On Sunday, the New York Mets (6-1) will travel to take on the Washington Nationals (4-4) at Nationals Park with a first pitch scheduled for 8:08 pm ET. This is the final game of a three game series that saw the Mets win the opening two games and are looking for a sweep on Sunday. The matchup will feature Matt Harvey (0-0) for the Mets taking on Tanny Roark (1-0) for the Nationals.
The Washington Nationals are -160 over the New York Mets on Sunday Night Baseball. The over/under on total runs scored is set at 8.
Matt Harvey Looks To Build Off of Solid First Start
In his last start on April 3rd against the Philladelphia Phillies, Matt Harvey threw well in a no decision. Harvey went five innings of one hit ball with one walk and five strikeouts. Nicknamed the “Dark Knight,” Harvey was once the most popular pitcher on a staff that also included Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom. Now, after injuries have derailed the career of the pitcher who started the 2013 All-Star Game, Harvey is looking to put together a complete, healthy season.
He has dealt with both Tommy John surgery and surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the past, but if he can stay healthy, he could be a major candidate for bounceback player of the year. Last year he was 5-7 with a 6.70 ERA and 1.694 WHIP in 92.2 innings, but as a free agent after the season, he is looking for a solid 2018 campaign.
Offensively, Yoenis Cespedes has gotten off to a pretty good start. He has three home runs and seven RBI’s to start off the season. Michael Conforto also returned to the lineup from injury on Thursday and, in his first game, went one for four with a home run and two RBI in the 8-2 win over the Nationals Friday night.
Nationals Look to Win the Series with the Mets
The Nationals will be sending out Tanner Roark on Sunday night. In his last game, on April 2, Roark pitched seven innings of one run ball, allowing four hits, one walk and six strikeouts in an 8-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. Roark was sharp in his first outing, only needing 93 pitches to get through his seven innings.
Last season, Roark went 13-11 with a 4.67 ERA, 1.335 WHIP and a 4.13 FIP. While he finished with a winning record, these statistics come in a little higher than his career averages, which include a 3.39 ERA and 1.187 WHIP. Regardless, Roark looks to build off his first start and continue it rolling against the Mets on Sunday.
Offensively, Bryce Harper has been one of the best, most fearsome hitters in the early parts of this season. He has already hit five home runs (including one in Saturday’s game) and ten RBI’s in his first eight games. He has also already drawn ten walks, further proving the point that most pitchers want to avoid him.
Interestingly, though, Harper has never hit very well against Matt Harvey. In 29 at bats, Harper only has two hits (.069 batting average) with one home run, three RBI’s and seven strikeouts against the Mets’ righty. Even though Daniel Murphy is still out for Between Harper, Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals will put out a very formidable lineup to counter Matt Harvey.
Nationals Top Mets
While this matchup doesn’t necessarily have the elite pitchers (Syndergaard, deGrom, Scherzer or Strasburg) going in it, both Harvey and Roark threw very well in their first games. Regardless, I think Tanner Roark has a better chance of repeating his success and the Nationals avoid the sweep.
From an over/under perspective, I am going with the over. I think that the Nationals get to Matt Harvey in this one, and while I think he will pitch better than Harvey, I think Roark gives up a few as well. All in all, I think this is more of an offensive game than a pitcher’s duel. Take the over. Bet on the Washington Nationals -160 over the New York Mets in Major League Baseball actionn.
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