Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs New York Mets 5/13/23

The New York Mets (19-20) are on the road to face the Washington Nationals (16-22) at Nationals Park on Saturday. The Mets took Friday’s series opener 3-2, their second head-to-head victory in four games this season.

Tylor Megill went five innings to get the win, allowing two runs (1 ER) on four hits, and Drew Smith pitched 0.1 scoreless innings to pick up his first save of the season. Brandon Nimmo was 2 for 4 with one run in the win. Alex Call went 2 for 4 with a double and one run for the Nationals.

ON THE MOUND

Joey Lucchesi (1-0, 4.43 ERA) is slated to get the start for New York. The left-hander allowed three runs over four innings in his last start, a 13-6 road defeat against the Rockies on Sunday. He gave up four hits while striking out four and walking three in the no-decision.

Lucchesi has made one previous start against the Nationals this season, a 9-8 home victory on April 27. He surrendered three runs on five hits over 5.1 innings, striking out three and walking two.For Washington, righty Trevor Williams (1-1, 4.25 ERA) will toe the rubber.

He has made one prior start against the Mets this season, giving up four runs over five innings in a 9-8 road defeat on April 27. He gave up nine hits and walked two, while striking out four in the no-decision.

In his last start on Sunday, Williams took a no-decision on the road against the Diamondbacks. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up five runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking two in the 9-8 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, New York has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.1. Against right-handed pitchers like Williams this season, the Mets have a .701 OPS. Nimmo is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .870 OPS in 88 at-bats.

Washington is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.0 for the season, with a better slash line (.287/.348/.381). The Nats have a .768 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a .963 OPS over 25 at-bats, Victor Robles has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

New York is 12-12 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Washington has gone 6-13 at home this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.1. In the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the NL East rivals, New York is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.5-3.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mets are third in the NL East, six games behind the division-leading Braves. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, nine games behind the Braves.