Mets Game Preview (7/17/21) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (35-56)

Sep 29, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder J.D. Davis (28) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates return to the field as the Mets try to develop the formula to beat a rebuilding team. After last night’s loss, the Mets have lost three of their five games to the second-worst team in the NL. Weather permitting, the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET start from the scenic PNC Park.

The lineup features the return of J.D. Davis to the four-hole, and the Mets desperately need his offense. Francisco Lindor has landed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain, and the team offense has continued to struggle. Davis was red hot during his rehab assignment with four home runs. He also has the longest home run of his career at PNC Park when it came off Joe Musgrove in 2019.

The Pirates have had the Mets number and have even started commotions with them. John Nogowski and Marcus Stroman‘s fight led to Drew Smith being dragged into the situation. Smith told Stroman he was a “clown,” which Stroman told the media after the game. It is unlikely, but there is always a chance of retaliation in the air with situations like these.

Pitching Matchup

Tylor Megill makes his fifth career start and is still searching for his first major league win. He has not gone past the fifth inning in any of his starts but has a 3.50 ERA and a very impressive 26 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. During his last start against the Pirates, Megill pitched 3.2 innings and allowed one run with seven strikeouts in a seven-inning game.

Wil Crowe gets the ball for the Pirates, and it has been a struggle for him all season. He has a 6.05 ERA in 55 innings and has allowed 12 home runs this season. Crowe has only gone past the fifth inning once in 12 starts and has pitched between four and five innings over his last six starts. If the Mets can get started early, this is a good opportunity to get their offense finally on track.