Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scheduled First Pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET
Broadcast: SNY, SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB.TV
WEATHER FORECAST — PITTSBURGH, PA
Temperature: 78°F at first pitch
Wind: 4–6 mph (light breeze toward left field)
Humidity: 63%
Conditions: Clear skies, ideal summer baseball weather
Ballpark Impact: Slightly hitter‑friendly with warm air and low wind resistance
PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
New York Mets — RHP Christian Scott
2026 Season: 4–7, 4.21 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
Strengths: Fastball command, swing‑and‑miss changeup
Concerns: Occasional home‑run susceptibility, struggles third time through lineup
Pittsburgh Pirates — RHP Jared Jones
2026 Season: 7–8, 3.68 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
Strengths: Power fastball, elite strikeout rate
Concerns: High pitch counts, occasional command lapses
INJURY REPORT
New York Mets
Kodai Senga — Out (shoulder)
Luis Severino — 15‑day IL (lat strain)
Ronny Mauricio — Out (knee)
Tylor Megill — 15‑day IL (forearm)
Pittsburgh Pirates
Mitch Keller — 15‑day IL (elbow inflammation)
Ji‑Hwan Bae — Out (ankle)
Quinn Priester — 60‑day IL (shoulder)
Connor Joe — Day‑to‑day (hamstring)
RECENT TEAM FORM
New York Mets — Last 10 Games
Record: 4–6
Offense: Averaging 3.9 runs per game
Pitching: 4.52 ERA over last 10
Trend: Inconsistent offense; bullpen showing signs of fatigue
Pittsburgh Pirates — Last 10 Games
Record: 6–4
Offense: Averaging 4.7 runs per game
Pitching: 3.88 ERA over last 10
Trend: Strong home performances; lineup improving with Cruz and Reynolds heating up
SERIES HISTORY
2024–2026: Pirates lead 14–11
At PNC Park: Pirates lead 8–5
Last Meeting (June 2026): Pirates won series 2–1
Key Trend: Pittsburgh’s pitching has consistently limited New York’s power bats at home
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Pete Alonso (NYM) vs Jared Jones (PIT)
Alonso’s power vs Jones’ elite velocity. Jones must avoid middle‑in fastballs; Alonso thrives on mistakes.
2. Oneil Cruz (PIT) vs Christian Scott (NYM)
Cruz’s left‑handed power vs Scott’s changeup. Cruz struggles with off‑speed away; Scott must exploit that.
3. Francisco Lindor (NYM) vs Ke’Bryan Hayes (PIT)
Two elite defenders and contact hitters. Lindor’s switch‑hitting gives him an edge in late‑inning matchups.
4. Bryan Reynolds (PIT) vs Mets Bullpen
Reynolds has historically hit Mets relievers well (.318 career average). New York’s late‑inning pitching is vulnerable.
TACTICAL OUTLOOK
New York Mets
Strengths: Veteran lineup, strong defensive infield
Concerns: Bullpen inconsistency, lack of timely hitting
Keys to Win:
Scott must limit walks
Alonso/Martinez need early production
Keep Cruz/Reynolds off the bases
Pittsburgh Pirates
Strengths: Athletic lineup, improving rotation depth
Concerns: Middle‑relief volatility
Keys to Win:
Jones must work ahead in counts
Cruz/Reynolds drive run creation
Avoid giving Alonso extra at‑bats with runners on
BETTING TRENDS
Pirates are 7–3 in their last 10 home games
Mets are 2–8 in their last 10 road games
Over has hit in 5 of the last 7 Mets games
Pirates are 9–4 in Jared Jones’ last 13 starts
Mets are 3–9 in Christian Scott’s last 12 road starts
GAME ODDS
New York Mets 9
Pittsburgh Pirates – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 7, 2026
