The New York Mets (98-59, 83-72 RL, 81-66-8 O/U) collide with the Atlanta Braves (98-59, 81-75 RL, 78-70-8 O/U) as the division foes conclude a three-game series on Sunday night. The Mets will have Chris Bassitt on the mound, seeking his 16th win. The Braves will reply with Charlie Morton, eyeing his 10th victory. The Mets lead the season series 9-8.
The Mets will give the nod to Chris Bassitt in the series finale. Bassitt was outstanding in his previous start, holding the Athletics to only two runs on six hits in eight innings, and was credited with the win to improve to 15-8. The veteran right-hander is in a groove, conceding two or fewer runs in four of his five starts this month, and is sporting a 3.27 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 179 innings of work. Bassitt has limited the Braves to only four runs in 13 innings, resulting in a 1-1 record. Those were his only two career meetings against the rivals.
The Mets won two of three in Oakland last weekend and earned one win in two meetings against the Marlins this prior to this series. They once held a huge lead ahead of the Braves and the lead has steadily decreased. NY is 6-4 in their last ten games and hosts the Nationals after this series.
Jeff McNeil has been a tough out against the Braves this season, posting a .365 average and an .877 OPS. The 30-year-old second baseman is one of the more underrated hitters in the game. McNeil has logged a .322 average with 59 RBIs and an .818 OPS. He has 10 RBIs and a .791 OPS this month.
The Mets are posting an average of 4.75 runs per game, ranking them fourth overall. The pitching staff has logged a 3.61 team ERA, placing them eighth in the big leagues.