The New York Mets and Washington Nationals have a long series in D.C. this weekend. The two teams will play five games against each other between Friday and Labor Day, including a Saturday doubleheader. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Mets-Nationals prediction and pick.
These two teams are trending in complete opposite directions. The Mets are winners of four in a row, while the Nats have dropped five straight and have completely dropped off since trading away their stars at the trade deadline. This series will be huge for the Mets to make up ground in the NL East, as they sit just 5.0 games back of the Atlanta Braves.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Friday's matchup.
MLB Odds: Mets-Nationals Odds
New York Mets ML (-136)
Washington Nationals ML (+126)
Over 9 runs (-110)
Under 9 runs (-110)
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Why The Mets Could Win
Rich Hill has not been great since joining the Mets. His 4.83 ERA in seven games with the Mets since July tells the story. But the Mets can win here because they're simply a much, much better team than the Nats. A struggling offense has found life recently, including last week's 9-4 win over these very same Nationals.
Additionally, the Mets have learned to beat teams that they're expected to beat. After having issues earlier this season with racking up victories against subpar opponents, the Mets took two of three from the Nats last week and just swept three games from the Miami Marlins. With five games in front of them in D.C., the Mets have a golden opportunity in front of them.
Even Rich Hill, with his high ERA, pitched well against the Nationals last week. Hill went five innings, allowing just two runs while striking out eight batters. The Nats are a mess right now and the Mets should win this game with ease. Something special might be happening in Queens this month.
Why The Nationals Could Win
Last week against the Mets, Sean Nolin pitched the best game of his young season. Although he has pitched only three games this year, his performance in Queens was very promising. He allowed just two runs in 5 1/3 innings, allowing no walks and striking out six batters. If Nolin can replicate this type of pitching performance, look for Juan Soto and Josh Bell to provide all the offense the Nats need.
The Mets are hitting better lately, but that lineup is still a candidate to fall into a slump at anytime. They still rank close to the bottom of the league in runs scored per game. With a Nolin quality start and typical power from Soto and/or Bell, the Nats can steal this game from the Mets by a score of something like 4-2.
Final Mets-Nationals Prediction & Pick
Both pitchers are mediocre in this game, so it's one that should turn into an offensive showcase for both teams. But, ultimately, I like Hill to step up and expand upon his solid outing versus the Nats last week. He allows four runs, but the bullpen shuts it down, all while the Mets explode for seven runs. The Mets bring their winning streak to five games and continue to climb toward the top of the division standings once again.
FINAL PICK: Mets ML (-136)
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