MLB Odds: Mets-Nationals prediction, odds, and pick

The Washington Nationals are set to host the New York Mets for game two of the opening series! It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Mets-Nationals prediction & pick.

The Mets took game one as their offense shined bright toward the later innings. The Mets struck in the 5th inning and never looked back from there. They won 5-1 as the Nationals only finished with six hits, compared to the Mets' 12. Tylor Megill earned the win after he pitched brilliantly. He might be an x-factor for them this season, especially with Jacob deGrom out.

The Nationals couldn't get into a rhythm last night. I'm not sure if the weather delay got to their heads or not, but finishing with just six hits isn't going to work. MeGill is a legit pitcher, but the Nationals lineup is capable of more. Juan Soto hit a solo shot that flew 428 ft. Soto will be fine, but the rest of the lineup needs to step up if they want to be successful.

Here are the Mets-Nationals MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

MLB Odds: Mets-Nationals Odds

New York Mets: -1.5 (+104)

Washington Nationals: +1.5 (-125)

Over: 8.5 (-115)

Under: 8.5 (-105)

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Why The Mets Could Cover The Spread

Max Scherzer is on the bump for the Mets tonight. He will make his Mets' debut as he was supposed to be their starter last night, but dealt with a hamstring issue that barely set him back. He's good to go now and the former CY Young winner should seriously benefit them this season. He ended 2021 with a (15-4) record and a 2.46 ERA with 236 K's. Scherzer seems to get better with age as he doesn't seem to be slowing down much at all.

Pete Alonso is now day-to-day after he left last night's game with an injury. It's unclear if he will play today but if he doesn't they will certainly miss his presence. Alonso went 2-4 last night with a run scored. Robinson Cano went 2-3 and Mark Canha ended 2-3 with a walk and RBI. The Mets' lineup is stacked all the way through.

The Mets can cover this spread with their pitching today. I expect Scherzer to keep his former club to a halt tonight. Scherzer was traded from the Nats to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline last season.

Why The Nationals Could Cover The Spread

The Nationals are sending out Josiah Gray today. Interestingly enough, he was a part of the deal that sent Scherzer to the Dodgers. The youngster will now be a huge part of the Nationals rotation as he was why they traded Scherzer to LA. It will be interesting and cool to see Gray face off against Scherzer. Gray ended 2021 with a (2-2) record and a 5.48 ERA in 13 starts.

The Nats need Soto to keep his play up but they desperately need the rest of the lineup to improve. Nelson Cruz will get going eventually but the rest are struggling. Josh Bell should play a role this season and they are expecting big things from catcher Keibert Ruiz (who also came from LA).

The Nats will cover this spread if they can get to Scherzer early. They can't allow him to pitch deep into the game or else they will not cover this spread.