MLB 3-Pack
(MLB) Washington vs. NY Mets, 07/10/2016 9:10 AM, Score: 3 - 2
Money Line: -118.00 NY Mets (Home)
Result: Loss
Play: New York Mets
Rating: 8*

The New York Mets claimed the opener of this three-game series with the Washington Nationals 9-7, but they've lost each of the past two games to drop five games back of the division-leading Nats in the standings. I'm going with Mets to come out with a strong performance in front of the home fans here in the last game before the All Star break.

Steven Matz (7-4, 3.34 ERA) takes the ball for New York. He's held the Fish and the Cubs to a combined five earned runs in 12 1/3 innings in his last two starts, both at Citi Field. He's 3-1 with a 1.26 ERA in four day starts this season and held the Nats scoreless over eight innings of four-hit ball of a 2-0 win on May 25.

The Nats turn to Gio Gonzalez (4-8, 4.79 ERA). Washington has lost eight of his last nine starts and he's allowed three runs or more in each outing during that stretch. Gonzalez was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in five innings of a 7-1 home loss to the Mets on May 18 in the last meeting with the club.

Mets are 5-1 in their last six home games vs. a left-handed starter. Gonzalez has allowed righties to get on base at a .351 clip, so New York will likely go with a righty-heavy lineup, including Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares, Travis d'Arnaud. Lagares is 13-for-32 with three doubles, one triple and a homer in previous meetings with Gonzalez.