The NL leading New York Mets will look to continue their dominance over the ever-struggling Washington Nationals when they visit them tonight.
Buck Showalter's team has already topped the 20-win mark and it seems like Steve Cohen's investment is paying off thus far. They've been the best team in all MLB this season and will now get the chance to showcase their skills against one of the bottom-feeders.
The New York Met are 8-0-1 through their first nine series of the season. Let that sink in. They've been too good on both sides of the field and clearly want to put an end to their postseason struggles once and for all.
Tonight, Showalter will give the ball to Tylor Megill, who's 4-1, 2.43 ERA in six starts this season, as he looks to win the second game of the series after Carlos Carrasco's strong outing last night.
It's not a secret to see that the Washington Nationals are way below .500 right now. Other than Josh Bell and Juan Soto, they don't pose any sort of an offensive threat, and the team's defense has left a lot to be desired.
It's crazy to think that this team won the World Series just a couple of years ago but their fall from grace was predictable. They're looking to rebuild and it will get uglier before it gets any better.
In terms of health, both teams are pretty much at full strength for position players, with the lone exception of Alcides Escobar in Washington. Also, aces Jacob deGrom and Stephen Strasburg are expected to be on the shelf for a little longer.
When it comes to trends, it's worth noting that the Mets are 15-5 in their last 20 games vs. a right-handed starter, 9-3 in their last 12 road games, and 21-8 in their last 29 games as a favorite.
Also, the Under is 4-1 in Mets' last 5 games as a road favorite, and 4-1 in Mets' last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
All things considered, it seems like the Washington Nationals simply don't stand a chance tonight against Buck Showalter's team. They're better in every single aspect of the game, in every metric, and with momentum on their side.
Megill has been one of the most efficient hurlers in all of baseball this season and will take the mound against a team he's dominated already. Their offense is red-hot, and the Nationals don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with them. Ride with the Mets on the money line and if you're feeling risky, grab them on the run line as well.
