Brandon Nimmo will be looking to extend his 18-game on-base streak as the New York Mets (+170) host the San Diego Padres (-200) at Citi Field on Sunday in Game 3 with their National League Wild Card series in the balance. Expect a low-scoring affair with the early total at 6.5 runs with the over a -115 favorite. The Mets (102-62) evened up the series 1-1 after winning 7-3 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in eight games this season. Jacob deGrom went six innings to get the win, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out eight, and Seth Lugo pitched 0.1 scoreless innings to pick up his fourth save. Francisco Lindor went 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs in the win. Pete Alonso added a home run and two runs. Trent Grisham was 1 for 2 with a home run and three runs for the Padres (90-74).
ON THE MOUND
Joe Musgrove (10-7, 2.93 ERA) is in line for the start for San Diego. The right-hander threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 7-4 road win over the Giants on Monday. He scattered two hits while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision. Musgrove has made one previous start against the Mets this season, an 8-5 road loss on July 24. He surrendered four runs on five hits over 5.1 innings, striking out four and walking two. Righty Chris Bassitt (15-9, 3.42 ERA) will toe the rubber for New York. He has made two appearances against the Padres this season, both as the starter, giving up nine runs over 10.1 innings (0-2, 7.84) with 17 strikeouts and two walks. In his last start on October 2, Bassitt took the loss on the road against the Braves. He threw 2.2 innings and gave up four runs on three hits, striking out two and walking three in the 5-3 defeat. The right-hander is tied for fifth in the NL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, San Diego has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against right-handed pitchers like Bassitt this season, the Padres have a .697 OPS. Manny Machado is the team’s biggest extra-base threat against right-handers with a .538 SLG in 329 at-bats. New York is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.8 for the season, with a better slash line (.290/.372/.537). The Mets have a .756 OPS against right-handers in 2022, third highest in MLB. With a .880 OPS over 451 at-bats, Alonso has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
San Diego is 46-37 away from Petco Park in 2022, scoring 5.0 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. New York has gone 55-28 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.3. The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Citi Field, though San Diego has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.8-3.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mets won the NL East. The Padres finished second in the NL West.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
SD Padres (+115)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
