The New York Mets and Washington Nationals continue their NL East clash on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Nationals Park. First pitch is set for 6:45 PM ET. The Mets (66–60) send Kodai Senga (9–7, 3.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) to the mound, while the Nationals (51–74) counter with rookie right-hander Brad Lord (2–5, 5.12 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). The Mets are listed as road favorites at –155, with the total set at 9 runs.
Team Analysis
New York Mets
The Mets are in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, leaning heavily on a balanced lineup and strong starting pitching. Pete Alonso has anchored the middle of the order with 31 HR and 85 RBI, while Francisco Lindor has rebounded from a slow start, hitting .259 with 22 HR and 71 RBI. Rookie Jett Williams has added speed (18 SB) and energy at the top of the lineup.
On the mound, Senga has rediscovered his form after some midseason struggles. With 146 strikeouts in 139 innings, his “ghost fork” remains a weapon, though walks (58) have occasionally haunted him. If Senga limits free passes, New York should be in control.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are playing out the string in 2025, using the final two months to evaluate young talent. CJ Abrams has taken a step forward with .271 AVG, 16 HR, and 33 SB, while Keibert Ruiz continues to show progress at the plate. Veteran Lane Thomas has chipped in 18 home runs, but the lack of depth in the lineup often stalls rallies.
Lord, making just his 12th MLB start, has shown flashes but also endured growing pains. He has allowed 10 HR in 61.2 innings, struggling against patient, power-heavy lineups — a potential issue against Alonso and Lindor.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Senga vs Abrams – Abrams’ speed and improving power will test Senga’s ability to keep runners off base.
- Lord vs Alonso – The Nationals’ rookie must navigate one of baseball’s premier sluggers in a hitter-friendly park.
- Mets’ bullpen vs late innings – Closer Edwin Díaz (28 saves, 2.79 ERA) anchors a relief corps that has been mostly steady, while Washington’s bullpen ERA ranks bottom five in MLB.
Prediction
The Mets have everything to play for, while the Nationals are firmly in development mode. Senga’s strikeout stuff and Alonso’s power give New York the clear edge, and unless Washington strings together hits against Senga early, the Mets should control this game.
Final Score Prediction: Mets 6, Nationals 3
Best Bets
- Mets –1.5 Run Line (+110) – Senga should outduel Lord, giving New York the margin.
- Over 9 Runs – Washington can scratch a few across, but the Mets’ lineup is poised to do damage.
- Pete Alonso Anytime Home Run – A strong matchup against a rookie fly-ball pitcher.
