Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Predictions, Picks and MLB Preview – July 8, 2016

Where: Citi Field, Flushing, New York

When: Friday, July 8, 7:10 PM ET

Line: Washington Nationals (-108) at New York Mets (-102); total: 6.5 – view all MLB lines

TV Broadcast: MASN, WUSA 9, SNY

Writer’s Pick: New York Mets

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Pitching Edge – Washington Nationals (-108)

A prime pitching matchup is in the cards later tonight as Stephen Strasburg squares off with Noah Syndergaard in Game 2 of the much-anticipated Mets-Nationals series. Strasburg was superb in his last outing, throwing 6.2 no-hit innings against the Cincinnati Reds in his first start back from the disabled list. With the victory, Strasburg improved his record to a perfect 11-0 slate this season. Syndergaard also dished out an excellent performance in his last start against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out eight.

That being said, we give the slight edge to Strasburg tonight because of his recent record against the Mets. He has already beaten New York twice this year, surrendering just three runs in 12.2 innings. Syndergaard, on the other hand, has struggled mightily against the Nats of late. He lasted only three innings against Washington on June 27, allowing five runs in that short outing.

Batting Edge – New York Mets (-102)

The New York Mets are on a roll right now and they have their offense to thank for that. The Mets have scored a whopping 57 runs over their last eight games, with New York posting a 7-1 record during this stretch. Powering the Mets’ resurgence is the red-hot Wilmer Flores. He has been on a tear at the plate all week, hitting five long balls over his last five games. Flores homered twice Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and then went an incredible 6 for 6 against the Chicago Cubs with two homers on Sunday. A stint on the bench wasn’t enough to cool down the sizzling Flores last night, hitting the go-ahead three-run homer in New York’s 9-7 win against the Washington Nationals.

Speaking of the Nats, they will need Daniel Murphy to deliver another solid performance this evening. With Murphy’s homer last night against the Mets, he has now hit five against his former team this season. Murphy has already racked up 15 home runs this campaign, a new career high. He is just 1-of-5, however, lifetime against Mets starter Noah Syndergaard.

Writer’s Prediction: The Mets (-102) extend their winning streak to three games with a narrow 4-2 victory.