Mets, Athletics Set for Chilly Series Opener at Citi Field

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Mets, looking to rebound from a midweek stumble, host the Athletics on Friday to open a three-game series at Citi Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 44 degrees.

The Mets (7-5) enter after dropping two of three at home to Arizona, including a 7-2 loss Wednesday. The Athletics (5-7) arrive riding momentum, having shut out the Yankees 1-0 in the Bronx on Thursday behind a sterling performance from left-hander Jeffrey Springs.

Springs, a key player to watch for Oakland, tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Over his last three starts, he has a 1.59 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.

He won’t pitch Friday, however. The Athletics will turn to right-hander Clay Holmes (2-0), while the Mets counter with left-hander Sean Manaea.

Manaea seeks to reverse a tough start to his season. In three appearances, he is 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA and has not completed five innings in any outing. His last start was a 4-inning effort in Wednesday’s loss to Arizona.

Holmes has been effective in a starting role for Oakland, contributing to a pitching staff that has allowed three or fewer runs in four of its five wins.

Offensively, the Mets will look to reignite after being held to two runs in their last two games. Brett Baty had two hits in the Wednesday loss.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Mets victory, giving New York a 59.9% probability to win. The Mets are installed as a -1.5 run favorite, with an over/under of 8.5 runs.

Following this series, the Mets embark on a six-game West Coast trip to face the Dodgers and Cubs. The Athletics continue an extended road swing before hosting Texas next week.