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Noah Syndergaard Will Be Ready For NL Wild Card Game

Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) is doused by third baseman Jose Reyes (7) after clinching a wild-card playoff berth after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) is doused by third baseman Jose Reyes (7) after clinching a wild-card playoff berth after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard does not have an easy task ahead of him starting against the San Francisco Giants in the NL Wild Card Game.

With the season on the line, New York Mets managerTerry Collinshas decided to give the ball to his aceNoah Syndergaard. Although it’s a tough assignment, there’s no doubt that Syndergaard is built for big moments such as these.

Syndergaard will oppose leftyMadison Bumgarnerin Wednesday’s NL Wild Card game in what will be a battle of aces. Bumgarner is no stranger to pitching under pressure in the playoffs. He had an unforgettable postseason in 2014, as he was the difference-maker for the Giants in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. It was a performance unlike any we’ve seen in recent years.

Bumgarner's last eight postseason starts: 5-1 with a 0.91 ERA. Lifetime at Citi Field he is 4-0 with a 0.62 ERA.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets)October 2, 2016

Syndergaard also has pitched in the playoffs. He gave the Mets a few solid performances during the 2015 postseason, including a memorable start in Game 3 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Syndergaard looked fearless in that World Series game.

He was not intimidated by the determined Royals hitters. He went right after them and was not afraid to work inside. This was something thatMatt Harvey,Jacob deGrom, andSteven Matzfailed to do for the most part against the Royals.

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You can expect Syndergaard to bring that same boldness and intensity to the mound on Wednesday. With the Mets’ season hanging in the balance, he’s going to throw everything he’s got at the Giants.

Certain pitchers thrive in pressure situations. In a one-game playoff, you want the best pitcher on your roster to have the ball in his hands. The Mets are fortunate enough to be in a situation where they could make sure that this happened.

Not only has Syndergaard been the best starting pitching on the Mets this season, but he’s been one of the top pitchers in the National League. He finished the regular season with a 14-9 record. In 30 starts, he had a 2.60 ERA and 218 strikeouts.

Among NL starting pitchers, onlyJon LesterandKyle Hendricksended the year with a better ERA. Just three starters finished with more strikeouts than Syndergaard. Ironically, Bumgarner was actually one of them.

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Citi Field is going to be very loud come Wednesday night. The atmosphere will be electric when Noah Syndergaard takes the hill for the Mets. The Giants are an experienced club that knows how to win in the playoffs. Make no mistake, though, Syndergaard will be ready.

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