Game of the Week: April 1: NYM @ WAS

[Commissioner Erick]

New York Mets (0-0) @ Washington Nationals (0-0)


NYM: T. Rogers (0-0)
WAS: E. Pena (0-0)


Mets 5 Key Stats

2: The number of career starts for Mets starter Trevor Rogers. The star closer will start today’s game after moving from the bullpen to the top of the rotation.

.618: Arturo Ramirez’ 2026 OPS. The Mets will hope for more production from their opening day Center Fielder today.

4: Home Runs by Ke’Bryan Hayes off Eric Pena. Hayes is 5-15 off the Nationals’ ace in his career.

.238: New York’s Batting Average last year: The Mets had the second to last average in the National League last year. They’ll need a better offense to repeat as NL East champs this year.

38.65: New York’s Zone Rating last year: The Mets were carried by a Top 2 defense last year, and without an upgrade to their offense, will need to rely on it again this year.



Nationals 5 Key Stats


1595: Eric Pena’s career strikeouts. Pena is seventh in strikeouts despite his career essentially starting his career in 2022. Every player ahead of him on the strikeout leaderboard started their career in 2017.

96: Career saves for Omar Lara. Lara’s been one of the better relievers in the PBA his three seasons in the league, adding stability to a sometimes shaky Nationals bullpen.

129: Walks for Mike Trout last year. Trout has led the NL in walks for two straight seasons. Even though he only hit .248 in 2026, the walks helped him put up an impressive .393 OBP.

3.8: WAR for Shane Benes last year. Benes last produced close to that WAR in 2023. On-base percentages of .276 and .273 in 2024 and 2025 led some to believe he was no longer a starting caliber player. He won the Platinum Stick Award last year.

53: Doubles for Bob Beasley last year. Beasley led the league in doubles as a rookie, the second straight year a rookie led the league in doubles after Kellen Klattenburger.


Questions for the GMs:


For Jeff McKinney, you have Luis Castaneda and Tomaz Espassandim on the roster, two very good, young infield prospects. Who will play Second Base today?

What will Shohei Otani’s role be today?

You had some success against Eric Pena late last year, but he struck out double digits in four of his five starts against you. What will your approach be against him today?

For Jake Pennel, Alex Bregman will likely start at First Base or DH today. Who gets the other First Base/DH spot in the lineup?

Boyd Vander Kooi will likely miss time due to injury. Who will you call up to take his place on the roster?

With Bryce Harper and Mike Trout having down years last year, how big is it to see them have big games today?



TRIVIA: Among players who were Washington’s primary First Baseman that season, which National has the most home runs in a season?

[Commissioner Erick]

Nationals 5 - Mets 4


WP: V. Buzoku (1-0)
LP: T. Gonzalez (0-1)
SV: O. Lara (1)

The Washington Nationals launched their 2027 campaign with a victory over the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Washington right fielder Bryce Harper was instrumental in the 5-4 win. He went 2 for 3 with a home run. He scored 2 runs and drove in 2. Omar Lara recorded his 1st save for Washington.

Harper had a game-changing home run in the bottom of the eighth. On a first pitch fastball from Tony Gonzalez, he banged a solo home run to left, giving the Nationals a 5-4 lead. It was the 1st home run of the year for Harper.

"It takes a lot of things to win a ballgame," said Washington manager Jake Pennel. "It's usually not just one thing."


Questions for the GMs:


For Jeff McKinney, how did Trevor Rogers look to you in his debut as a full time starting pitcher?

Luis Castenada had two hits, including a big double off Eric Pena. What did you think about his outing?

Tony Gonzalez allowed two runs in 1.2 innings, which obviously was disappointing. What are your thoughts on where he fits in your bullpen?

For Jake Pennel, Eric Pena struck out 13 without a walk, but he also allowed four runs in 6 innings. What do you think about his performance?

Your bullpen was terrific with three arms giving 3 innings with only one hit allowed and five strikeouts. You've had some questionable bullpens in the past, do you feel this is your bet edition yet?

Both Mike Trout and Bryce Harper had two hits each. How good does it feel to see them have big days after they produced mortal seasons last year?


TRIVIA: Who has the best single-season ERA in Nationals history?

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 1: Ben correctly guessed Eric Thames.

[Commissioner Erick]

Trivia 2: Daniel correctly guessed Eric Pena