Steven Matz (8-8, 3.60 ERA) and Clayton Richard (0-1, 6.46 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the New York Mets (58-58) and the San Diego Padres (50-66) at Citi Field. The Mets won the last game 3-2, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 14 and can be seen on WPIX and FSSD.
Matz pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 5-3 defeat to the Diamondbacks. Yoenis Cespedes (.289, 49 Rs, 22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday. Richard went 1.0 inning, surrendering zero runs, striking out two and walking two in a 6-4 defeat to the Pirates in his most recent start. Wil Myers (.276, 77 Rs, 23 HRs, 70 RBIs, 21 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when New York, a substantial -210 favorite, takes on San Diego. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Mets have an overall money line of -1,558 and a record as the favorite of 43-38. New York’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 4.8 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.7. The Mets are the fifth-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 8.2 hits per game to their opponents this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Mets, who rank fifth in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
In the other locker room, in contrast to an encouraging overall money line (+140), San Diego has an unimpressive 38-59 record when playing as the underdog. The Padres are an excellent base stealing team with 99 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB.
The Mets have a 13-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Richard takes the mound. Matz (LHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 15-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM, O/U – Over
Notes
San Diego recorded at least two errors for the 19th time this season.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Padres have a 7-25 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 9-47. The Mets have an 18-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, San Diego has hit 138 this season. New York ranks ninth with 149 home runs.
New York and San Diego both rank in the top half of the league in hits. New York sits at 15th with 7.87 hits per game and San Diego ranks 13th with 8.16.
New York and San Diego both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. New York sits at 26th with an OPS of .706, and San Diego ranks 25th with an OPS of .708.
When the Padres allow at least one home run, they are 26-47, well-matched with the Mets who are 25-41 when allowing at least one homer.
