Pirates, Mets Set for Saturday Showdown at Citi Field

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Mets will look to build on an opening day victory when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second game of a season-opening series Saturday evening at Citi Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 48 degrees.

The Mets (1-0) outslugged the Pirates 11-7 on Thursday. Pittsburgh (0-1) aims to even the series behind right-hander Mitch Keller. New York will counter with left-hander David Peterson. Both pitchers’ season records were not specified.

A player to watch for Pittsburgh is Brandon Lowe, who launched two home runs and drove in three runs in Thursday’s loss. For the Mets, right-hander Freddy Peralta is a key figure after earning the win in the opener, allowing four earned runs over five innings while striking out seven.

Despite the opening result, Interstat’s game simulator projects a tight, low-scoring affair with a final score of Pirates 2, Mets 1. The Mets have been installed as pregame favorites with a spread of -1.5, and the over/under is set at 8 runs.

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday before both clubs embark on road trips. The Pirates will visit the Cincinnati Reds for three games beginning Monday. The Mets will head to St. Louis for a three-game set with the Cardinals starting Monday.