Nationals vs. Mets (Oct. 4 DH Game 1): Will Carrasco keep New York’s NL East hopes alive?

Will the NL East remain undecided until tomorrow? Along with getting some help from the Miami Marlins for the second straight day, the New York Mets will need a doubleheader sweep of the Washington Nationals.

That is, if the scheduled doubleheader, is able to take place.

Inclement weather yesterday caused the postponement of the series opener, which would have enabled the Mets to watch the Marlins blank the Atlanta Braves.

It may be a long shot that the Marlins get the sweep that could enable the Mets to take the division, but with one win down, hope remains alive for now.

What is less hopeful, however, is today’s weather forecast for Flushing, which calls for rain and/or heavy thunderstorms all day long.

If the forecast flips favorably to allow both games of the twinbill to go on as scheduled, Carlos Carrasco will take the hill for the Mets in the opener, with Cory Abbott, still in search of his first MLB win, taking the mound for the Nats.

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Washington Nationals (55-104, 26-55 away, 5th in the NL East) vs. New York Mets (98-61, 51-27 home, 2nd in the NL East)
• Venue & Location: Citi Field (New York, New York)
• Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022
• Game Time: 4:10 p.m. Eastern Time

Nationals vs. Mets Pitching Matchup

• Washington: Cory Abbott (2022: 15 appearances – 8 starts, 0-4, 5.11 ERA)
• New York: Carlos Carrasco (2022: 28 starts, 15-7, 3.95 ERA)

Nationals vs. Mets Odds

Game odds, when available, will be from one of our recommended legal sports betting sites.

Moneyline

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Over/Under

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Run Line

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Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Prediction and Best Bets

Nationals vs. Mets Prediction: Mets to win

Nationals vs. Mets Best Bets: Mets -1.5

Last Tuesday, Carrasco did not have a good outing, allowing four runs, six hits, and a walk in three innings and taking the loss in the Marlins’ 6-4 win.

It was his second short start in his last three starts, with the other coming against today’s opposition exactly one month ago. In that outing, a 7-1 loss for the Mets, Carrasco allowed five runs–though only one was earned–six hits, and two walks in just 2.2 innings.

Overall, Carrasco has gone four or fewer innings in four of his last six starts. Another short start to close out the regular season would be less than ideal in this position and when they will need to count on him in the postseason.

Abbott is still seeking his first MLB win in his 10th career start and 24th career appearance, eight of which (with one start) came last year with the Chicago Cubs.

But while he didn't get the win, his best start of this season was against the Mets. On August 2, he pitched five scoreless innings and allowed two hits and two walks, receiving a no-decision in a 5-1 Nationals win.

However, Washington has not won any of his starts since, and he has gone five or more innings just twice more.

The Braves certainly had the better of the Mets this past weekend, but New York, at 42-18 (.700) following a loss, remains the only MLB team with wins in 70 or more percent of their games following a loss.

Of those 42 wins, 32 (76.2 percent) have come by 2+ runs. Look for that trend to continue in this matchup. That is, if it takes place.

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