Pirates

Pirates Preview: Chance For Series Win vs. Mets

Published

9 months ago

August 16, 2023

Thanks to a six-run seventh inning, the Pittsburgh Pirates (54-66) defeated the New York Mets (54-66) 7-4 on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

Jason Delay delivered the blow with a clutch two-run double while Liover Peguero had a pair of hits in the game, one of which was his fifth home run.

Now, the Pirates have a chance to earn their first series win against the Mets in New York since 2018.

First pitch is set for 1:10 ET and the game will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

Sunny skies with temperatures in the low-80s for first pitch in Queens. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

The Pirates Will Send Out RHP Johan Oviedo (6-12, 4.42 ERA)

After a strong stretch of starts, Oviedo struggled in his last time out against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.

In that start, Oviedo went 5.0 innings, allowed six runs on five hits, walked a pair and struck out four. The Pirates lost the game 9-2.

Prior to his most-recent outing, Oviedo posted a 0.90 ERA (2er/20.0ip) over his last three starts from July 26-Aug. 6.

Oviedo has made four previous starts against the Mets. In those four starts, he’s 0-3 with a 7.31 ERA. However, Oviedo faced the Mets this year on June 10 and held New York to two runs in 6.2 innings pitched.

The Mets Will Send Out RHP Tylor Megill (6-6, 5.64 ERA)

Megill’s last three starts have been rough ones, totaling a 10.22 ERA across 12.1 innings pitched.

In those three starts, opponents are slashing .393/.436/.607 against him and he’s yielded a pair of home runs.

Megill was roughed up by the Pirates earlier this season on June 9. In the Pirates’ 14-7 win, the right-hander allowed nine runs (seven earned) in only 3.1 innings.

Outside of that start, Megill started against the Pirates two other times and fared much better in those outings. He only allowed one run against Pittsburgh in 10.0 combined innings.

Mets Hitters vs. Oviedo

Daniel Vogelbach: 1 for 8, one walk, one strikeout
Brandon Nimmo: 4 for 6, two RBIs, two walks, one strikeout
Francisco Lindor: 1 for 6, one walk, one strikeout
Jeff McNeil: 1 for 6, two RBIs, two walks, one strikeout
Rafael Ortega: 2 for 4, two doubles, three RBIs, two walks, one strikeout
Pete Alonso: 0 for 4, one RBI, one walk, two strikeouts

Pirates Hitters vs. Megill

Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 8, one RBI
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 5 for 7, two RBIs, one strikeout
Andrew McCutchen: 1 for 3, two walks, two strikeouts
Josh Palacios: 1 for 3, one RBI

Tidbits

In five games against the Mets this season, Hayes has gone 10 for 22 with three doubles, five RBIs and a pair of walks
McCutchen has reached base safely in 18 consecutive games dating back to July 22. Over that stretch, he has a .388 on-base percentage.
In the first two games of this series, the Pirates have combined to leave 23 runners on base.