The New York Mets will face off against the Washington Nationals in the final game of a four-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The Mets, who are currently holding a .500 record (42-42), are hoping to finish the series on a high note. The team is in the third spot in the National League East and has been strong recently with 14 wins in their last 19 games.
The series has been closely contested so far. On Wednesday, the Nationals managed to rally for a 7-5 victory over the Mets. This came after New York secured back-to-back 10-inning wins on the two previous nights, showcasing their resilience and late-game fortitude.
Pitching Matchup: Quintana vs. Irvin
Thursday’s game will see Jose Quintana take the mound for the Mets. Quintana has had a somewhat mixed season with a 3-5 record and a 4.57 ERA. Nonetheless, he has shown consistency, not allowing more than three earned runs in any of his starts since May 10. In his last outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits, three walks, while striking out seven batters. The Mets eventually won that game 7-2, which could provide a confidence boost for Quintana going into this matchup.
On the other side, the Nationals will feature Jake Irvin. Irvin has performed solidly with a 6-6 record and a commendable 3.03 ERA. In a recent game against Tampa Bay, Irvin pitched six innings, conceding just one earned run on one hit and three walks, and striking out five. Another notable performance was his six-inning stint against Colorado on June 23, where he allowed only three hits and one earned run, while striking out ten. His form suggests that the Mets hitters will need to be at their best to clinch a win.
Spotlight on Nimmo and Abrams
Offensively, Brandon Nimmo has been crucial for the Mets, batting .248 for the season. With 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored, Nimmo has consistently contributed to the Mets’ run-scoring opportunities. Over the past ten games, he has gathered hits in seven, highlighting his reliable presence in the lineup. Notably, Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Houston on Sunday. He also went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-2 10-inning win.
For the Nationals, C.J. Abrams has been a standout performer with a .283 batting average. He has recorded 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs scored over 78 games. Abrams has been particularly impressive recently, delivering four multi-hit games in the past eight. His back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25 demonstrate his current form. Moreover, Abrams went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Mets and also had a double and a home run in the 8-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Game Odds and Final Notes
The Mets are slight favorites for Thursday's game, with a money line of -114 compared to Washington's -105. The run line sees New York at -1.5 (+139), indicating a close contest is expected. Additionally, the over/under for total runs is set at 9, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring game.
The Mets and Nationals have a long history, with New York leading the all-time series 474-468. Given the current form and recent performances of both teams, Thursday's game promises to be another intense and exciting encounter. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. ET, marking an early start for a game that could have significant implications for both teams as they push forward in their respective seasons.