Mets vs. Pirates (September 7 – DH Game 1): Can a former Brave help his old club gain an edge in NL East race?

The Mets have been in control of the NL East all season long, but the Atlanta Braves finally caught them last night, thanks to their win in Oakland and the Mets’ loss in Pittsburgh.

With a sweep in today’s doubleheader against the Pirates, the Mets will be back in first all by themselves even if the Braves beat the A’s this afternoon.

But if Pittsburgh’s 8-2 victory last night is any indication, New York will have their work cut out for them if they want to capture both games, especially if Oneil Cruz comes out connecting again after the first multi-homer game of his MLB career.

ONEIL CRUZ HIT THIS BALL INTO THE ALLEGHENY pic.twitter.com/W4og6C92Rj

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 7, 2022

In the first half of the twinbill, New York will have to contend with a former Brave in Bryse Wilson. Wilson has some ugly numbers, but he has pitched well against some quality opposition this season and could frustrate his opposition this afternoon.

New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (DH Game 1) Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: New York Mets (85-51, 39-28 away, tied for 1st in the NL East) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (50-84, 27-39 home, 5th in the NL Central)
• Venue & Location: PNC Park (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2022
• Game Time: 12:35 p.m. Eastern Time

Mets vs. Pirates Pitching Matchup

• New York: Chris Bassitt (2022: 25 starts, 12-7, 3.32 ERA)
• Pittsburgh: Bryse Wilson (2022: 19 appearances – 16 starts, 2-8, 6.12 ERA)

Mets vs. Pirates Odds

Odds from other reputable sports betting sites may also be mentioned in this article when available.

Moneyline

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Over/Under

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Run Line

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New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction and Best Bets

Mets vs. Pirates Prediction: New York to win

Mets vs. Pirates Best Bets: Pittsburgh +1.5

Bassitt has an ERA of 4.12 in 11 starts on the road this season, compared to a 2.77 ERA in 14 home stats.

But he is 7-1 with a 2.44 ERA in nine daytime starts, and statistically, August was his best month of the season so far. In five starts last month, the experienced lefty was 4-0 with a 1.62 ERA (33.1 IP, 33 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 22 K).

There’s little that sticks out about Wilson’s splits, but the Pirates have won the last three home games that Wilson has started. Also, Pittsburgh is 4-2 in his six home starts this season.

The Mets have the league’s win percentage in games following a loss, coming in at 36-14 (.720). The Pirates, on the other hand, have the league’s worst record in games following a win, coming in at 16-33 (.327).

I think the visitors will pull this one out, but I think Pittsburgh will, at minimum, keep this one close throughout. With that in mind, backing the Pirates to cover the +1.5 RL will be well worth your time and money if/when the odds do go on the board.

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• Mets vs. Pirates Consensus Picks, Betting Stats & Team Trends (9/7 DH Game 2)

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