Twins, Mets Set for Series Opener at Chilly Citi Field

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Minnesota Twins and New York Mets, two teams seeking consistency in the early season, open a three-game series Tuesday night at Citi Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with temperatures around 45 degrees.

The Twins (11-11) arrive after a frustrating weekend, dropping three straight one-run games to the Cincinnati Reds, including a 7-4, 10-inning loss Sunday. Minnesota’s bullpen faltered late after a stellar start from Bailey Ober, who struck out 10 over 6 1/3 scoreless innings.

Ober, a player to watch, has been a bright spot. In his last outing, he allowed just three hits and no earned runs while recording double-digit strikeouts.

Minnesota will send right-hander Mick Abel (1-2) to the mound. The Mets counter with right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1).

The Mets (7-15) are mired in a deeper slump, having lost five straight and 10 of their last 11. They fell 2-1 in 10 innings at Chicago on Sunday. A player to watch for New York, left-hander David Peterson, provided a solid relief appearance in that loss, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Peterson’s recent transition to the bullpen has been one of the few steady elements for a struggling Mets pitching staff.

Despite their poor record, the Mets are installed as pregame favorites with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is 7.5 runs. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-0 Twins victory.

The series continues Wednesday and Thursday before the Twins travel to Tampa Bay and the Mets host Colorado.