Mets Aim to Clinch Series Against Nationals in Washington, D.C.
The New York Mets are set to face off against the Washington Nationals in the final game of a four-game series at Nationals Park on Thursday. Coming off a rallying 7-5 victory over New York on Wednesday, Washington will look to build momentum against a Mets team that has shown resilience in their recent matchups.
Earlier in the week, the Mets clinched back-to-back 10-inning victories, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. As they approach this crucial game, New York holds a balanced .500 record (42-42) and stands third in the National League East. Impressively, they have won 14 out of their last 19 games, indicating a strong form coming into this series finale.
In contrast, the Nationals are fourth in the National League East with a 40-46 record. Their recent form has been less favorable, with seven losses in their last nine games. Despite this, they managed to secure an essential win on Wednesday, keeping the series competitively balanced.
Pitching Matchup: Quintana vs. Irvin
For the Mets, veteran pitcher Jose Quintana is slated to start on the mound. Quintana has a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA. His recent performances have been steady; 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, while walking three and striking out seven. The Mets triumphed in that game, securing a 7-2 victory.
Jake Irvin will take the pitcher's mound for the Nationals. Irvin boasts a 6-6 record paired with an impressive 3.03 ERA. His recent outings have been strong, pitching six innings each against Tampa Bay and Colorado. In these games, he allowed just one earned run in both instances, striking out five against Tampa Bay and an impressive ten against Colorado. His ability to limit hits and control the game has been a bright spot for Washington.
Key Players: Nimmo and Abrams
Brandon Nimmo remains a pivotal player for the Mets, batting .248 for the season. Nimmo has contributed significantly with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. His consistent form is highlighted by hits in seven of the last ten games. Notably, in a 10-5 loss to Houston on Sunday, Nimmo went 3-for-4, including a double, a home run, and three RBIs. He also played a crucial role in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning win, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
For the Nationals, C.J. Abrams has been a standout performer. With a batting average of .283, Abrams has accumulated 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs over 78 games. Abrams showcased his hitting prowess recently with four multi-hit games in his past eight outings. Additionally, he had back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25. In Tuesday's loss to New York, Abrams contributed two hits, including an RBI, continuing his impressive form.
Betting Insights
The Mets enter Thursday's game as slight favorites with a money line of -114, while Washington is close behind at -105. On the run line, the Mets are -1.5 with odds of +139. The over/under for total runs in this matchup is set at nine, indicating an expected tight and thrilling affair.
Historical Context
Historically, the New York Mets hold a narrow lead in the all-time series against the Washington Nationals, with a record of 474-468. This storied rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to Thursday's game, as both teams are eager to improve their standings in the National League East.
First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET. With both teams looking to finish the series on a high note, fans can expect a competitive and high-stakes game at Nationals Park. As the Mets aim to leverage their recent form and the Nationals look to build on their latest win, this clash promises to be a captivating conclusion to the four-game series.