The New York Mets (95-56) will be going for their third consecutive series win when they face the Oakland Athletics (55-95) in the final game of their three-game interleague series on Sunday afternoon.
Max Scherzer, 10-4, 2.15 ERA, will get the start for the Mets. The Athletics will counter with JP Sears, 6-2, 3.58 ERA.
New York is 6-4 in its last 10 games against Oakland.
**This preview was written before Saturday’s game was played**
The Mets played well over the past week, winning six of their last seven games. Despite their hot streak, they are only one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. With only one week left in the regular season, they will try to increase their division lead with a win over the Athletics, which will give them their seventh win in their last eight games.
New York is averaging 4.70 runs per game. Their .257 batting average is fifth in the league. Their .331 on base percentage is second, while their .408 slugging percentage is 10th.
Jeff McNeil leads the Mets with a .314 batting average, while Pete Alonso leads the team with 37 home runs and 121 RBI.
New York’s pitching has been good, with the team giving up 3.72 runs per game. Opponents have a .234 batting average against the Mets, which is ninth in the league. Their 3.53 ERA is se venth, while their 1.18 WHIP is sixth.
In his last start, Scherzer didn’t give up a hit or run in six innings, while striking out nine batters en route to a 7-2 win over Milwaukee. They will need a similar effort from him if they want to get the win.