After thunderstorms canceled the first game between the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates, they will attempt to get in Friday’s game to start their final series before the All-Star break. Rain is once again looming in the forecast, but the game should be able to get started in Queens. The first pitch from Citi Field is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.
The Mets have now been rained out twice this week and 10 times total this season. pic.twitter.com/lreRsGgKRF
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 8, 2021
Getting Brandon Nimmo back in the lineup was exactly what the Mets needed as they have a table-setter at the top of the order. Since returning, Nimmo is 8-for-22 (.364) with two doubles and has been in the middle of every Mets rally. For the Mets, combining seven straight games against the Pirates and the horrible NL East gives them a good opportunity to create more separation in the division.
The rebuilding Pirates have played much better of late. They have won three of their last four games and took their last series from the Atlanta Braves. Bryan Reynolds has been a bright spot by hitting .305 with 15 homers and 48 runs batted in. Potential trade target Adam Frazier is also having a solid season, leading the team and fourth in MLB with a .326 batting average.
Pitching Matchup
Taijuan Walker looks to finish his All-Star caliber season on a good note and lower his 2.44 ERA. He continued his dominance in his last start against the New York Yankees, where he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs and holding a no-hitter through the first five innings. Walker is also a potential replacement to take Jacob deGrom’s spot on the All-Star team.
JT Brubaker is the Pirates starter and has been the best one for a team that has very few quality starters. He has a 4.08 ERA in 15 starts this season, but his biggest issue is the home run. Brubaker has allowed 16 of them this season and is coming off a start where he allowed three to the Milwaukee Brewers.