The New York Mets are poised to face the Washington Nationals in the final game of a four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, and the Mets are slight favorites with a money line of -114, compared to Washington's -105. The over/under for total runs is set at 9.
Mets Look to Solidify Winning Streak
Coming off consecutive 10-inning wins followed by a 7-5 defeat on Wednesday, the Mets are striving to finish strong in this series. At a .500 record (42-42) and currently third in the National League East, the Mets aim to improve their standings. They have recently showcased a robust performance, securing 14 wins in their last 19 games. This encounter presents an opportunity for the Mets to assert their dominance and close the gap with the division leaders.
On the mound for the Mets will be Jose Quintana, who holds a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA. Despite his mixed results, Quintana has maintained consistency, not conceding more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In his recent outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits, and three walks, while striking out seven. The Mets clinched a 7-2 victory in that game, riding on the back of Quintana's solid performance.
Nationals Seek a Rebound
Conversely, the Nationals are in a bit of a slump. With a 40-46 record, they occupy the fourth position in the National League East. Washington has lost seven of their last nine games, a trend they aim to reverse in Thursday's game. Pitching for the Nationals is Jake Irvin, who has posted a 6-6 record with a commendable 3.03 ERA this season. In his last few starts, Irvin has shown remarkable control, pitching six innings against Tampa Bay, allowing just one earned run on one hit, while issuing three walks and striking out five. Furthermore, he recorded ten strikeouts over six innings against Colorado on June 23, showcasing his potential to control the game from the mound.
Key Player Matchups
Brandon Nimmo has been a consistent performer for the Mets this season, batting .248 with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Nimmo has been particularly effective recently, gathering hits in seven of the last ten games. Notably, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston on Sunday, and continued his form by going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning triumph.
For the Nationals, C.J. Abrams has been a standout, boasting a .283 batting average, with 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. Abrams has been a key hitter for Washington, delivering four multi-hit games in the last eight. His recent performances have been pivotal, including back-to-back three-hit games against San Diego on June 24 and 25. Despite the team's struggles, Abrams remains a bright spot, highlighted by his 2-for-5 outing with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to New York and his double and home run in the 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Historical Context
The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Mets lead the all-time series 474-468, a slim margin that underscores the competitive nature of their matchups. Each game in this series not only affects the current standings but also contributes to this closely contested rivalry.
Conclusion
With Jose Quintana and Jake Irvin taking the mound, both teams will look to their starting pitchers to set the tone early. The performances of key hitters like Brandon Nimmo and C.J. Abrams will be instrumental in determining the outcome. The Mets will aim to build on their recent successes and climb higher in the National League East standings, while the Nationals are desperate to break their losing streak and regain momentum.