Game Notes: Karns vs Syndergaard

It seems as if every time the Rays look primed to make a run, they hit a brick wall. Heading into the all-star break, they swept the Astros, then when they returned, they lost six of their next nine. Then, they took two in a row against Detroit and Chris Archer was in the midst of a perfect game in the third contest, however that didn't work out and the Rays would go on those lose that game and also the next two as well. Then three more wins in a row, but on Wednesday after clawing themselves back into the game against Chicago, they ended up losing thanks to a walkoff walk. Last night wasn't much better as Brad Boxberger pretty much single handily gave up the win.

The loss put the Rays back two games under .500 and with the Blue Jays recent surge, 4.5 games back of the second wild card spot. Meanwhile the Mets have now won seven in a row and sit atop of the National League East. Tonight, the two teams will send rookie right handers to the mound as the Rays will start Nathan Karns against Noah Syndergaard, who's commonly refereed to as 'Thor'.

Starting Pitchers

Nathan Karns vs Noah Syndergaard

Karns has been excellent this year after not knowing if he'd make the starting rotation entering spring training. He's been one of the more consistent starters for the Rays having allowed two runs or less in 16 of his 21 outings, including eight of his last nine.

The last time he pitched was on the third, against the White Sox where he was pitching a beautiful game until Jose Abreu ruined it and ended Karns' night. His final line on the night was five plus innings and he allowed two runs on three hits, walked two, and struck out seven.

Noah Syndergaard Scouting Report:

Syndergaard was acquired by the Mets from Toronto, back during the Blue Jays mega off season in 2012. He quickly risen through the Mets system and has become one of the top prospects in the game.

He made his major league debut back on may 12th and he's been dominating ever since. He's allowed two runs or less over his past seven starts, with five of those being a run or less allowed. During those outing, batters have only hit .165 off him over the course of 50 innings pitched.

He's strung together consecutive eight inning outings, with his last time out coming on the 2nd against the Nationals. His line on the day was eight innings pitched, two runs on seven hits, zero walks, and he struck out nine in a victory.

His arsenal:

His splits: