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New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants: 5 Players To Watch In NL Wild Card Game

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) works out the day before the National League Wild Card game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Pedota/The Record via USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) works out the day before the National League Wild Card game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Pedota/The Record via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants: 5 Players To Watch In NL Wild Card Game
Sep 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Noah Syndergaard

Thor will be the starting pitcher for the Mets in the elimination game, and there was little debate over that. Syndergaard was scheduled to start Sunday had the Mets needed a victory to qualify, but with a spot already clinched Terry Collins saved his best starter for this game.

The Mets pitching staff has been crushed by injuries this season, as Syndergaard’s fellow starting pitchers all hit the DL. What was a dominant rotation with Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and eventually Zack Wheeler was carried by Seth Lugo, Bartolo Colon, and Robert Gsellman. Through all the injuries, Syndergaard has remained despite battling bone spurs.

Syndergaard comes into the Wild Card game with some serious momentum. He has a 2.06 ERA in his last seven starts, striking out 47 batters in 43 ⅔ innings. He has mowed down the Giants this season as well, allowing them to hit only .159 against him in two starts.

Syndergaard has also experienced success in the postseason. He picked up the only victory for the Mets in the World Series last year and dominated the Cubs in the NLCS. Will he be able to replicate that success this time around against the Giants?

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