In what promises to be an electrifying finale to a four-game series, the New York Mets will face off against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The series has been anything but predictable, with the Nationals claiming a 7-5 victory over the Mets on Wednesday after a determined comeback.
Prior to that, the Mets managed to secure two consecutive 10-inning wins. The intensity leading up to the final game is palpable, especially given the recent performances and standings of both teams. The Mets currently hold a .500 record at 42-42, resting comfortably in third place in the National League East. Their recent form has been impressive, boasting 14 wins in their last 19 games.
On the other hand, the Nationals find themselves on slightly shakier ground. With a 40-46 record, they sit fourth in the National League East and have struggled in recent outings, losing seven of their last nine games. This lack of consistency has been a point of concern for the Nationals as they gear up for the final showdown.
Pitching Matchup: Quintana vs. Irvin
Taking the mound for the Mets will be veteran pitcher Jose Quintana. Quintana's season record stands at 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA. However, what is notable about his performances is his resilience; he hasn’t conceded more than three earned runs in any start since May 10. In his latest outing against Houston, Quintana pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs, six hits, three walks, and striking out seven batters. The Mets emerged victorious with a 7-2 win in that game. All eyes will be on Quintana to deliver yet another steady performance for New York.
Opposing Quintana will be Jake Irvin for the Nationals. Irvin has a 6-6 record this season with an impressive 3.03 ERA. His recent form has been strong, with notable performances against Tampa Bay and Colorado. In a recent game against Tampa Bay, Irvin pitched six innings, conceding just one earned run on one hit and three walks, while striking out five. Against Colorado, he showcased his command by striking out ten batters over six innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run. Given this form, Irvin will aim to neutralize the Mets’ batting lineup effectively.
Main Sluggers: Nimmo and Abrams
At the plate, New York will look to Brandon Nimmo to lead the charge. Nimmo is batting .248 for the season and has been instrumental in the Mets' recent successes. His stats include 16 doubles, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. Nimmo has also managed to secure hits in seven out of the past ten games, indicating a strong streak. Highlights from his recent performances include a 3-for-4 outing 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.
For the Nationals, C.J. Abrams has been a consistent performer. Abrams is hitting .283 and has accumulated 20 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 53 runs over 78 games. His recent form has been noteworthy, delivering four multi-hit games in the past eight outings. He also recorded back-to-back three-hit performances against San Diego on June 24 and 25. Abrams' latest displays include a 2-for-5 game with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to New York and a double and home run in the 8-1 win against Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Final Game Anticipation
The final game is set to begin at 11:05 a.m. ET, with the Mets considered slight favorites sporting 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. Historically, the Mets have an edge in the all-time series, leading 474-468, a factor that could add to their momentum.
As the teams prepare to square off, fans eagerly await a thrilling contest that could hinge on the pitchers' performances and key hitters’ ability to deliver under pressure. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance throughout the series, this final game is poised to be a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating match-up.