Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • 7:07 p.m.
Rogers Centre • Toronto, ON
LHP David Peterson (9-1, 2.75) against RHP Chris Bassitt (9-13, 4.30)
SNY

The Mets want to steal the series from the Blue Jays tonight in Toronto!

Last night was a pitching duel thanks to the best performance of the season out of Thomas B.. Paul Blackburn was ruled out of the starting eleven early in the afternoon, and Megill shined just as we expected after this year’s spring training. The Braves also lost, so the Mets are now sole holders of the last Wild Card spot, just 1.5 games out of the top spot.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mets lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Jesse Winker – LF
3. Mark Vientos – 3B
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Brandon Nimmo – CF
6. JD Martinez – DH
7. DJ Stewart – HF
8. Francisco Alvarez – C
9. Eddy Alvarez – 2B

David Peterson looks to continue his great run tonight with his 18th start of the season. In 98 1/3 innings, he has a 2.75 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 1.312 WHIP and 143 ERA+.

Since July 11, Peterson has made 10 starts with a 2.23 ERA (3.54 FIP). In his last six starts, he has a 1.63 ERA (3.10 FIP). In his last start against the Red Sox, he had a season-high 11 strikeouts. The Blue Jays have the following career numbers against Peterson:

Opponent formation

1. George Springer – HF
2. Daulton Varsho – Midfield
3. Vlad Guerrero Jr. – DH
4. Alejandro Kirk – C
5. Ernie Clement – 3B
6. Spencer Horwitz – DH
7. Davis Schneider – 2B
8. Leo Jiménez – SS
9. Joey Loperfido Jr. – LF

The Mets hitters will face an old friend tonight: Chris Bassitt. Bassitt has made 28 starts this season and pitched 157 innings with a 4.30 ERA, 4.06 FIP, 1.427 WHIP and 95 ERA+.

In his last five starts, he has pitched 27 innings with a 6.00 ERA (4.55 FIP), including a strong start against the Red Sox on August 28, when Bassitt allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 0-3
• Francisco Alvarez 1-3
• Harrison Bader 3-8, K
• Jose Iglesias 1-15, 2B, 2 BB, 2 K
• Francisco Lindor 3-12, HR, 3 K
• Starling Marte 1-8, BB, 2 K
• JD Martinez 1-12, 2 BB, K
• Brandon Nimmo 0-3, K
• DJ Stewart 1-3, K
• Thomas B. 0-2
• Luis Torrens 2-4, BB, 2 K
• Mark Vientos 0-3, 2 K
• Jesse Winker 1-2, BB

Game Notes

Jose Iglesias and Starling Marte have the evening off.

Paul Blackburn’s lower back problems have not improved and the current plan is for Tylor Megill to remain in the squad until he improves.

Three things to look out for

1. Hit? For the second straight day, Mets hitters have struggled to get hits. On Sunday, they had four hits while none of the top five Mets had a hit. On Monday night, the Mets offense had just three hits. Chris Bassitt is the league leader with 165 hits allowed this season. Can the Mets use this to get out of their slump?
2. Make the best of some situations. The Mets really had trouble getting runners on the field on Monday night, so they went aggressive on the base paths. Nimmo and Lindor both had stolen bases. The Mets were able to score two runs in the 8th inning when the Blue Jays tied the game. If the Mets still have trouble getting runners on the field tonight, they will likely go aggressive.
3. Peterson. Peterson has been the Mets’ savior over the past six weeks and will likely go over 100 innings for the third straight night tonight. He has a real chance to surpass his career highs in innings and starts before the season is over.

Let’s go, Mets!