The New York Mets are set to finalize their four-game series against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The series thus far has showcased thrilling baseball, with both teams aiming to close out on a high note.
Recent Performances
The Nationals managed to edge out the Mets with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday, marking a highlight in what has been a challenging stretch for them. Washington, currently fourth in the National League East, holds a 40-46 record and has struggled recently, losing seven of their last nine games. Despite this, their win against the Mets adds a much-needed morale boost as they face their division rivals once more.
The Mets, boasting a .500 record at 42-42, are positioned third in the National League East. New York's recent form has been commendable, winning 14 of their last 19 games, and they will look to leverage this momentum in the upcoming game. Despite Wednesday's loss, the Mets had previously claimed back-to-back 10-inning wins against the Nationals, underscoring their resilience and fighting spirit.
Pitching Matchup
Thursday's game will see Jose Quintana taking the mound for the Mets. Quintana has had a mixed season with a 3-5 record and a 4.57 ERA. However, it's noteworthy that he has not conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10, demonstrating consistent control and effectiveness on the mound. In his latest outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out seven, contributing significantly to the Mets' 7-2 victory.
Opposing Quintana will be Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Irvin holds a 6-6 record with a more impressive 3.03 ERA. His recent performances have been solid; in his last two starts, Irvin pitched six innings each, conceding minimal runs and demonstrating significant command over his pitches. Against Tampa Bay, he allowed only one earned run on one hit, striking out five. He followed that with an impressive ten-strikeout performance against Colorado, allowing only one earned run and three hits.
Key Players
At the plate, Brandon Nimmo has been a consistent performer for the Mets. Batting .248 for the season, Nimmo has accumulated 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. His recent form is promising, with hits in seven of the past ten games. Nimmo was instrumental in recent games against Houston, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss, and 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's win.
For the Nationals, C.J. Abrams has been a standout. With a .283 batting average, Abrams's offensive contributions include 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. Abrams has been particularly effective recently, recording four multi-hit games in the past eight. His back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego further highlight his prowess at the plate. Even in Tuesday's loss to New York, Abrams went 2-for-5 with an RBI, adding to his season's impressive stats.
Game Outlook
The final game of the series promises to be an intriguing contest. The Mets are slight favorites, reflected in the money line of -114 compared to Washington's -105. The run line also favors New York at -1.5 (+139), with the over/under for total runs set at 9.
Historically, the Mets have the edge in the all-time series between these two teams, leading 474-468. However, with both teams showcasing compelling individual and team performances, Thursday's encounter is poised to be highly competitive.
First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal game for both squads as they navigate the mid-season grind.