The New York Mets (23-23) host the Cleveland Guardians (20-24) at Citi Field on Saturday. The Mets took Friday’s series opener 10-9 in 10 innings, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Drew Smith threw one inning out of the bullpen to get the win.
Francisco Alvarez went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Brett Baty added a home run and a double. He scored two runs. Josh Naylor was 3 for 5 with a home run and five RBIs for the Guardians. Gabriel Arias added a home run and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Tanner Bibee (1-1, 3.22 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Cleveland. The right-hander allowed one run over 7.2 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Angels on Sunday. He scattered two hits while striking out seven in the no-decision.
For New York, right-hander Max Scherzer (3-2, 4.88 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians.
In his last start on Sunday, Scherzer got the win on the road against the Nationals. He threw five innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out six and walking two in the 8-2 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged 4.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.6. Against righties like Scherzer this season, the Guardians have a .652 OPS, third lowest in MLB. Jose Ramirez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .910 OPS in 99 at-bats.
New York is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with a higher slugging percentage (.452 vs .389). The Mets have a .716 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .884 OPS over 115 at-bats, Pete Alonso has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 11-12 away from Progressive Field in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. New York has won three in a row at their home park. The Mets are 10-9 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 5.0.
Cleveland is winless in four games at Citi Field between the teams, losing on average by a score of 6.3-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians are third in the AL Central, three games behind the division-leading Twins. The Mets are third in the NL East, six games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
NY Mets
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
