Noah Syndergaard (2-4, 4.03 ERA) and the New York Mets (37-37) go up against Johnny Cueto (4-4, 2.98 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (34-37) in the first of a three-game series at Citi Field. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 26 and will air on FSN-OH and SNY.
In his most recent outing, Syndergaard pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 6-4 loss to the Braves. Curtis Granderson (.249, 40 Rs, 11 HRs, 23 RBIs, 4 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 5. In his career against the Mets, Cueto is 3-3 with a 4.12 ERA. He meets a struggling New York offense that’s batting just .237. Todd Frazier (.294, 53 Rs, 24 HRs, 52 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Reds, going 3 for 6 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
New York is a slight -108 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Mets perform well as a favorite with a 31-12 record, but haven’t fared as well with the overall money line (-263). The Mets will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In the last 10 games, New York has only averaged 1.8 runs per game compared to the 3.6 they’ve averaged on the season.
Moving on to the away team, the Reds come into this game with a weak win percentage of .333 when playing as the underdog (13-26) and an overall money line of -462. The Reds are known for their power, smashing 86 home runs. Cincinnati is a terror on the base paths, with an MLB-best 73 stolen bases. Shifting to the pitching staff, they allow just 8.2 hits per game, good for fourth in the NL.
The Mets will take on a right-hander (Cueto) in this game and have a 31-31 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Syndergaard will take the mound against the Reds, who have a 24-27 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets now have six shutouts this season. The Reds have been shut out in five games this season.
Cincinnati has won 43% (13-17) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, New York has won 53% (17-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Reds have a 1-4 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 6-26. The Mets have a 10-30 record when opponents outhit them.
New York ranks in the bottom half of the league at 17th when it comes to home runs, hitting 63 this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top five at fifth with 86.
Ranking 15th, New York is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.75 per game. Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.41.
Ranking 27th, New York is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.665). Cincinnati ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .725.
The Reds are 15-29 when they allow at least one home run. The Mets perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 15-25 record.
