Mets 2017 Season Preview: Who will be the Mets’ kryptonite this season?

Nick Ceraso, Staff Writer
The Washington Nationals over the last few years have consistently been the Mets kryptonite. The Nationals went 12-7 against the Mets in 2016. Five of the last six seasons the Nationals have had a better winning percentage against the Mets.
The Nationals offense are lead by 2015 MVP Bryce Harper, rookie of the year runner-up Trea Turner, and 2016 MVP and batting title runner-up Daniel Murphy.
Murphy in his first year with the Nationals demolished the Mets hitting .413 with 7 home runs and 21 RBIs in 75 at-bats. Murphy also hit well against the Mets starters going 10-29 (.344) with 3 home runs.
The Nationals certainly are getting their money worth from Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. The two pitchers combined to sign contracts for $385 million.
The two Nationals’ starting pitchers combined to make 6 starts against the Mets. They simply dominated the Mets, going 5-1 in 40.1 innings pitched allowing 20 hits, 7 runs while striking out 59 batters. Holding the Mets to two runs or less in all six games pitched.
One thing is certain if the Mets want to win the 2017 season match-up against the Nationals offense will be key. Last season, the Mets were held to 2 runs or less in 12 of the 19 contest. In those 12 games, the Mets went 2-10.