The New York Mets and the Washington Nationals are gearing up for the final showdown in their four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. With the first pitch set for 11:05 a.m. ET on Thursday, the Mets carry a slight edge over their rivals, standing as favorites with a money line of -114, while Washington is listed at -105.
Mets' Recent Performance
Currently holding a .500 record at 42-42, the Mets are placed third in the National League East. Their recent form indicates resurgence, having secured 14 wins in their last 19 games. The momentum was momentarily halted when they suffered a 7-5 defeat to the Nationals on Wednesday, despite back-to-back 10-inning victories earlier in the series.
Washington's Struggles
On the other side, the Nationals, with a 40-46 record, are fourth in the National League East. Getting over recent woes has been challenging for Washington as they’ve lost seven of their last nine games. Yet, Wednesday's rally to defeat New York has kept their hopes alive in the current series.
Pitching Matchup
Jose Quintana will take the mound for the Mets. With a season record of 3-5 and a 4.57 ERA, Quintana embodies reliability. He hasn’t conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10, ensuring the Mets have a fighting chance. In his recent four-inning stint against Houston, he allowed only two earned runs, six hits, and three walks while striking out seven. That effort contributed to the Mets’ 7-2 victory over Houston.
Washington entrusts the ball to Jake Irvin. The right-hander has put together a solid season boasting a 6-6 record with a 3.03 ERA. Irvin's performance against Tampa Bay saw him pitch six innings, allowing just a single earned run on one hit and three walks, with five strikeouts. His six-inning appearance against Colorado on June 23 was equally impressive, as he permitted just three hits and one earned run, striking out ten.
Key Players to Watch
For the Mets, Brandon Nimmo is an essential figure in their batting lineup. Hitting .248 for the season, Nimmo’s stats include 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Over the past ten games, Nimmo has been particularly effective, securing hits in seven of those contests. His performance in the 10-5 loss to Houston involved going 3-for-4 with a double, home run, and three RBIs. Additionally, he was instrumental in Tuesday’s 7-2 10-inning victory, going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored.
C.J. Abrams has been the standout batter for the Nationals, with a .283 average for the season. Abrams’ record includes 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. Impressively, Abrams has recorded four multi-hit games in his last eight appearances, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25 demonstrated his consistency. In Tuesday's loss to the Mets, he went 2-for-5 with an RBI, and in the 8-1 win against Tampa Bay, he had a double and a home run.
Historical Edge
The Mets hold a slight historical advantage in their rivalry with the Nationals, leading the all-time series 474-468. The close numbers reflect the competitive nature of these matchups, making Thursday's game a pivotal point in the season for both teams.
Betting Lines
In terms of betting, the run line places New York at -1.5 (+139), while the over/under for total runs is set at 9. Given the recent performances of both teams and the quality of their starting pitchers, these terms suggest an anticipated closely fought encounter.
As the final game of the series approaches, fans can expect an exciting duel on the mound and decisive batting from key players like Nimmo and Abrams. With both teams eager to clinch the series, Thursday’s match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to their head-to-head battle.