Mets Game Preview: (7/3/21) @ New York Yankees (41-39)

After Friday night’s downpour pushed back the start of 2021’s Subway Series, the New York Mets and New York Yankees play the first of three games. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET from Yankee Stadium as both teams look to get out of the slides they are in.

After their tough back-to-back losses against the Atlanta Braves, a day off might have been the best thing to clear the mind before heading into the Bronx. They also got healthy bodies back as Jeurys Familia and Brandon Nimmo are officially back with the active roster. Nimmo has always enjoyed hitting against the Yankees Stadium with a 1.007 OPS in 13 games against the crosstown rivals.

The Yankees have dealt with plenty since their ugly loss against the Los Angeles Angels, where they allowed seven runs in the ninth to blow the games. Aroldis Chapman has an ERA over ten since he gave up his first run of the season in late May. Gary Sanchez is coming off an incredible June where he .289 with eight home runs after a slow first two months.

Pitching Matchups

Taijuan Walker makes his 15th start of the season as he takes the mound for the Mets. Walker was once again brilliant in his last start and would have pitched even better if he could get Aaron Nola out. He pitched five innings, allowing three hits, one run, and struck out five. Walker is ninth in the NL with his 2.38 ERA but allowed seven runs (one earned) in 1.2 innings at Yankee Stadium last season.

Jordan Montgomery starts for the Yankees and has been a consistent arm in a year with nothing behind Gerrit Cole. In 15 starts, he has a 4.06 ERA and has done great at limiting walks with just 2.5 walks per nine innings. Montgomery battled through six innings, holding the Boston Red Sox to three runs on eight hits.

Matchups To Lookout For

Taijuan Walker vs. Rougned Odor: 6-for-13 (.462), Home Run, 2 Strikeouts

Jordan Montgomery vs. Kevin Pillar: 2-for-11 (.182), 3 Strikeouts