New York @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2013 ) NY Mets 11, Washington 3
The Washington Nationals were putting themselves back in the discussion for the postseason before dropping the first two contests of their three-game series against the New York Mets. The host Nationals look to salvage the finale on Sunday night while also cutting into their 7 1/2-game deficit for the second National League wild card. Washington's Denard Span collected three singles in Saturday's 11-3 setback to extend his career-high hitting streak to 14 games.
Speaking of hits, New York belted out a season-high 17 - with Eric Young Jr., Juan Lagares and Daniel Murphy each collecting three to go along with two RBIs and two runs scored. Lost in the offensive onslaught was the potential season-ending right oblique injury of Ike Davis. Prior to the injury, manager Terry Collins had credited Davis with showing signs of progress as he improved his season average from a paltry .161 to .205.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN2
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (6-6, 3.69 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Ross Ohlendorf (3-0, 2.49)
Niese was brilliant in his last outing on Tuesday, scattering three hits against Philadelphia for his second career shutout. The 26-year-old has won three of four starts while posting a 1.93 ERA since coming off the disabled list, permitting six runs in 28 innings. Niese is 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in six starts against Washington.
Ohlendorf recorded his first victory since July 6 on Tuesday, allowing just a solo homer among three hits in five innings against Miami . The 31-year-old is receiving the start as manager Davey Johnson elected to keep Tanner Roark in the bullpen. Ohlendorf owns a 2-0 mark with a 2.19 ERA at home this season but has yet to record a decision in five appearances against the Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. After going 3-for-28 since his recall from Triple-A Las Vegas, Mets C Travis d'Arnaud has posted back-to-back 2-for-4 efforts versus the Nationals.
2. Washington 1B Adam LaRoche went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless drought to 15 at-bats.
3. Murphy, who is 11-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak, is 3-for-4 in his career versus Ohlendorf.
PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 2