WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The New York Mets will visit the Washington Nationals Friday at Nationals Park. New York enters 74-90, while Washington is 75-84. The game-time forecast calls for a temperature of 63 degrees.

Andrew Alvarez (2-6) is the probable pitcher for the Mets. Pitcher Zac Thornton is a player to watch for New York. He has allowed two earned runs in four of his past five starts. In his most recent outing, Thornton gave up two earned runs on four hits over five innings at Texas, walking one and striking out four. He also has recent starts of six innings with two earned runs, seven innings with two earned runs, five innings with six earned runs and five innings with two earned runs. Thornton has worked at least five innings in each of his past five starts and has 23 strikeouts over that stretch.

Pitcher Brad Lord is a player to watch for Washington. He has allowed one earned run or fewer in six of his past eight appearances. In his most recent outing, he threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings at Detroit, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out three. He also had a 3 1/3-inning scoreless appearance with six strikeouts and a two-inning scoreless outing with three strikeouts during that stretch. Lord has 18 strikeouts over his past eight appearances.

The Mets dropped a 3-1 decision at Texas in their most recent game. Thornton pitched five innings and allowed two earned runs, while Austin Warren and Jack Weisenburger each contributed scoreless relief. New York has won four of its past 10 games. Washington beat Detroit 4-2 in its most recent game, getting scoreless relief from Lord and a home run and two RBIs from Yohandy Morales. The Nationals took two of three at Detroit and have won seven of their past 10 games.

The Mets swept the most recent series between the teams, winning all three games in New York. New York has won six of the past 10 meetings. Washington won two of three in the earlier series in New York. The Mets have scored at least four runs in five of the past six meetings. Washington has scored at least eight runs in three of the past 10 meetings. The teams are scheduled to continue the series the next two days.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of New York 7, Washington 6. Interstat’s ELO system gives the Mets a 51.9 percent probability to win. New York is installed as the pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over-under is 8.