As the New York Mets prepare to face the Washington Nationals in the final game of a four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., fans are anticipating an intense showdown. The series has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with Washington rallying for a 7-5 victory on Wednesday, following back-to-back 10-inning wins by the Mets on the previous two nights. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, and the Mets, slight favorites with a money line of -114, are eager to close out the series on a high note.
The New York Mets are sitting at a .500 record (42-42) and occupy the third spot in the National League East. Despite their mid-table position, they have shown resilience, securing 14 wins in their last 19 games. On the other side, the Washington Nationals are fourth in the division, holding a 40-46 record. The Nationals have struggled recently, losing seven of their last nine games, which contrasts starkly with the Mets’ recent form.
Pitching Matchup
The pitching duel for Thursday's game features Jose Quintana for the Mets and Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Quintana, who holds a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA, has been a consistent performer for New York. Notably, he has not conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In his last outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits, and three walks, while striking out seven, leading the Mets to a 7-2 victory.
On the mound for the Nationals is Jake Irvin, with a 6-6 record and a 3.03 ERA. Irvin's recent performances have been impressive; he pitched six innings against Tampa Bay, conceding just one earned run on one hit and three walks, and striking out five. Additionally, he delivered another strong performance against Colorado on June 23, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out ten over six innings.
Key Players to Watch
The Mets will be looking to Brandon Nimmo to continue his form at the plate. Nimmo is currently batting .248 for the season, with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Over the past ten games, Nimmo has garnered hits in seven, showcasing his reliability. Notable performances from Nimmo include going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston, and 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in a 7-2 10-inning win against Washington.
The Nationals will rely on C.J. Abrams, who boasts a .283 batting average. Abrams has tallied 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. His recent form has been strong, delivering four multi-hit games in the past eight. Abrams also had back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25, and went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to New York. He further showcased his talent with a double and home run in an 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Series Overview
The series between these National League East contenders has been tightly contested. The Mets and Nationals have a storied rivalry, with New York leading the all-time series 474-468. The tension is palpable as both teams have battled for dominance, delivering memorable moments for their fans. Thursday's game promises to be another thrilling chapter in their ongoing saga.
The key for the Mets will be to leverage their recent winning momentum and capitalize on Quintana's pitching consistency. For the Nationals, breaking out of their slump and finding a way to support Irvin’s solid outings will be crucial. With the over/under for total runs set at 9, bookmakers anticipate an exciting, high-scoring affair that could go either way.
As the Mets and Nationals take the field, baseball enthusiasts will keep a keen eye on this matchup, witnessing whether the Mets can clinch another win to boost their standing or if the Nationals will regain their footing and end the series on a positive note.