The final showdown between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals is set to unfold amidst growing anticipation at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Following a thrilling series marked by decisive plays and breakout performances, both teams are poised to leave their mark in this last game.
Washington breathed new life into the series on Wednesday, mounting an impressive rally to clinch a 7-5 victory over New York. This win came on the heels of the Mets’ back-to-back 10-inning triumphs the previous two nights, highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup.
Currently, the Mets boast a balanced record of 42-42, positioning them third in the National League East. Their recent performance has been notably strong, with 14 victories out of their last 19 games. The Nationals, meanwhile, sit fourth in the same division with a 40-46 record, struggling slightly with seven losses in their last nine outings.
First Pitch and Favorable Odds
The excitement is set to commence at 11:05 a.m. ET, with the Mets entering the game as slight favorites. The money line places New York at -114 versus Washington's -105. Additionally, the run line sets the Mets at -1.5 (+139) with an over/under for total runs at 9. Historically, the Mets have had a slight edge in encounters with the Nationals, holding a narrow lead in the all-time series at 474-468.
Pitching Battle: Quintana vs. Irvin
The pitching duel promises to be compelling, with Jose Quintana taking the mound for the Mets. Quintana, who holds a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA, has displayed consistent form, not conceding more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In a recent outing against Houston, he pitched four solid innings, yielding two earned runs on six hits while striking out seven batters. The Mets emerged victorious in that game, with a 7-2 scoreline.
Countering for the Nationals will be Jake Irvin, who has a 6-6 record coupled with a 3.03 ERA this season. Irvin has shown flashes of brilliance recently, including a six-inning performance against Tampa Bay where he conceded only one earned run on one hit and three walks, with five strikeouts. Another standout effort came on June 23 against Colorado, where Irvin allowed just three hits and one earned run over six innings, striking out ten.
Key Player Performances
Brandon Nimmo continues to be a pivotal figure for the Mets, batting .248 for the season. His contributions include 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Nimmo's recent form is promising, with hits in seven of his last ten games. Notably, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston, and 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning victory.
C.J. Abrams has been a standout for the Nationals, boasting a .283 batting average. Over his 78 games, Abrams has accumulated 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored. His recent performances have been sparkling, with four multi-hit games in his past eight outings. Abrams delivered back-to-back three-hit games against San Diego on June 24 and 25 and went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to New York. His capability was further showcased with a double and a home run in an 8-1 win at Tampa Bay.
As both teams gear up for the series finale, the stakes are clear. For the Mets, maintaining their momentum is crucial as they continue to vie for a stronger standing in the National League East. For the Nationals, it’s an opportunity to turn recent misfortunes around and secure a morale-boosting win on home turf. The stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling encounter, with both teams ready to leave it all on the field.