One year ago, the Mets opened against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field in Queens, NY on a freezing cold day. Both Mets starter Dillon Gee and National starter Stephen Strasburg got rocked for four earned runs each. Also in the starting lineup that day for the Mets were Eric Young Jr., Andrew Brown and Ike Davis.

One year later, they have been replaced by all-star Daniel Murphy, Michael Cuddyer and Lucas Duda. However, for the Nationals, the biggest change is that they were led today on the mound by newly signed ace Max Scherzer. The Mets on the other hand were led by frequently laughed at pitcher Bartolo Colon. If today’s game was any indication, then both the Mets and Nats are in line for a great season, at least pitching wise.

Bartolo struck out 8 over 6 innings, only giving up 3 hits and 1 run, a home run to Bryce Harper (who is on track for 162! Yes that is a sarcasm). Scherzer was just as dominant, striking out 8 over 7.2 innings, allowing 3 runs that were the result of poor defense by Ian Desmond, who indefensibly called off Uggla on a pop fly in very shallow right center field. This brought up Lucas Duda, who singled in both Wright and Granderson. The other run scored as the result of another error by Desmond, allowing Lagares to reach base. Center fielder Michael Taylor misplayed a ball, allowing d’Arnaud to get a triple.  However, just following the game, it was clear that Scherzer was in control and will be a force leading the Nationals. Overall, it is just one game of the season, but I think both the Nationals and Mets are in for an exciting long season, if this minute sample size is any indication.