Mets and Nationals Set for Series Finale Showdown in Washington
As the New York Mets prepare to face the Washington Nationals in the final game of their four-game series at Nationals Park, both teams are looking to make critical moves in the National League East standings. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET on Thursday.
The series has been a tightly contested affair. Washington rallied on Wednesday for a 7-5 victory over New York, putting a halt to the Mets' momentum after they had clinched back-to-back 10-inning wins in the preceding games. The Mets, currently at a .500 record (42-42), are positioned in the third spot in the National League East, while the Nationals sit in fourth with a 40-46 record. Despite their position, Washington has struggled recently, losing seven of their last nine games.
New York has been on a roll, securing 14 wins in their last 19 games. The team remains the slight favorites for Thursday's contest with a money line of -114, as compared to Washington's -105. The run line has New York at -1.5 (+139), and the over/under for total runs is set at 9. Additionally, the Mets hold a narrow edge in their all-time series against the Nationals, leading 474-468.
Pitching Matchups
On the mound for the Mets will be Jose Quintana, who holds a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA. Quintana has displayed notable consistency, not conceding more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In his latest performance, Quintana pitched four innings against Houston, allowing two earned runs on six hits, walking three, and striking out seven. The Mets triumphed 7-2 in that outing.
Washington's pitching duties will be handled by Jake Irvin, sporting a more balanced 6-6 record with an impressive 3.03 ERA. Irvin's recent showcase against Tampa Bay was marked by six innings of solid pitching, conceding one earned run on one hit and three walks, while striking out five. Additionally, Irvin's June 23 game against Colorado saw him delivering six innings of work, allowing only three hits and one earned run, while striking out ten.
Key Players to Watch
For the Mets, Brandon Nimmo has been a standout performer this season. With a batting average of .248, Nimmo has accumulated 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. His recent form has been impressive, recording hits in seven of the past ten games. Notably, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston on Sunday, followed by a 2-for-3 performance with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning win.
On the Nationals' side, C.J. Abrams has been making waves with a batting average of .283. Over 78 games, Abrams has tallied 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored. His consistency at the plate is evident, notching four multi-hit games in the past eight. Abrams delivered back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25, and went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to New York. Additionally, he had a double and home run in the Nationals' 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
As both teams take the field for the early game, fans can expect an engaging battle between two pitchers in solid form and hitters like Nimmo and Abrams aiming to make significant impacts. Whether the Mets can extend their impressive recent run or if the Nationals can find a way to turn their fortunes around will make for compelling viewing in this concluding match of the series.