The New York Mets are poised for a showdown with the Washington Nationals in the final game of a four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The Mets, with their current .500 record (42-42), are looking to maintain their recent momentum, having secured 14 wins in their last 19 games. They’re currently holding the third spot in the National League East. Meanwhile, the Nationals, who sit in fourth place in the same division with a 40-46 record, have faced a tough stretch, losing seven of their last nine games.
On Wednesday, the Nationals staged an impressive 7-5 comeback to snatch victory from the Mets, halting New York’s winning streak. The Mets had previously clinched back-to-back 10-inning wins over Washington on the previous two nights, highlighting their resilience and fighting spirit.
Pitching Matchup
The Mets will be sending Jose Quintana to the mound for Thursday’s game. Quintana, who holds a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA, has been notably consistent. Since May 10, he hasn’t conceded more than three earned runs in any start. In his latest outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out seven. The Mets triumphed 7-2 in that game, further demonstrating Quintana’s ability to deliver when needed.
Opposing Quintana will be Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Irvin possesses a 6-6 record with a commendable 3.03 ERA. His recent performances include a six-inning stint against Tampa Bay where he conceded just one earned run on one hit and three walks, striking out five. Additionally, against Colorado on June 23, Irvin pitched six innings, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out ten. His consistency and ability to keep batters at bay will be crucial for the Nationals as they aim to end the series on a high note.
Key Players to Watch
For the Mets, Brandon Nimmo has been a standout performer. Batting .248 for the season, Nimmo has contributed 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. In the past ten games, he has garnered hits in seven, showcasing his reliability at the plate. Notably, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a recent 10-5 loss to Houston. Adding to his impressive stats, he went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in the Mets’ 7-2 10-inning win on Tuesday.
The Nationals’ C.J. Abrams has also been turning heads with his performance this season. Boasting a .283 batting average, Abrams has racked up 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. His recent form includes four multi-hit games in the past eight, indicative of his solid batting prowess. Abrams delivered back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25. Additionally, he went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Mets, following up with a double and home run in an 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Betting Odds
Heading into the game, the Mets are slight favorites with a money line of -114, while the Nationals are listed at -105. The run line sees New York at -1.5 (+139), and the over/under for total runs is set at 9. Historically, the Mets lead the all-time series against the Nationals with a tally of 474-468.
The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between two teams looking to assert their dominance. With both sides featuring formidable talent and competitive spirits, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to this four-game series.