Washington Nationals vs New York Mets Picks and Predictions April 26th 2025

Nationals Ride High After Thrilling Rally Heading Into Rematch vs. Mets

The Washington Nationals will look to capitalize on their newfound momentum when they host the New York Mets on Saturday in the second game of their four-game series.

After letting a 3-0 lead slip away in the eighth inning, the Nationals responded with resilience. A thrilling two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth, punctuated by James Wood’s clutch two-out RBI single, secured a dramatic 5-4 walk-off win. The victory snapped New York’s seven-game winning streak and sent a clear message: the Nationals are finding their rhythm. Check our Daily Baseball Predictions from MLB Expert Handicappers

“They’re a division rival,” Nationals starter Jake Irvin said after delivering 7 1/3 strong innings. “These are games that we have to win. Maybe it’s just digging a little bit deeper. But these are games you really, really want.”

Saturday’s Pitching Matchup: Holmes vs. Lord

The mound duel on Saturday features two right-handers with very different profiles:

• Clay Holmes (Mets):
  • Season Record: 2-1, 3.16 ERA.
  • Recent Form: Two earned runs or fewer allowed in four of five starts.
  • Last Start: Six strong innings against the Cardinals (1 ER, 6 Ks).
  • Career vs. Washington: 0-1 record, 4.05 ERA in relief appearances.
• Brad Lord (Nationals):
  • Season Record: 0-2, 4.73 ERA.
  • Recent Form: Solid effort against Colorado, two runs over four innings.
  • Emerging Talent: 13 1/3 innings without allowing a home run this season.
  • Manager Dave Martinez praised Lord’s poise and relentless attacking style, hinting at his bright future.

Young Stars Shine for Washington

The Nationals’ rally was powered by their rising stars:

• James Wood:
  • First career walk-off hit on Friday.
  • Consistent producer: Reached base in 19 of his last 21 games.
  • Recent Stats: 11 extra-base hits, 18 RBIs, and 16 runs scored over that stretch.
• Dylan Crews:
  • Impressive showing: 3-for-4 night with a triple and a run scored.
  • Red-hot form: Reached safely in nine of his last 10 games.

Their youthful energy is injecting much-needed life into the Nationals’ season, helping them win five of their last seven games.

Best Handicapping

Membership for MLB Games

Get Free Trial

Mets Fight Back, But Fall Short

The Mets staged an impressive four-run rally in the eighth inning, highlighted by Mark Vientos’ bloop triple that tied the game. Vientos remains one of the hottest bats for New York, with hits in nine of his last 10 games.

In the bullpen, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza opted to rest closer Edwin Diaz after recent heavy usage, turning to Ryne Stanek for the save. The decision backfired, as Stanek could not protect the lead. However, Diaz reassured fans, telling the New York Post that he expects to be available Saturday.

Adding to the Mets’ bright spots, catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil both returned from the injured list and logged hits in their first games back. Check the Handicappers Leaderboard for 2025 for in-depth handicapper performance data.

Final Takeaway

The Nationals’ stunning rally on Friday wasn’t just a thrilling win — it could mark a turning point for a young, hungry team. Meanwhile, the Mets, despite recent success, will need to manage bullpen decisions carefully as they look to bounce back. Saturday’s showdown promises another intense chapter in this division rivalry.