Steven Matz (7-1, 2.60 ERA) gets the start for the New York Mets (31-24) as they go up against Jonathon Niese (5-2, 4.36 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (30-26) in the first of a three-game series at PNC Park. The game gets underway at 4:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 7 and will air on SNY, RTPT and ESP2.
In his last start, Niese pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking three in a 3-2 loss to the Marlins. Gregory Polanco (.308, 39 Rs, 9 HRs, 38 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one RBI. The Mets were unsuccessful against the White Sox 6-4 the last time Matz pitched. He went 5.2 innings, giving up three runs, striking out three and walking two.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Pittsburgh has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Pirates are a stellar hitting team with 10.0 hits per home game, one of the highest marks in the NL. The Pirates are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 40 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. The most recent 10 game stretch for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Pittsburgh’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
New York has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the New York pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They have a WHIP of 1.193 on the year, good for fourth in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
When leading after seven innings, New York is 8-6, while Pittsburgh is 14-17.
The Mets didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Pirates have a 2-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 22-7. The Mets have a 21-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th, New York sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 207 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 277.
Ranking 12th, New York is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 184 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 204.
When the Pirates hit at least one home run, they are 21-11, well-matched with the Mets who are 26-11 when hitting one or more homers.
