In the first of a three-game series between the New York Mets (57-57) and the San Diego Padres (49-65) at Citi Field, Logan Verrett (3-7, 4.66 ERA) and Paul Clemens (1-2, 4.61 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 12 and will air on SNY and FSSD.
In his last start, Verrett pitched 3.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out two and walking two in a 6-5 loss to the Tigers. Yoenis Cespedes (.289, 49 Rs, 22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday. The Padres were victorious the last time Clemens pitched. He tossed 4.1 innings, giving up three runs (one unearned) and striking out two in a 9-7 victory over the Phillies. Wil Myers (.278, 75 Rs, 22 HRs, 69 RBIs, 21 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
New York is a -150 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Mets have a 42-37 record and overall money line at -1,510. The Mets are fifth in the NL in hits allowed at home with just 8.2 per game. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Padres have a subpar record of 37-58 when they are the underdog, but are +102 overall with the money line. The Padres have racked up 99 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
The Mets will take on a right-hander (Clemens) in this game and have a 44-41 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Padres will be the right-hander Verrett. They sport a 34-52 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM, O/U – Over
Notes
The Mets didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Padres have a 7-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 8-46. The Mets have an 18-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, San Diego has hit 132 this season. New York ranks sixth with 148 home runs.
New York and San Diego both rank in the top half of the league in hits. New York sits at 15th with 7.89 hits per game and San Diego ranks 11th with 8.21.
New York and San Diego both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. New York sits at 23rd with an OPS of .709, and San Diego ranks 24th with an OPS of .708.
When the Padres allow at least one home run, they are 25-47, well-matched with the Mets who are 24-40 when allowing at least one homer.
