As the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals collide for the last game of their four-game series at Nationals Park, the stakes have never been higher for these National League East foes. The Mets find themselves at an even .500 with a record of 42-42, holding the third spot in their division and aiming for consistency. In contrast, the Nationals, sitting at 40-46, have been struggling to find their rhythm, languishing in fourth place after losing seven of their last nine games.
Mets Secure Resilient Victories
After demonstrating resilience with back-to-back 10-inning victories on Monday and Tuesday, the Mets faltered slightly when Washington rallied for a 7-5 victory on Wednesday. However, the Mets’ recent form has been commendable, having secured 14 wins out of their last 19 games, an indication they might be turning a corner in their season's campaign.
As the teams prepare for the 11:05 a.m. ET first pitch on Thursday, the odds slightly favor the Mets, who are given a money line of -114 compared to Washington's -105. The run line places New York at -1.5 (+139), with the over/under for total runs set at 9.
Pitching Matchup Could Be Decisive
The mound will see Jose Quintana pitching for the Mets and Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Quintana, with a season record of 3-5 and an ERA of 4.57, has been a steady force for New York. Notably, Quintana has not conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. His latest outing against Houston was impressive, pitching four innings and allowing just two earned runs, six hits, and three walks while striking out seven — a game that ended in a 7-2 victory for the Mets.
On the other hand, Jake Irvin's season has been more erratic. Sporting a 6-6 record with a 3.03 ERA, Irvin has shown flashes of brilliance. His recent performances include a six-inning stint against Tampa Bay, where he conceded just one earned run on one hit and three walks, and a dominant six innings against Colorado, allowing three hits and striking out ten. Irvin's capability to pull key performances could still sway this final clash.
Key Players to Watch
Brandon Nimmo stands out for the Mets with a season batting average of .248. He has been instrumental, hitting 16 doubles, two triples, and 13 home runs, with 52 RBIs and 54 runs scored. Nimmo’s recent form is notable, garnering hits in seven of the past ten games. In Sunday's 10-5 loss to Houston, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. He followed this up with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in their 10-inning win on Tuesday.
On the Nationals' side, C.J. Abrams has been a consistent performer with a .283 batting average. Abrams has accumulated 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. Recently, his performance has been sterling, with four multi-hit games in the past eight, including back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego. In Tuesday's loss to New York, Abrams went 2-for-5 with an RBI, followed by a solid performance in Saturday’s 8-1 win at Tampa Bay, where he hit a double and a home run.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
The Mets lead the all-time series against the Nationals, 474-468, a rivalry that has seen its fair share of intensity and unforgettable moments. As the series draws to a close, fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling encounter as these divisional contenders square off.
Whether it’s the surge of the Mets looking to push above .500 and cement their place in the National League East, or the Nationals hoping to break their slump and close the gap, Thursday's game promises to provide excitement and drama right from the first pitch.