Anthony DeSclafani, one of the early season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the San Francisco Giants (6-12) as they host the New York Mets (13-7) at Oracle Park on Friday. The Mets took Thursday’s series opener 9-4. Starter Kodai Senga got the win, allowing four runs on five hits over five innings.
Jeff McNeil was 3 for 3 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Pete Alonso added a home run, two runs, and four RBIs. Mike Yastrzemski went 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Giants.
ON THE MOUND
Joey Lucchesi is set for the start for New York, his season debut. Right-hander DeSclafani (1-0, 1.42 ERA) will toe the rubber for San Francisco. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mets.
DeSclafani made one start against the Mets in 2022, throwing five innings in a 6-2 road defeat on April 21. He gave up nine hits and walked one, while striking out four in the loss.
In his last start on Saturday, DeSclafani took a no-decision on the road against the Tigers. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up three runs (2 ER) on six hits, striking out five, in the 7-6 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.9. Against right-handed pitchers like DeSclafani this season, the Mets have a .730 OPS. Brandon Nimmo is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .954 OPS in 38 at-bats.
San Francisco is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.6 for the season. The Giants have a .593 OPS against southpaws in 2023, second lowest in the league. With a 1.023 OPS over 24 at-bats, Wilmer Flores has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 9-5 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. San Francisco has gone 2-5 at Oracle Park this season, averaging 3.4 runs per game while surrendering 5.4. San Francisco is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Oracle Park despite an average scoreline favoring New York (6.3-4.9).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Mets are second in the NL East, one games behind the division-leading Braves. The Giants are fourth in the NL West, four games behind the Diamondbacks.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
NY Mets (-105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
