Washington @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 13, 2018 ) Washington 2, NY Mets 4

After an offensive breakout near the end of their last homestand, the Washington Nationals are once again searching for some offense. They'll try to get the bats going Saturday at New York when they continue a four-game series with the hometown Mets.

Washington was 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position in a 4-2 loss to New York on Friday night, falling to 2-4 in a six-game stretch during which the club has averaged 2.8 runs. Noah Syndergaard was solid through five innings in his return from the disabled list and Brandon Nimmo was 3-for-5 with a run scored for the Mets in his first multi-hit effort since June 23. He and his teammates will get their first look at Nationals right-hander Austin Voth, who will be promoted from the minors to make his major-league debut after not appearing in a game during his first three call-ups. Zack Wheeler will try to get his first win in 10 home starts when he gets the nod for New York.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Austin Voth (NR) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-6, 4.42)

Voth will be making his debut after 129 games (126 starts) in the minors - all with Washington, which drafted him in the fifth round in 2013. The 26-year-old is 4-5 with a 3.55 ERA in 15 starts this season for Triple-A Syracuse this year. He allowed six earned runs over 33 1/3 innings in his last five outings.

Wheeler worked at least six innings in four straight starts before being knocked out after 4 2/3 in a no-decision against Philadelphia on Monday. He did manage to strike out eight batters in the abbreviated outing and has fanned 35 in 31 innings over a span of five starts. He got the loss despite a quality start against Washington on April 17 and is 2-8 with a 4.81 ERA in 11 career starts versus the Nationals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper is 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts over his last four games.

2. Mets 3B/OF Jose Bautista is 3-for-7 with a home run and three RBIs in the series.

3. New York optioned LHP P.J. Conlon to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room on the roster for Syndergaard.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Nationals 4