New York will wrap up its three games series in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. The Mets lost the final two games of their series against Washington last weekend, while Pittsburgh entered this series on a four-game losing skid. Monday’s series opener was postponed, and this story was published prior to Tuesday’s contest. This article covers the second game of a twin bill on Wednesday, as Monday’s postponement will take place earlier in the day.
New York went on a ridiculous run from the end of July to the middle of August, winning 17 out of 20 games. The Mets are coming into this series in one of their worst stretches of the second half—which is saying something—having lost four of their last seven games. They were on a three-game winning streak before suffering a pair of shocking defeats against Washington on Saturday and Sunday. New York is on a six-game road trip that concludes with three games in Miami this weekend. The Mets are one game ahead of Atlanta in the National League East standings, so they are in a must-win position on Wednesday.
Nothing short of spectacular.@You_Found_Nimmo's home run robbery was named @MLB Play of the Week! pic.twitter.com/8LBsKYTTfw
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 6, 2022
Their offense has been solid throughout the year, ranked seventh in the majors in batting average (.256). Second baseman Jeff McNeil has been outstanding this year, hitting at a .320 clip and leading the team with 138 hits. Shortstop Francisco Lindor has 137 hits, while first baseman Pete Alonso has 32 home runs. They will be facing a Pittsburgh pitching staff that is No. 26 with an ERA of 4.67. Right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt is expected to be on the mound for New York on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on six hits and three walks across six innings against the Dodgers last Thursday, striking out four. Bassitt is 5-0 in his last seven starts with a 2.38 ERA in 45.1 innings. He has thrown six innings or more in 12 of his last 13 outings.