The New York Mets are set to face off against the Washington Nationals in the finale of a four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Despite a gripping series so far, the Mets have managed to secure two consecutive wins in extra innings earlier in the week. However, the Nationals demonstrated resilience with a spirited comeback win of 7-5 on Wednesday.
The Mets, standing at a .500 record of 42-42, hold the third spot in the National League East. Their recent form has been impressive, with 14 victories in the last 19 games. Conversely, the Nationals occupy the fourth position in the same division, sporting a 40-46 record. Their performance has faltered recently, losing seven of their last nine games, which adds a layer of unpredictability to the upcoming clash.
The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET. The betting odds favor the Mets slightly with a money line of -114, while the Nationals are positioned at -105. The run line for New York is -1.5 (+139), and the over/under for total runs is set at 9.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound for the Mets will be Jose Quintana, who has displayed steady form with a 3-5 record and a 4.57 ERA this season. Notably, Quintana has been a model of consistency, not conceding more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In his recent outing against Houston, he pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits, and three walks while striking out seven. The Mets emerged victorious with a 7-2 win in that game.
Jake Irvin will pitch for the Nationals, coming in with a solid 6-6 record and an impressive 3.03 ERA. Irvin’s recent performances have been commendable, including a six-inning stint against Tampa Bay where he allowed just one earned run on one hit and three walks, alongside five strikeouts. His stellar outing against Colorado on June 23 saw him conceding only one earned run over six innings, with ten strikeouts. His reliability will be crucial for the Nationals in this high-stakes game.
Key Players to Watch
Brandon Nimmo of the Mets has had a noteworthy season, batting .248 with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Over the last ten games, Nimmo has secured hits in seven, showcasing his vital role in the Mets’ lineup. Notable performances include a 3-for-4 game with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston, and a 2-for-3 game with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in a thrilling 10-inning, 7-2 win on Tuesday.
The Nationals’ C.J. Abrams is also a player to keep an eye on, 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 in fine form recently, delivering four multi-hit games in the past eight. Back-to-back three-hit games against San Diego on June 24 and 25 highlighted his hitting prowess. Abrams also contributed with a 2-for-5 performance, including an RBI, in Tuesday's loss to New York and a notable double and home run in an 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Historical Context
The Mets hold a narrow all-time series lead over the Nationals, standing at 474-468. This historical edge adds another layer of complexity and anticipation to this already intense matchup. Both teams have much to prove, with the Mets aiming to climb higher in the National League East standings and the Nationals seeking to arrest their slide and regain momentum.
As the series comes to a close, both teams will be vying for a crucial win that could set the tone for their respective campaigns moving forward. Will the Mets continue their dominance, or will the Nationals find a way to level the series? Baseball enthusiasts will be eagerly watching as the Mets and Nationals take the field one last time in this compelling series.