Our expert MLB handicapper, Rob Senior, previews Washington Nationals vs New York Mets on October 4 and provides his prediction and best bet.
The Nationals and Mets meet on Tuesday afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader.
Washington is wrapping up their worst season since the franchise moved to D.C. in 2005, while the Mets are set to start the wild-card playoffs on Friday.
Here’s a look at Tuesday’s game:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 4, 4:10 P.M. Eastern
- Moneyline: Washington Nationals (+220) at New York Mets (-260)
- Runline: Nationals +1.5 (+140)/Mets -1.5 (-160)
- Total: Over 7.5 (+100)/Under 7.5 (-120)
- Where: Citi Field, Flushing, NY
- Weather: 56 degrees, 60% chance of rain
Season Series: So far in 2022, the Mets lead the Nationals 11-5 in head-to-head matchups.
Starting Pitchers: Paolo Espino (0-8, 4.30 ERA) vs. Taijuan Walker (12-5, 3.59 ERA)
Washington Nationals Preview
Don’t expect Espino to pitch for long in this game. He only became a starter after the All-Star break and has bounced between pitching in relief and starting throughout September. His longest outing was 5.2 innings on August 14.
Espino has allowed just one run over 6.1 innings vs. the Mets in 2022.
An offensive outburst would be a surprise, as the Nationals have exceeded three runs only once in their previous nine games.
New York Mets Preview
Taijuan Walker is looking to earn the 4th and final spot in the Mets’ postseason rotation. He started out the season on fire – like the rest of the team – but has dropped off a bit since the all-star break.
Walker can go deep in games but doesn’t figure to push himself Tuesday with New York’s playoff position secured. He pitched seven shutout innings in his lone appearance against the Nationals this season.
Jeff McNeil is batting .361 in his past 15 games and is in competition for the National League batting title with only three games remaining in the season.
Washington Nationals at New York Mets Betting Prediction
Doubleheaders are hard to predict, especially in the last week of the season. The game is a mismatch on paper, but there’s too much lineup uncertainty to recommend a play there.
In a game with uncertain weather, neither starter figures to pitch long. A battle of the bullpens favors the offense – especially with the Mets’ bats looking to heat up before the playoffs.
Washington Nationals vs New York Mets Betting Pick
Washington Nationals/New York Mets Over 7.5 Runs (+100 at FanDuel)
