New York Mets at Washington Nationals Betting Preview/Prop Picks

For the second straight night, it will be the Washington Nationals hosting the New York Mets for a showdown in the NL East Division. New York opened up the season by picking up a 5-1 win over Washington on Thursday night, and a rematch is set for Friday. 

The  New York Mets are a popular pick to contend in the NL East Division this season, and it’s likely going to be pitching that leads the way. New York is starting off the season with some injuries, but they will have their new ace on the mound on Friday. 

Washington is expected to struggle throughout the 2022 season, and they did not have a great effort in the season opener. The Nationals are usually a tough team to deal with at home, and they are looking to bounce back in a big way on Friday. 

The New York Mets are the moneyline betting favorites at -182 over the Washington Nationals. 

Scherzer Starting Against Former Team

Max Scherzer will be making his debut for the New York Mets, and it will be coming against his former team. Scherzer returns to a mound in which he has had plenty of success, and he will be looking to make a statement. 

Pitching should once again lead the New York Mets again this season, and that group allowed just six hits in the season opener. New York wants to win low-scoring affairs, and this could be another one.

New York pounded out 12 hits on Opening Day and managed to score five runs in the 5-7 innings. The Mets don’t have a ton of power on the roster, but they can string hits together. 

Nationals Need More Offense

A quick look at the Nationals lineup tells you that this could be a long year. Washington managed just six hits on Thursday night, and Juan Soto provided the only real offense.

Soto belted a home run in the 6th inning on Thursday night, and he could be in for an MVP-type season. The Nationals must give their superstar some help, though, especially against great pitching staffs. 

Josiah Gray will be taking the ball for Washington on Friday night, and he is an unproven starter. The Nationals are simply hoping that Gray can deliver five solid innings to keep this game close.

Mets Mash Against Nationals

This is going to be a big year for the New York Mets, and they are going to need Max Scherzer to lead the way. Facing his former team on Friday night, you can expect Scherzer to have a dominant effort on the mound.

Washington is not expected to have a strong season, and it’s hard to see them finding much offense against one of the best pitchers in baseball. The Nationals might find some power at some point, but stringing hits together just won’t happen in this game. 

It’s going to be a great start to the season for the Mets as they pick up another road win. Bet the New York Mets -2.5 as the bats break out in a big way to back up Scherzer for a second straight win.

Prop Picks

Washington (-110) UNDER 3.5 Runs

The Mets allowed 3.69 earned runs per game last year, which ranked No. 5 in the league. New York gave up 1 run yesterday to Washington . Scores have gone UNDER in four of the Mets’ last five games as a road favorite.

With Dunkel predicting a New York victory by the score of 5-2, take the Nationals (-110) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 3.5 runs against the Mets.

Max Scherzer (+100) OVER 6.5 Strikeouts

Scherzer had 236 strikeouts during the regular season in 2021, which ranked No. 4 in the league. He averaged 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings, which also ranked No. 4. He had more strikeouts on the road (124) than he did at home (112).

With Dunkel predicting a New York road victory while holding the Nationals UNDER their Vegas team total, take Scherzer (+100) to go OVER 6.5 strikeouts against Washington.

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