In the first of a three-game series between the New York Mets (57-54) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (45-66) at Citi Field, Steven Matz (8-8, 3.63 ERA) and Zack Greinke (10-3, 3.62 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and will air on FSAZ and SNY.
In his last start, Matz pitched 6.0 innings, giving up six runs, striking out six and walking one in a 9-5 loss to the Yankees. Yoenis Cespedes (.289, 49 Rs, 22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 5 Sunday. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful against the Phillies 4-3 the last time Greinke pitched. He went 2.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out two. Jake Lamb (.287, 57 Rs, 24 HRs, 72 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Diamondbacks, going 3 for 5 Sunday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, New York is 20-20, while Arizona is 21-34.
The Diamondbacks managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Mets who are heading in with a 2-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 32-12. The Mets have a 36-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, New York is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 413 this season. Arizona ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 492.
Ranking 22nd, New York is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.717). Arizona ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .749.
The Diamondbacks are 21-55 when they allow at least one home run. The Mets perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 24-37 record.
