PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets close their three-game series Sunday at PNC Park, with the teams split after the first two games.

Pittsburgh enters with a 58-61 record after routing the Mets 9-0 on Saturday. Bubba Chandler, a key pitcher to watch, worked six innings in that victory, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out five. Over his past two starts, Chandler has allowed two earned runs in 11 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts, giving the Pirates a strong option as they try to take the series.

New York, 51-67, won the opener 6-4 on Friday before Saturday’s blowout loss. The Mets’ player to watch is Xzavion Curry. Curry pitched three scoreless innings Saturday, giving up one hit and striking out four. Over his past five appearances, he has allowed four earned runs in 14 2/3 innings. He has been a versatile piece for New York’s staff, and his ability to pitch multiple innings could be valuable with rain in the forecast.

Saturday’s game was the latest matchup in a season series the Mets lead 3-2. The Mets have won March 26, March 28 and Aug. 7, while the Pirates have won March 29 and Aug. 8.

The forecast calls for 82 degrees and rain at game time, which could complicate matters for both pitching staffs. Pittsburgh is listed as a minus-1.5 run-line favorite, and the over/under is 8. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-2 New York win, though Interstat’s ELO system gives Pittsburgh a 54.4 percent chance of winning.

For the Mets, Curry’s recent run of steady work makes him a central piece out of the bullpen. He has thrown at least two innings in each of his past five appearances and has kept opponents in check for the most part, including three scoreless innings against the Pirates on Saturday. If the game is delayed or a starter is pulled early because of weather, Curry could be asked to cover significant innings again.

For Pittsburgh, Chandler has already shut down the Mets once this series. His six scoreless innings Saturday helped the Pirates avoid a series deficit, and his strikeout numbers have trended upward. He has 10 strikeouts over his past two starts and has yet to allow more than two earned runs in either of them.

After Sunday, New York travels to Atlanta for a three-game series beginning Monday. Pittsburgh will open a three-game set at Miami on Tuesday. The Mets will then return home to host Washington, while the Pirates will host Boston after their trip to Miami.

Sunday’s finale gives Pittsburgh a chance to win the series and build momentum, while New York looks to bounce back after a lopsided loss. With rain possible, both teams may need the depth they have shown in recent games.