Mets Series Preview: They might be Giants

Jun 2, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, June 9

Noah Syndergaard (2-3, 3.77 ERA) vs. Chris Heston (5-4, 4.29 ERA)

Thor had a rather peculiar outing in his last start against the Padres. He became the second pitcher in major league history to strikeout ten batters and also allow ten hits in only four innings of work. It was both impressive and infuriating to see Syndergaard dominate hitters, yet allow so many hits in his shortened start.

That being said, his numbers through five starts is still something to enjoy as a fan. He’s 2-3 with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 32 batters in only 28 1/3 innings of work. He’s walked only five and has allowed 12 earned runs off 31 hits. Not bad.

Chris Heston, Syndergaard’s counterpart on Tuesday night, will face the Mets for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old righty from Palm Beach, Fl. began the 2015 campaign with flying colors. He entered his fourth start of the season with a 2-1 record, sporting a 0.87 ERA, with 16 strikeouts and only five walks allowed in 20 2/3 innings of work.

Then, he gave up six runs in his next start, bumping up his ERA a few notches to 2.77.  Aside from two or three starts since then, Heston has been struggling with his stuff. He enters the first game against the Mets with a 4.29 ERA.

Next: Wednesday night's matchup in Queens