The Washington Nationals (16-21), one of the least productive lineups in the league, are set to host the New York Mets (18-20) at Nationals Park on Friday for the first of a four-game series.
The Mets are in the midst of a seven-game road trip. They won only one out of three in their last series against the Reds, dropping the finale 5-0 on Thursday at Great American Ball Park. Francisco Alvarez was 2 for 4 with a double.
The Nationals are back home after a six-game road trip (3-3). They won two of three against the Giants in their last series, taking the finale 11-6 on Wednesday at Oracle Park. Ildemaro Vargas went 3 for 5 with a triple and a double. He had three RBIs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Nationals have won two of three in the season series between the NL East rivals, although they dropped a close one 9-8 in their last meeting on April 27 at Citi Field. Brooks Raley got the win with one inning of relief, and David Robertson earned his fifth save with a scoreless ninth.
ON THE MOUND
Tylor Megill (3-2, 4.33 ERA) is in line to get the start for New York. The right-hander allowed three runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 5-2 road defeat against the Rockies on Saturday. He was charged with the loss, scattering six hits while striking out four and walking three.
Megill is making his first appearance against the Nationals this season. Over three appearances (two starts) against the Nationals in 2022, Megill was 1-1 with an 8.64 ERA over 8.1 innings. He had eight strikeouts and one walk.
Southpaw MacKenzie Gore (3-2, 3.65 ERA) gets the start for Washington. He has made one prior start against the Mets this season, giving up one run over six innings in a 4-1 road win on April 26. He gave up four hits and walked two, while striking out 10 in the win.
In his last start on Saturday, Gore took a no-decision on the road against the Diamondbacks. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on eight hits, striking out nine and walking one in the 8-7 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The New York offense is averaging 4.2 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .237/.326/.389. Pete Alonso leads the team in OPS at .875. The first baseman is slashing .239/.331/.543 with 13 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 25 runs over 38 games.
Against left-handed pitchers like Gore this season, the Mets have a .715 OPS. Alonso also is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a .965 OPS in 48 at-bats. Washington is slashing .258/.319/.362 for the season and averaging 4.0 runs per game, fifth lowest in the league.
Lane Thomas leads the team with a .748 OPS. The center fielder has four home runs, 18 RBIs, and 21 runs scored with a slash line of .281/.333/.415. Washington is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five with a higher slash line (.317/.365/.446).
The Nats have a .646 OPS against righties in 2023, third lowest in MLB. With a .754 OPS over 107 at-bats, Joey Meneses has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 11-12 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Washington has won three in a row in front of their home fans.
The Nats are 6-12 at home this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. In the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams, New York is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mets are third in the NL East, seven games behind the division-leading Braves. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, nine games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
NY Mets (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
