New York at Washington

Washington is in desperation mode, but this team has underachieved much of the season and is not playing well with the pressure on, losing two in a row. The Nationals are 7-19 vs. a team with a winning record and 0-5 against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. They face a great starter in Mets righty Jacob deGrom (12-7, 2.40 ERA), with the team 7-2 his last nine starts. Winners of 13 of their last 18 contests, the Mets increased their lead over the second-place Nationals to six games with 24 remaining on the schedule. The Mets are 37-17 against the National League East, plus 24-9 on natural grass. Stephen Strasburg is favored, but has back problems and a 4.22 ERA against the Mets this season. He comes off a game against Miami allowing 4 runs and seven hits in four innings. Back the visiting Mets.