First pitch: 3:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York
TV: NBC / Peacock
This is the rubber match of a three-game series at Citi Field. The series is tied 1-1 after the Astros took the opener 3-1 on Friday and the Mets responded with a 6-2 win on Saturday. Houston sits first in the AL West at .500; New York is last in the NL East. Both teams are playing out the string, but the Astros still hold a slim division lead.
Starting Pitchers
Astros: RHP Ethan Pecko (0-0, 7.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, 5 K in 8.0 IP)
The 24-year-old right-hander is making only his third major-league start after a mid-August call-up. He has struggled with command (7 walks in 8 innings) and has allowed two home runs. Pecko is filling a rotation spot while Mike Burrows works his way back from the IL. Expect a short leash and early bullpen involvement.
Mets: LHP Zac Thornton (3-4, 2.88 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 40 K in 56.1 IP)
The 24-year-old lefty has been one of New York’s more reliable starters since his mid-season debut. He has posted multiple quality starts, limits hard contact, and works efficiently. Thornton gives the Mets a clear edge on the mound.
Weather Forecast (Citi Field)
Expect temperatures around 80–81°F at first pitch with partly cloudy skies. Wind is forecast near 10 mph (variable direction). There is a moderate chance of showers or scattered rain (around 30–40% during the afternoon window), so a delay is possible but not highly likely at this hour. Overall conditions lean neutral to slightly hitter-friendly if the ball carries.
Injury Reports
Astros
Mike Burrows (SP): 15-day IL (elbow)
Carlos Correa (SS): 60-day IL (ankle, season-ending)
Brice Matthews (CF): 60-day IL (knee)
Brandon Walter (SP/RP): 60-day IL (elbow)
Key available players include Yordan Alvarez (DH, elite production), Isaac Paredes, and the remaining core lineup.
Mets
Mark Vientos (1B): 10-day IL (hand)
Cionel Pérez (RP): 15-day IL (forearm)
Devin Williams (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder)
Longer-term 60-day IL: Jorge Polanco, Justin Hagenman, Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill
Note: Some reports listed Juan Soto on the IL with a calf strain; confirm lineup status closer to game time. Available contributors include Bo Bichette and the rest of a thinned but competitive lineup.
Key Player Matchups & Notes
Yordan Alvarez vs. Thornton: Alvarez is having an MVP-caliber season (high average, power, and RBI production). Facing a solid lefty is a key test; he has shown the ability to drive the ball the other way.
Isaac Paredes: Provides consistent extra-base production and run production for Houston.
Mets hitters vs. Pecko: New York’s lineup will look to exploit Pecko’s command issues and early pitch count. Look for patient approaches and potential early traffic.
Thornton’s ability to induce weak contact and work deep into games contrasts with Pecko’s short outings so far.
Both bullpens have been taxed by injuries, so starter length will be critical.
Recent Team Forms
Astros: 5-5 in their last 10 games. They have been competitive on the road (35-33) but have shown inconsistency.
Mets: 4-6 in their last 10. They snapped a skid with Saturday’s win and are 32-38 at home.
Series History
The series is tied 1-1. This is only the third meeting between the clubs this season. Houston took Friday’s game; New York answered on Saturday. The winner claims the series.
Betting Trends
The Mets are modest favorites largely due to the pitching mismatch (Thornton vs. the inexperienced Pecko). The total sits at a standard 9.
Game Odds
Houston Astros 9
New York Mets – 119
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 29, 2026
