The Mets (54-65, 30-27 home) will host the Pirates (53-66, 24-34 away) in game two of this National League series. Starting for the Mets is David Peterson, while the Pirates are giving the ball to Bailey Falter. Read on to see my pick for this showdown between New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS NEW YORK METS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +117

This game will be played at Citi Field at 7:10 ET on Tuesday, August 15th.

WHY BET THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES:

  • The Pirates will be taking on a Mets club that is just 2-3 over their last five games.
  • Over their last five games as the favorite, the Mets are just 2-3 (straight-up).
  • The Mets’ are just 4-9 in David Peterson’s 13 starts.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES SEEK TO IMPROVE THEIR ROAD RECORD

The Pirates take on the Mets with the hopes of snapping their two game losing streak. This recent skid has their record sitting at 53-66, putting them 4th in the NL Central. When looking at their overall series numbers, they have gone 12-21-5. At home, they are 29-32 and 24-34.

Bailey Falter has had a tough season thus far, with an overall record of 0-7 and an ERA of 5.21. On the road, he has gone 0-5 with an ERA of 4.57, while at home his record is 0-2 and his ERA is 6.89. His WHIP stands at 1.55, and opponents are batting .312 against him with a slugging percentage of .507.

In his latest start, Bailey Falter of the Pirates squared off against the Braves. He surrendered four runs on eight hits over four innings, but neither earned him a win nor a loss as Pittsburgh emerged victorious with a 7-5 final score.

As a team, Pittsburgh has scuffled at the plate of late, with a combined batting average of just .209 over their last ten games. Compared to other teams, this is just 27th in that span. When looking at the team’s power numbers, they have a season-long slugging percentage of .387% while going deep a total of 119 times (21st). Overall, the Pirates are 22nd in the MLB at 4.2 runs per contest.

The Pirates’ offensive leader, Bryan Reynolds, has accumulated a .268 batting average this season. His slugging percentage is .464 and on-base percentage is .334.

WILL THE NEW YORK METS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

Throughout the season, the Mets have taken advantage of playing at home, posting a series record of 9-8 at Citi Field. Their overall record of 54-65 puts New York 4th in the NL East. Against the runline, their overall record is 45-74 and 24-33 at home. This year’s Mets’ games have an over/under record of 49-64.

David Peterson will be taking the mound for the Mets with an overall record of 3-7. Through 19 appearances, his ERA is 5.61, K/9 is 9.65, FIP is 4.44 and OBP is .354.

David Peterson’s most recent outing against the Cubs saw him surrender two runs and four hits over 3 2/3 innings, though he was not awarded a decision in the end. The Mets ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.

The Mets have been one of the top power lineups in the league of late, having hit 11 home runs over their last ten games. Compared to other clubs, this is 8th best in that span. For the season, they are ranked 11th in home runs and 18th in slugging percentage. Overall, New York is averaging 4.3 runs per game (19th).

The Mets have seen Daniel Vogelbach’s power surge over the past five games, as the slugger has gone yard twice to lead the team. His nine home runs this season have been accompanied by a .223 batting average.