Date: June 9, 2023
Time: 7:05 PM
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The New York Mets (30-32) are preparing to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-29) at PNC Park. ESPN’s analytics show that the Pirates have a slight advantage, with a 53.7% chance of winning.
Starting Pitchers:
On the mound for the Mets will be right-handed pitcher Tylor Megill (5-3, 4.40 ERA, 1.62 WHIP). Megill has completed 59.1 innings this season, striking out 48, walking 32, and allowing 8 home runs.
The Pirates will be countering with left-handed pitcher Rich Hill (5-5, 4.41 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). In his 65.1 innings, Hill has struck out 61, issued 21 walks, and given up 10 home runs.
Star Players:
The Mets’ offensive leader continues to be Pete Alonso, with 22 home runs and 49 RBIs, and a batting average of .231. Brandon Nimmo is maintaining a team-leading .284 batting average.
For the Pirates, Jack Suwinski leads the team with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs, while boasting a .230 batting average. The batting average leader for the Pirates is Bryan Reynolds, hitting .278.
Key Stats:
The Pirates hold a slight edge in batting average (.247 to .238), OBP (.326 to .318), and SLG (.404 to .393). On the flip side, the Mets are marginally ahead in home runs (73 to 57), ERA (4.58 to 4.12), and WHIP (1.35 to 1.37), suggesting the game could go either way.
In terms of recent form, the Mets have struggled, losing their last five games. Meanwhile, the Pirates have a mixed record with two losses and three wins in their last five matches.
Prediction:
While the Pirates are favored by ESPN’s analytics and have been performing better recently, baseball is a sport full of surprises, and the Mets have the potential to turn the tide.