The September 4th MLB betting free pick is a crucial test for the Mets. New York was all set to wrap up a second straight series win over a division foe on Tuesday, taking a 10-4 lead over Washington into the 9th inning. The Nationals subsequently scored 7 in the final frame as the New York bullpen imploded to give Washington the shocking 11-10 win. It’s a quick turnaround for both squads with a 1:05 PM EST first pitch but do the Mets still have a mental hangover?
Any Way the Mets Bounce Back Here?
Wednesday is a new day and the Mets want to put Tuesday’s loss behind them ASAP. Is that possible though? Entering Tuesday, teams leading by 6 or more runs after the 6th inning were 274-0, make that 274-1 now. The Mets were also 806-0 in their history when leading by 6 runs or more heading into the 9th inning. Not anymore. All the momentum built up from Monday’s big 7-3 Mets victory was washed away in one inning – or so it would seem.
The Mets are still just +104 underdogs in the September 4th MLB betting free pick and the offense was able to scratch out 4 runs in 6 innings vs. Max Scherzer yesterday. Despite the loss, the Mets offense looked good scoring 10 runs (including 5 in the top of the 9th) while hitting 4 homers.
About that bullpen however. Jacob deGrom did his part throwing 7.0 IP on Tuesday but Paul Sewald started the implosion allowing 4ER while getting just 1 out and Edwin Diaz finished it off by serving up a 3-run walkoff to Kurt Suzuki. Zack Wheeler tries to get New York back on track Wednesday but the Nationals have scored 20 ER in 22.2 innings vs. the right-hander this season. Wheeler has allowed 5 ER in 2 of his last 4 starts overall as well.
Is Washington Emotionally Drained Wednesday?
The Mets and Nationals have very different mindsets this morning but could Washington be a bit drained after such an emotional come-from-behind victory? Perhaps Washington just asserted themselves as the better team as their loss on Monday was just the 2nd in the last 10 games for Dave Martinez’ team. Washington has scored at least 7 runs in all 8 of those wins and hit .312 as a team vs. the Mets’ Wheeler. Tuesday’s win also helped Washington keep a 3.5 game lead over the Cubs for the 1st wild card spot.
The group most grateful for Washington’s offense getting the come from behind win on Tuesday is their bullpen. Lost in all the chaos is the fact that the Nationals allowed 6 runs and 3 HR after Scherzer left the game (although only 2 were earned runs). Anibal Sanchez goes in the September 4th MLB betting free pick. You know what you’re getting from Sanchez – roughly 5.1 IP and about 3 ER allowed. The right-hander is on a nice run though allowing just 3ER total and a combined 4 hits in his last two starts which includes going 8-1/3 while allowing 1 hit vs. Chicago on August 23rd. Sanchez gave up 3ER in 5 IP in his only start vs. the Mets this year.
Top Trends:
- Mets are 5-2 last 7 road games
- Mets are 3-8 last 11 overall
- Mets are 5-2 in Wheeler’s last 7 starts
- Nationals are 4-1 in Sanchez’ last 5 starts
- Mets are 7-2 last 9 H2H meetings
September 4th MLB Betting Free Pick
It’s hard for New York to press the reset button after last night’s defeat, especially when you have to get up and go to the ballpark for an early start. Washington has hit Wheeler well, and the Nationals offense has been very good overall as of late. No reason to think that doesn’t continue Wednesday, especially vs. a Mets bullpen that is really doing some soul searching after the collapse on Tuesday.
Pick: Washington Nationals -126
