In the second of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (27-18) and the New York Mets (26-18) at Nationals Park, Stephen Strasburg (7-0, 2.80 ERA) and Matt Harvey (3-6, 5.77 ERA) get the start. The Mets won the last game 7-1, and New York leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 24 and will air on MASN and SNY.
In his most recent outing, Strasburg pitched 6.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out 10 and walking one in a 9-1 victory over the Mets. Daniel Murphy (.389, 25 Rs, 6 HRs, 28 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Mets were unsuccessful against the Nationals 9-1 the last time Harvey pitched. He went 2.2 innings, allowing nine runs (three unearned), striking out two and walking two. Yoenis Cespedes (.303, 29 Rs, 15 HRs, 36 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Mets, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Nationals have a SU record of 11-8 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, Washington’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Washington pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking third in the league with a 1.140 WHIP.
Against divisional rivals, the Mets are 17-12 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Mets are known for their power, smashing 63 home runs. The Mets are one of the top pitching staffs in the NL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.202 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
New York has won 56% (5-4) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 67% (12-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Nationals have a 10-5 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mets are 17-4. The Nationals have a 21-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th in runs, New York has earned 174 this season. Washington ranks 13th with 192 runs.
Ranking 12th, New York is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 146 this season. Washington ranks in the top five at third with 177.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 20-8. When the Mets hit at least one homer, they have a 22-7 record.
