Washington at New York

Washington is running away with the division, so there is no urgency as they wrap up a six-game road trip here. Washington comes off a 3-1 loss yesterday as a favorite and is giving some rest to their starting pitchers. The Nationals go with young spot starter Reynaldo Lopez (2-2, 5.33 ERA), off a rough outing when he allowed six runs over 2+ innings in an 8-1 loss to Baltimore. They face a hot New York team on a 10-4 run with a lot more urgency. The Mets pulled within one game of St. Louis for the second NL Wild Card spot and are on an 8-3 run at home. Starter Seth Lugo (2.60 ERA) has made an excellent transition from the bullpen while going 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in his last three starts. The Mets are 8-3 against a team with a winning record, so back the home dog. Play the New York Mets.