The Washington Nationals took a 2-0 loss at Pittsburgh Wednesday afternoon, but I expect them to bounce back here in the opener of a four-game series at Citi Field.

Max Scherzer (11-5, 2.33 ERA) will take the ball for the Nats. He is 8-4 with a 2.23 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against the Mets, and the ERA is his lowest against any opponent he's faced more than five times. The Mets counter with Steven Matz (4-6, 3.31 ERA) who is 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA in six career starts versus Washington, but he was tagged with three runs through just four innings of work his last time out against the Nats (Apr 18).

Let down spot for the Mets who are coming off a 3-0 triumph over Philadelphia. Mets are 5-17 in their last 22 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game and 3-11 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Nationals are 4-0 in Scherzers last 4 road starts vs. Mets.

10* play on Washington Nationals -1.5.