The New York Mets are poised for a crucial clash with the Washington Nationals in the finale of their four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. As the series stands, the Nationals scored a comeback win on Wednesday with a 7-5 victory, after the Mets had secured back-to-back 10-inning wins on the previous two nights.
The Mets, who currently maintain a .500 record at 42-42, find themselves third in the National League East. Their recent form has been commendable, with 14 wins in their last 19 games, a surge that has kept them in playoff contention. Thursday's game will be pivotal as they look to solidify their standing in the division.
The Washington Nationals, occupying the fourth spot in the National League East with a 40-46 record, have not enjoyed the same success, losing seven of their last nine games. Despite this, their latest victory over the Mets showcased their ability to mount a winning effort when it mattered. Thursday’s game could be crucial for Washington’s aspirations to climb up the standings.
Pitching Matchup
Jose Quintana will take the mound for the Mets. Quintana has had a mixed season, with a record of 3-5 and a 4.57 ERA. However, he has been relatively consistent, not conceding more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. Quintana’s recent outing against Houston proved he can be a game-changer, where 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 on that occasion.
For the Nationals, Jake Irvin will be their starting pitcher. Irvin boasts a 6-6 record with a 3.03 ERA, having demonstrated his pitching prowess in recent games. Against Tampa Bay, Irvin pitched six innings and conceded only one earned run on one hit and three walks, while striking out five. His performance against Colorado on June 23 was similarly impressive, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out ten over six innings.
Batting Highlights
The Mets’ offense has been powered by Brandon Nimmo, who is batting .248 this season with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Nimmo has been particularly effective recently, garnering hits in seven of the past ten games. His standout performance came in the 10-5 loss to Houston, where he went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. Nimmo continued his strong form into Tuesday’s game, going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in the Mets' 7-2 10-inning triumph.
The Nationals will be looking towards C.J. Abrams for offensive inspiration. Abrams has a .283 batting average this season, with 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored across 78 games. Abrams has shown a knack for multi-hit games, achieving four in the past eight contests. His back-to-back three-hit displays against San Diego on June 24 and 25 were a testament to his batting capabilities. In Tuesday’s loss to New York, Abrams contributed with a 2-for-5 performance and an RBI. On Saturday against Tampa Bay, his efforts included a double and a home run in the Nationals' 8-1 victory.
Odds and Historical Context
The first pitch for Thursday's game is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET. The Mets enter the game as slight favorites with a money line of -114, compared to Washington’s -105. The run line sees New York at -1.5 (+139), while the over/under for total runs is set at 9. In their all-time series, the Mets hold a slender lead over the Nationals, 474-468, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
As fans brace for what promises to be a tightly contested series finale, both teams will be eager to claim victory and gain momentum as the season progresses. With strong pitching matchups and key players in form, Thursday's game is set to be a showcase of skill and determination from both sides.