Free MLB Picks Today: New York Mets vs Washington Nationals 10/5/22

The Mets swept Tuesday’s series-opening doubleheader. After taking the opening game 4-2, New York followed up with an 8-0 win in game two, their 13th head-to-head victory in 18 games this season. Reliever Stephen Nogosek threw 2.2 scoreless innings to get the win. Brandon Nimmo’s on-base streak reached 16 games as he went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He drove in three runs. Francisco Alvarez added a solo home run and a double. Ildemaro Vargas was 2 for 3 with a double for the Nationals.

ON THE MOUND

Erick Fedde (6-12, 5.27 ERA) is slated to start for Washington. The righty allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings in his last start, a 5-1 road defeat against the Phillies on Friday. He was charged with the loss, scattering seven hits while striking out three and walking one. Over three previous starts against the Mets this season, Fedde has allowed nine earned runs over 12.1 innings (1-1, 6.57). He has struck out seven and walked four.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Washington has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.7. New York is averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Mets have a .755 OPS against righties in 2022, third highest in the league. With a .385 OBP over 451 at-bats, Jeff McNeil has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Washington is 29-51 on the road in 2022, scoring 3.8 runs per game while allowing 5.2 runs. New York has won three in a row at Citi Field. The Mets are 53-27 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.3. In the last 10 meetings at Citi Field, New York is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 6.3-3.1.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 46 games behind the division-leading Braves. The Mets are second in the NL East, one games behind the Braves. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting first with a magic number of zero.