This game could be low scoring as Tanner Roark (3-3, 2.89 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (28-18) go up against Steven Matz (6-1, 2.81 ERA) and the New York Mets (26-19) in the last of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 7-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 25 and will air on MASN and SNY.
In his most recent outing, Roark pitched 6.2 innings, giving up one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 4-1 victory over the Marlins. Daniel Murphy (.392, 26 Rs, 7 HRs, 30 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Mets were also victorious the last time Matz pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out eight in a 3-2 victory over the Brewers. Yoenis Cespedes (.309, 30 Rs, 15 HRs, 36 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Mets, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Nationals have a SU record of 11-9 against teams in their division. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Nationals has gone great. Over that span, Washington is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Transitioning to the Washington defense and pitching staff, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Nationals, who allow only 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals are third in the league in WHIP at 1.135.
Against divisional foes, the Mets are 18-12 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 a league-leading 65 home runs. The Mets average just 9.0 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the NL. New York’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking third in the NL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.211 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
In their previous five games this season, the Nationals have a 3-2 record.
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 an 11-5 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mets are 17-4. The Nationals have a 22-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, New York has earned 178 this season. Washington ranks 11th with 199 runs.
Ranking 13th, New York is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 149 this season. Washington ranks in the top five at third with 179.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 21-8, well-matched with the Mets who are 22-8 when hitting one or more homers.
