New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions July 10th 2024

Mets look to move above .500 in rematch vs. Nationals

The New York Mets are on the brink of surpassing the .500 mark as they face off against the Washington Nationals in the second game of a pivotal three-game series. Fresh off a significant victory, the Mets seek to maintain their momentum, bolstered by the acquisition of Phil Maton to strengthen their bullpen. Meanwhile, the Nationals continue to grapple with early-game performance issues, posing a substantial challenge to their season recovery.

Current Standings and Context

Following a victory on Tuesday night, the Mets’ record stands at 45-45, positioning them 1.5 games behind the San Diego Padres in the National League wild-card race. This win, driven by stellar performances from Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo, who collectively delivered two homers and six RBIs, highlights the Mets’ offensive prowess. However, the bullpen’s inconsistency remains a significant concern, necessitating the acquisition of Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Phil Maton’s Immediate Impact

Phil Maton, expected to join the Mets either Wednesday or Thursday, brings a career regular-season ERA of 4.28. His postseason performance is notably promising, with an 0.83 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings. Maton’s arrival is anticipated to provide immediate relief to a Mets bullpen that struggled to close out Tuesday’s game, requiring four relievers to secure the final six outs.

Matchup Overview
Luis Severino vs. Patrick Corbin

Luis Severino (Mets): Severino, with a 5-3 record and a 3.83 ERA, is slated to start. Despite a challenging outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Friday, Severino's career record against the Nationals is impressive, boasting a 2-0 record with a 0.61 ERA in two starts.

Patrick Corbin (Nationals): Corbin has faced difficulties this season with a 1-8 record and a 5.49 ERA. His historical performance against the Mets includes an 8-12 record with a 5.01 ERA over 29 games (28 starts).

Tuesday Night’s Game Recap

Tuesday night’s game saw the Mets claw their way back to a .500 record, driven by home runs and RBIs from Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo. The Nationals, despite scoring all their runs in the final two innings, could not overcome a strong start by Jose Quintana, who allowed only one hit over seven innings. The bullpen, however, highlighted the Mets’ need for Maton, as they struggled to close the game.

Nationals’ Offensive Struggles

The Nationals’ sluggish start on offense remains a persistent issue. With a 3-6 record this month, Washington has managed only 15 of its 45 runs after the sixth inning. Quintana’s dominant performance on Tuesday, including retiring the first six batters and ending his outing with 13 consecutive outs, underscores the Nationals’ need to improve their early-game approach.

Managerial Insights

Nationals manager Dave Martinez emphasized the need for a strong start against Severino, urging his team to be aggressive in the strike zone and capitalize on scoring opportunities early. This strategy aims to counteract their recent trend of late-game rallies that fall short.

Key Players to Watch

Mets

Francisco Lindor: A critical player in the Mets' lineup, Lindor's performance is pivotal. His recent form, including home runs and RBIs, showcases his ability to influence the game's outcome.

Brandon Nimmo: Nimmo's contributions alongside Lindor provide the Mets with a formidable offensive duo. His consistency at the plate is vital for the Mets' success.

Nationals

Patrick Corbin: As the starting pitcher, Corbin’s performance will be under scrutiny. His ability to manage the Mets' hitters early on will be crucial.

CJ Abrams: Abrams' offensive capabilities can potentially turn the game in the Nationals' favor. His recent performances indicate his importance in the lineup.

Conclusion

The Mets’ goal of moving above .500 hinges on solid performances from their starting pitchers and newly acquired bullpen strength. As they face the Nationals, both teams will need to address their respective weaknesses—be it early offensive struggles for the Nationals or bullpen reliability for the Mets. With pivotal matchups and key player contributions on the line, the outcome of this series could significantly influence the trajectory of both teams’ seasons.

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