The New York Mets will face off against the Washington Nationals in the final game of a compelling four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Following a dramatic 7-5 comeback victory by the Nationals on Wednesday, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the series.
The Mets, who have been showing signs of resurgence, claimed back-to-back 10-inning wins in the first two games of the series, displaying both resilience and skill in extra innings. This recent form has helped lift them to a .500 record (42-42), securing their position in third place in the competitive National League East. Over the past 19 games, they have recorded an impressive 14 wins, demonstrating a solid run of performances as they seek to climb the standings.
Standing in their way, however, are the Nationals, who occupy the fourth spot in the National League East with a 40-46 record. Despite their struggles, including seven losses in their last nine games, Washington displayed heart and determination in Wednesday’s game, rallying to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Pitching Showdown
The upcoming game promises an intriguing pitching duel. The Mets will send Jose Quintana to the mound. Quintana, who holds a 3-5 record and a 4.57 ERA this season, has been a reliable option for the Mets. Notably, he hasn't 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 on six hits, walking three and striking out seven. The Mets emerged victorious with a 7-2 win in that matchup.
Opposing Quintana will be Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Irvin has had a solid season with a 6-6 record and a commendable 3.03 ERA. He is coming off an impressive six-inning stint against Tampa Bay, where he surrendered just one earned run on one hit while striking out five. His recent performance on June 23 against Colorado further underscores his prowess, where he pitched six innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run while striking out ten.
Key Players to Watch
For the Mets, Brandon Nimmo has been a standout performer. Batting .248 for the season, Nimmo has amassed 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. He has also been consistent at the plate recently, securing hits in seven of the last ten games. Highlights of his recent performances include a 3-for-4 outing with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a game against Houston, and a 2-for-3 showing with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning win over the Nationals.
The Nationals will be looking to C.J. Abrams to continue his impressive form. With a .283 batting average, Abrams has collected 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. He has been particularly effective of late, delivering four multi-hit games in the past eight. His recent performances include back-to-back three-hit games against San Diego and a 2-for-5 outing with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Mets. Abrams also made notable contributions in Washington’s 8-1 victory at Tampa Bay, where he hit a double and a home run.
Betting Insights
As the teams prepare for Thursday’s clash, the betting lines reflect a slight edge to the Mets. New York is favored with a money line of -114, while Washington stands at -105. The run line sees the Mets at -1.5 (+139), indicating confidence in New York's ability to secure a decisive win. The over/under for total runs is set at 9, pointing to an expectation of a high-scoring affair.
The historical context adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The Mets lead the all-time series against the Nationals with a record of 474-468, suggesting that Thursday’s game could further tilt this long-standing rivalry.
First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET at Nationals Park. Fans can look forward to a captivating contest as both teams vie for crucial wins in their pursuit of postseason aspirations.