Game Chat: Mets vs. Brewers, 3:10 p.m

Sunday, September 29, 2024 • 3:10 p.m
American Family Field • Milwaukee, WI
LHP David Peterson (9-3, 3.08) vs. RHP Colin Rea (12-5, 4.17)
SNY

Despite everything that happened last week, the New York Mets still have a chance to secure a postseason spot on Sunday. After the Atlanta Braves won yesterday and the Arizona Diamondbacks lost, the Braves just need to win a game and be in the mix. The Mets have a win and a loss to the Diamondbacks. There are also scenarios in which the Mets have to play the Braves tomorrow, although the outcome of those games has no significance for Atlanta.

These Mets are the same team that won three of four against the Philadelphia Phillies last weekend at Citi Field. Without Lindor, they ended up taking an 8-1 lead. Now they have to find that fight and rhythm back.

Mets lineup

1. Francisco LindorSS
2. Jose Iglesias2B
3. Brandon NimmoLF
4. Mark Vientos3B
5. Pete Alonso1B
6. JD MartinezDH
7. Starling MarteRF
8. Francisco AlvarezC
9. Tyrone TaylorCF

David Peterson wants to lead the Mets toward a playoff spot on Sunday. Through 114 innings, Peterson has a 3.08 ERA, 3.76 FIP, 1.333 WHIP, and 128 ERA+ (all career highs except WHIP). Peterson was on and off throughout September. When off the bench, he allowed two runs over 13 2/3 innings against the Red Sox and Phillies. When he's out, he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in eight innings against the Blue Jays and Phillies.

The Brewers have the following numbers against Peterson:

• Willy Adames 2-7, 2B, 6BB, 2K
• William Contreras 2-7, BB, K
• Rhys Hoskins 7-16, 3 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 4 K
• Andrew Monasterio 1-2
• Blake Perkins 0-3, K
• Gary Sanchez 1-4, 2B, BB, K

David Peterson. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Brewers lineup

1. Brice Turang2B
2. Jackson ChourioRF
3. Willy Adames, SS
4. Jake Bauer1B
5. Eric HaaseC
6. Isaac CollinsLF
7. Blaine Perkins, CF
8. Gary SanchezDH
9. Joseph Ortiz3B

Colin Rea has thrown 162 innings with a 4.17 ERA, 4.72 FIP, 1.228 WHIP and 101 ERA+. The Brewers have given Rea some time between starting and pitching in relief over the last month. Since August 4, he has played in seven games (five starts) with a 7.43 ERA and 6.09 FIP.

His season got off to a strong start against the Mets, where he held them to one run over five innings while scattering five hits. The Mets have the following career numbers against Rea:

• Pete Alonso 2-6
• Francisco Alvarez 1-3, 2B, BB
• Harrison Bader 0-1
• Francisco Lindor 1-6, K
• Starling Marte 1-8, K
• Brandon Nimmo 0-6, 2 K
• Tyrone Taylor 1-1, BB
• Jesse Winker 0-2, K

Game notes

JD Martinez has made 40 recording appearances since his last hit. He's in the lineup today batting sixth.

Three things to pay attention to

1. Competitive at-bats. The Mets struggled to put up competitive at-bats on Saturday night. They were just under the ball, received weak contact or struck early. The Mets only had two hits and a walk. The Brewers' last four relievers threw 14, 11, 7 and 14 throws, respectively. Just way, way too fast. The Mets offense has been relentless at points this season. They were also lifeless in places. We hope the pendulum swings back to unyielding this afternoon.
2. A solid start for David Peterson. The Mets starting pitching fueled the push they made throughout September. The starting pitching disappeared with the offense last week. Peterson needs to give himself, the team and the bullpen a nice reset today, especially with the Mets having to play two games tomorrow.
3. Watch the scoreboard. Many of the Mets' options today are based on the Padres beating the Diamondbacks. Martin Perez (4.25 ERA) goes against it Brandon Pfadt (4.80), which is hoping for a recovery after a difficult month. Pfaadt would like to rewrite his story this month and be the reason the Diamondbacks get to the postseason. A win for the Braves today will also help the Mets immensely. Alec Marsh (4.65 ERA) goes against the Braves. The Braves counter with the Ageless Charlie Morton (4.08 ERA).