Mets vs Nationals Prediction 8/16/26 MLB Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Mets vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, August 16th at Citi Field in Queens, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

New York Mets Betting Preview

The New York Mets are 55-69 this season after they won the first two games by scores of 4-1 and 5-4. In game two, New York trailed 4-2 in the sixth inning, but they scored the last three runs for the win. The Mets recorded eight hits in the game and they were led by Young, who went 2-4 with two RBIs. Manaea allowed six hits and four earned runs over 6.1 innings, while Yan picked up the win. Prior to this series, New York lost two out of three against the Braves, but did win two out of three against the Pirates before that. 

This season, New York has a 4.10 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and a .238 opponent batting average, while they have scored 519 runs with a .235 batting average and a .307 on base percentage. Juan Soto (IL) has led the Mets with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs, while Bo Bichette has added 12 home runs and 62 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for New York is Christian Scott, who is 3-3 with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 78.1 innings pitched this season. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 60-65 this year after they lost game two by a score of 4-5 on Saturday afternoon. Washington led 4-3 in the ninth inning, but they allowed two runs for the walk-off loss. The Nationals recorded seven hits in the game and they were led by House, who went 1-4 with one home run and three RBIs. Dion allowed zero hits and zero earned runs over 4.1 innings, while Cruz blew the save and picked up the loss. Prior to this series, Washington lost two out of three against the Cubs, but swept the Reds in three games before that. 

This season, Washington has a 4.73 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP and a .258 opponent batting average, while they have scored 667 runs with a .252 batting average and a .327 on base percentage. CJ Abrams has led the Nationals with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs, while James Wood has added 30 home runs and 73 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Jake Irvin, who is 2-6 with a 5.79 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP over 65.1 innings pitched this year. 

Why the New York Mets will win

• The Nationals have lost 12 of their last 13 games against NL East opponents.
• The Mets have won each of their last five games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Mets have covered the run line in four of their last five games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• The Mets have led after 5 innings in each of their last five day games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
• The Mets have won the first inning in three of their last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.
• The Mets have led after 3 innings in each of their last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The Mets have lost six of their last eight Sunday games as home favorites against National League opponents.
• The Mets have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four home games after playing the previous day.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last four games against the Mets following a road loss.
• The Nationals have led after 5 innings in six of their last seven games against opponents that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games against opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Seven of the Mets’ last eight home games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Six of the Nationals’ last seven day games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in six of the Nationals’ last seven day games against NL East opponents.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in four of Christian Scott’s last five appearances as a starter.

New York Mets Player Prop Facts

• Carson Benge has hit a home run in each of the Mets’ last two day games against NL East opponents that held a losing record.
• Christian Scott has recorded six or more strikeouts in each of his last seven appearances against NL opponents.
• Francisco Lindor has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 22 appearances against NL East opponents that held a losing record.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Jake Irvin has recorded five or more strikeouts in each of his last six appearances in day games against NL teams that held a losing record.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances in day games against teams that held a losing record.
• Andres Chaparro has hit at least one home run in four of his last six road appearances against opponents that held a losing record.

Mets vs Nationals Prediction 

New York comes into this matchup looking to complete the sweep, as they continue to play very well over the last few weeks. The Mets are 27-34 at home this year, while the Nationals are 33-29 on the road. Washington has lost four of their last five games and their bullpen continues to really hurt them. The Nationals are starting Irvin, who has allowed five earned runs in two of his last three starts, while Scott has allowed 3+ earned runs in three of his last four outings. Take the over here.