The Washington Nationals (50-63) and New York Mets (57-55) got in one game Wednesday, a come from behind 8-7 victory for the Mets, however the nightcap was rained out so now the teams will play a doubleheader Thursday. First pitch for Game 1 is set for 12:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field. Let’s analyze the lines around the Nationals vs. Mets odds with MLB picks and predictions.
The Nationals are calling on LHP Sean Nolin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to make his first major league appearance since 2015. He made six starts that season for Oakland and recorded a 5.28 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 4.7 K/9 in 29 IP.
- Nolin has a 3.80 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 across 47 1/3 IP in nine starts and two relief appearances at Triple-A this season.
- The 31-year-old has just eight big league appearances to his name and has compiled a 6.89 ERA and a poor 15/13 K/BB in 31 1/3 IP.
Mets RHP Marcus Stroman (7-11, 2.83 ERA) makes his 25th start of the season. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 through 127 1/3 IP.
- Stroman has made 12 starts at home this season, where he has recorded a 3.07 ERA and 7.6 K/9 across 55 2/3 IP.
- Though he lacks dominant stuff, Stroman does a great job of limiting walks and keeping the ball in the park. He has surrendered just 5 walks and 3 homers in 38 2/3 IP over his past seven starts.
Nationals at Mets Game 1 odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nationals +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mets -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Nationals +1.5 (-135) | Mets -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Prediction
Mets 5, Nationals 3
Money line (ML)
Both teams have struggled lately with the Nationals losing seven of their last eight games and the Mets seven of their last nine.
New York comes into the game with a 34-20 record at home, while Washington has struggled to a 21-33 record on the road.
Even so, the line here is pretty steep, so PASS on the money line.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Mets have the clear pitching edge in this matchup. Stroman carries a sub-3.00 ERA and the ability to chew up innings while Nolin hasn’t appeared in the majors in six years and has never had success at the highest level.
New York’s offense hasn’t been great lately, as yesterday’s game marked the first time since July 21st it scored more than 5 runs in a game. However, the Mets are in a great spot today against Nolin and a suspect relief corps that will back him up.
Side with the METS -1.5 (+110) as they should do enough to win by more than a single run.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total has gone over in nine of the last 10 for Washington, thanks in large part to their poor pitching that has allowed 6.2 runs per game during that time.
There’s a good chance we see another rough outing on the mound from the Nationals today. Even in a seven-inning game, this total is too low so take OVER 6.5 (-108).
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