The New York Mets are gearing up for the final matchup of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The tension is high as both teams have shown glimpses of strong play throughout the series.
On Wednesday, Washington rallied to secure a 7-5 victory over New York, countering the momentum the Mets had built with back-to-back 10-inning wins on the two preceding nights. As the series draws to a close, the Mets stand with a balanced .500 record (42-42), holding the third spot in the National League East. They have demonstrated a noticeable upswing, winning 14 of their last 19 games.
Comparatively, the Nationals hold a 40-46 record and occupy the fourth position in the National League East. Their recent form has been less impressive, with losses in seven of their last nine games highlighting their struggles.
Thursday's Game Dynamics
The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, and the Mets are slight favorites, with a money line of -114, while the Nationals are at -105. The run line favors New York at -1.5 (+139), and the over/under for total runs is set at 9.
The Mets lead the all-time series against the Nationals with a narrow margin of 474-468, a statistic that adds an additional layer of intensity to the upcoming game.
Pitching Matchup
The Mets will send Jose Quintana to the mound. Quintana has a season record of 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA. Notably, he has not conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10, displaying a measured consistency. His recent performance included four innings against Houston, where he allowed two earned runs, six hits, and three walks, striking out seven batters. Remarkably, the Mets triumphed 7-2 in that outing.
On the other side, Jake Irvin will pitch for the Nationals. Irvin holds a 6-6 record with an impressive 3.03 ERA. His recent six-inning stint against Tampa Bay showcased his potential, as he conceded just one earned run on one hit and three walks while striking out five. Another highlight was his six-inning performance against Colorado on June 23, where he allowed only three hits and one earned run, accumulating ten strikeouts.
Key Players to Watch
For the Mets, Brandon Nimmo has been a driving force. With a batting average of .248, Nimmo's stats include 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. He has been particularly effective recently, securing hits in seven of the past ten games. His standout moments include a 3-for-4 performance with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston on Sunday. Additionally, Nimmo went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday’s 7-2 10-inning win.
C.J. Abrams has been a notable player for the Nationals, boasting a .283 batting average. Over 78 games, Abrams has accumulated 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored. His recent form features four multi-hit games in the past eight, including back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25. Abrams continued to shine with a 2-for-5 outing and an RBI in Tuesday’s loss to New York, following up with a double and home run in the 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
As the Mets and Nationals prepare for the final clash, the dynamics promise an engrossing encounter, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths and finish the series on a high note. Whether it will be the measured consistency of Quintana or the rising prowess of Irvin that dominates, Thursday's game is set to be a compelling chapter in this storied rivalry.