The Mets (48-55, 12.5 GB in NL East) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (46-57, 10.0 GB in NL Central) on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.
Mets notes
The Mets have won four of their last six games and are 3-1 during their current homestand. ... The Mets are tied for fourth in the majors with 69 first-inning runs. They're also second in the majors with a .301 team batting average in the first inning. ... The Mets smashed four home runs in Friday's win over the Pirates, the eighth game this season in which they've hit four or more long balls.
| Pirates | Mets |
|---|---|
| Kevin Newman, 2B | Jeff McNeil, RF |
| Melky Cabrera, LF | Michael Conforto, CF |
| Starling Marte, CF | Pete Alonso, 1B |
| Josh Bell, 1B | Robinson Cano, 2B |
| Bryan Reynolds, RF | Wilson Ramos, C |
| Jose Osuna, 3B | Todd Frazier, 3B |
| Jung Ho Kang, SS | JD Davis, LF |
| Jacob Stallings, C | Amed Rosario, SS |
| Trevor Williams, RHP | Steven Matz, LHP |
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Who is starting for the Mets?
LHP Steven Matz (5-6, 4.75 ERA), who will be making his third start for the Mets since returning from a brief stint in the bullpen before the All-Star break. ... Matz has combined to go 10 innings while allowing four earned runs with eight strikeouts in his return to the rotation. ... Matz is 1-1 in his three career starts against Pittsburgh, pitching to a 4.50 ERA.
Who is starting for the Pirates?
RHP Trevor Williams (3-3, 4.96 ERA), who is coming off of a no-decision in his last outing, allowing two runs (one earned) over five innings against the Cardinals. ... Williams has struggled during his three July starts, allowing 14 earned runs over 16 innings. ... Williams has won both of his career starts against the Mets, pitching to a 0.69 ERA over 13 innings.
Upcoming schedule
The Mets and Pirates wrap up their series on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. at Citi Field. Jason Vargas (5-5, 3.96 ERA) will get the ball for the Mets, opposed by Pirates righty Chris Archer (3-7, 5.40 ERA).