so maybe Davey Johnson is trying to guarantee one win by pitching Zimmermann in game one.
The Orioles are four games behind Boston in the AL East as they host the Red Sox in a three-game series at Camden Yards. John Lackey and Chris Tillman square off in game one. Lackey’s road ERA is nearly two runs higher than at home, due to 10 of his 14 homers allowed coming away. Tillman allowed 21 homer this year, 16 at home, so don’t be surprised if this game turns out to be a slugfest.
Potential playoff opponents meet in Atlanta as the Cardinals send Adam Wainwright against Mike Minor. Opponents are hitting .299 against Wainwright with runners in scoring position, his only weakness this season. Of course, they only have 97 at bats in that situation, an average of 4 1/2 per start. Minor shows excellent control, with just 28 walks in 130 innings.
Finally, Homer Bailey takes on Clayton Kershaw as the Reds play the Dodgers. Cincinnati stands 4-1 on the west coast trip so far. Bailey’s opposition BA jumps over 80 points on the road, and his opposition slugging jumps 170 points. Kershaw is having an amazing July, with 2 walks and 30 K in 31 innings, leading to a 1.74 ERA.
Enjoy!