Posted at 11:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

NY Mets -1½ +110 over Washington

7:05 PM EST. The Mets are 21-26 and sitting in last place, which is exactly why we're getting a reasonable price here. Nobody wants to back an underachieving team, but records don't always tell the whole story. New York entered the season with far more talent than Washington and still possesses significant advantages throughout its roster. The Nationals have been more competitive than expected, but they're still a rebuilding club that has likely squeezed every ounce out of its current talent level. Tonight, the gap between these teams is most evident on the mound.

Nolan McLean (RHP - NYM) continues to establish himself as one of the better young starters in the National League. The former Oklahoma State two-way standout has followed up an outstanding rookie campaign with an even stronger season. McLean has struck out 64 batters while issuing just 15 walks in 52 innings. His 3.92 ERA doesn't come close to telling the whole story, as his expected ERA sits at an outstanding 2.82. That's the profile of a pitcher who has actually pitched much better than his surface numbers suggest. His ability to miss bats, limit free passes and generate ground balls gives him multiple paths to success, and now he draws a favorable matchup against a Washington lineup that lacks impact throughout most of the order.

The Nationals counter with Foster Griffin (LHP - WAS), a 30-year-old journeyman who has spent most of his professional career trying to secure a permanent major-league role. Griffin is coming off a nightmare outing in which Cincinnati lit him up for nine earned runs in just 4.1 innings. One bad start doesn't define a season, but it highlights the risk attached to a pitcher who lacks overpowering stuff and survives primarily on location and sequencing. Against a Mets lineup that still features far more offensive talent than its season statistics indicate, that's a dangerous proposition.

The betting market continues to downgrade New York because of its disappointing record, but there are signs this team is capable of playing much better baseball moving forward. The Mets have the superior starter, the deeper roster and the greater upside. Washington deserves credit for competing harder than expected, but this matchup favors New York in every important area.

With McLean holding a significant edge on the mound and the Mets facing a vulnerable left-hander, laying the run and a half at plus money offers excellent value.

Take advantage of BET365's early NFL payout offer

Bet365 Early Payout – How It Works

Straight Bets:

If the team you back to win goes up by the designated number of points at any time during the game, BET365 will pay out your bet in full immediately, even if the opposing team later comes back and wins the game.

Parlays & Same Game Parlays:
If a team you’ve selected goes up by the designated number of points that selection will be marked as WON in My Bets. Any remaining legs of the parlay will continue to run as normal.

Once a selection is marked as won under the Early Payout rules, it cannot be reversed, regardless of what happens later in the game.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------