Pirates, Mets Set for Rubber Match at Chilly Citi Field

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Mets will aim for a series sweep and a 3-0 start when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the finale of a three-game season-opening set Sunday evening at Citi Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 42 degrees.

The Mets (2-0) have taken the first two games in contrasting fashion, outslugging the Pirates 11-7 on Thursday before winning a 4-2, 11-inning pitchers’ duel Saturday.

Pittsburgh (0-2) will turn to right-hander Nolan McLean in search of its first win. The Mets counter with left-hander David Peterson, who delivered a strong Opening Day performance. Peterson (1-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing no earned runs over 5 1/3 innings despite six hits.

A player to watch for the Pirates is right-hander Mitch Keller, who started Saturday’s loss. Keller took a no-decision after six shutout innings, allowing just three hits. He has been a bright spot for a Pittsburgh club that has struggled to find offense late in games.

For the Mets, center fielder Luis Robert Jr. has provided immediate impact since his offseason acquisition, including a three-run homer in the opener. The bullpen, led by Brooks Raley’s scoreless inning Saturday, has been stellar, tossing 10 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run in the series.

Despite the Mets’ perfect record and home-field advantage, Interstat’s game simulator projects a tight, low-scoring contest, favoring Pittsburgh 2-1. Betting markets list the Mets as a -1.5 run favorite with an over/under of 8 runs.

Following the game, the Pirates travel to Cincinnati for a three-game series starting Monday. The Mets embark on a seven-game road trip, beginning with a three-game set in St. Louis on Monday.