MLB Spread Predictions for Today: New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - 7/8

Game Summary

The New York Mets will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This matchup features two teams battling for positioning in their respective divisions. The New York Mets, with a record of 42-47, are looking to improve their standing and push for a playoff spot. The Pittsburgh Pirates, at 44-44, are aiming to maintain their .500 record and build momentum as the season progresses.

The Mets come into this game with some recent struggles, particularly on the road where they have a 21-23 record. Their offense, which ranks 22nd in runs scored, has been inconsistent, and they'll need key players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso to step up. On the pitching side, the Mets' starting rotation has been solid, with a team ERA ranking 12th in the league.

The Pirates, on the other hand, have been relatively successful at home with a 21-25 record. They boast a more balanced offensive attack, ranking 11th in both hits and runs scored. Their pitching staff, led by Mitch Keller, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been prone to inconsistency, as evidenced by their 21st-ranked team ERA.

 

Odds and Betting Lines

Market	Odds
Over/Under	8.5
New York Mets Spread	-1.5 (+152)
Pittsburgh Pirates Spread	+1.5 (-184)

 

Pitching Probables

Pitcher	W-L	ERA	Strikeouts
Mitch Keller (PIT)	9-5	3.48	96
Christian Scott (NYM)	0-2	4.32	27

 

Team Previews

New York Mets

Hitting: The Mets' offense has struggled to find consistency, ranking 24th in batting average at .230. Despite this, they have some powerful hitters like Pete Alonso, who leads the team with 18 home runs, and Francisco Lindor, who is batting .250.

Relief Pitching: The Mets' bullpen has been a mixed bag, with notable performances from closer Edwin Diaz. However, the bullpen's overall ERA of 3.93 ranks 12th in the league, indicating room for improvement.

Fielding: The Mets have committed 47 errors this season, ranking 14th in the league. Their defensive struggles have occasionally cost them games, and they'll need to tighten up their fielding to support their pitching staff.

Starting Pitching: The Mets' starting rotation has been solid, with a combined ERA of 3.93. Christian Scott will need to step up in this game, as he has struggled with a 4.32 ERA and a 0-2 record.

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Hitting: The Pirates' offense has been more balanced, with a team batting average of .247, ranking 11th in the league. Bryan Reynolds has been a standout performer, leading the team with a .281 average, 16 home runs, and 54 RBIs.

Relief Pitching: The Pirates' bullpen has been inconsistent, with a team ERA of 4.23, ranking 21st in the league. They will need their relievers to step up, especially in close games.

Fielding: The Pirates have committed 57 errors this season, ranking 3rd in the league. Their defensive struggles have been a significant issue, and they'll need to improve their fielding to support their pitching staff.

Starting Pitching: Mitch Keller has been the standout in the Pirates' rotation, with a 9-5 record and a 3.48 ERA. He'll need to continue his strong form to give the Pirates a chance in this game.

 

Team Injuries

New York Mets

Player Name	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Drew Smith	RP	Elbow	Out for the season

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Player Name	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Marco Gonzales	SP	Forearm	Expected to be out until at least Jul 12
Ryan Borucki	RP	Wrist	Expected to be out until at least Jul 9
Daulton Jefferies	RP	Elbow	Expected to be out until at least Jul 21
David Bednar	RP	Oblique	Expected to be out until at least Jul 19
Quinn Priester	SP	Lat	Expected to be out until at least Jul 9
Bailey Falter	SP	Triceps	Expected to be out until at least Jul 22

 

Betting Trends

• The Mets are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
• The Pirates are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
• The Mets are 21-23 on the road this season.
• The Pirates are 21-25 at home this season.
• The Mets have a 7-3 record in their last 10 games against the Pirates.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Mets' last 5 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the Pirates' last 8 games.
• The Pirates are 2-4 in their last 6 home games against the Mets.
• The Mets are 4-1 in their last 5 games against National League Central opponents.
• The Pirates are 3-7 in their last 10 games as underdogs.

 

Recent Games

New York Mets

Opponent	Score	W/L
@ Pittsburgh	3-2	W
@ Pittsburgh	5-2	W
@ Pittsburgh	14-2	L
@ Washington	1-0	L
@ Washington	7-5	L

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Opponent	Score	W/L
vs New York Mets	3-2	L
vs New York Mets	5-2	L
vs New York Mets	14-2	W
vs St. Louis	3-2	W
vs St. Louis	5-4	W

 

Team Rankings

Category	New York Mets	Pittsburgh Pirates
Hitting	24th	11th
Starting Pitching	12th	21st
Relief Pitching	12th	21st
Fielding	14th	3rd

 

Significant Betting Stats

• The Mets have a 43-44 record against the spread this season.
• The Pirates have a 48-40 record against the spread this season.
• The Mets are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
• The Pirates are 3-7 in their last 10 games against the spread.
• The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 road games against the spread.
• The Pirates are 5-5 in their last 10 home games against the spread.
• The total has gone OVER in 6 of the Mets' last 10 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the Pirates' last 10 games.
• The Mets have a 21-23 road record this season.
• The Pirates have a 21-25 home record this season.

 

Weather

The weather forecast for the game at PNC Park is sunny with a temperature of 76°F. There are no expected weather-related interruptions.

 

Prediction