Nats-Mets rivalry proving to be one of the best in the sport
In 2014, the Nationals won the NL East by 17 games over the Mets and Braves to clinch the No. 1 seed in the National League with a record of 96-66. Last season, New York used a strong second half to win 90 games and finish seven games up on the Nats, taking the division title.
Both teams feature one of the best rotations in the game, a lineup capable of leaving the yard at a moment’s notice, and a veteran manager that has been in the dugout for a World Series. The Nats hold a 6-4 advantage in head-to-head matchups, but their three-game lead over the Mets makes for the tightest division race in the Senior Circuit.
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The Cubs/Cardinals rivalry has not led to a close race in the Central, as Chicago holds an eight-game lead over the Cards. Over in the West, the Dodgers have stayed within reach of the Giants, but still sit six and a half games back. If the Mets find a way to sweep the remaining three games of the series, they will go into the All-Star Break tied with the Nats for first place in the division.
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Completing the sweep will be no easy task, however, as they will have to go through Strasburg, Max Scherzer, and Gio Gonzalez to do it. Both offenses have been lighting up the scoreboard over the last two weeks, and it’s truly anyone’s game. If last night’s contest was any indication, Nats and Mets fans are in for a wild ride ahead.