Mets at Pirates
The New York Mets matched their second-highest scoring output of the season in the series opener and look for more production from their bats when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. New York churned out 14 hits in the 12-6 victory while winning its third straight game and falling two runs shy of equaling their top offensive effort of the campaign.
Asdrubal Cabrera homered and drove in four runs while Wilmer Flores also went deep and had three RBIs to highlight the Mets' assault. Cabrera was just 1-for-16 with six strikeouts over the previous four games while Flores homered for the first time since July 9. Pittsburgh committed three errors in the opener while losing its second straight contest on the heels of its a splendid 11-game winning streak. Pirates center fielder Starling Marte (left hand) is in jeopardy of missing his third straight game, while left fielder Corey Dickerson (hamstring) hopes to return after a two-game absence.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-6, 8.60 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.28)
Vargas (calf) is slated to be activated off the 10-day disabled list to make his first start in the majors since June 19. The 35-year-old, who struck out 19 batters in 12 innings while making two rehab starts at Single-A Brooklyn, will be looking to break a three-start losing streak. Vargas is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against Pittsburgh and has struggled with David Freese (6-for-11, one homer).
Nova defeated Cincinnati on Sunday when he gave up two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has issued just four walks over 36 innings in his last six outings and has displayed stellar control (19 walks in 19 starts) all season. Nova allowed three runs and five hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Mets on June 27 and stands 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in five career appearances (four starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is batting .333 in July despite being 0-for-7 over the past two contests.
2. New York OF Jose Bautista went 2-for-6 with three strikeouts in the opener and has fanned nine times over the past four games.
3. Pittsburgh activated C Francisco Cervelli (concussion) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Jacob Stallings to Triple-A Indianapolis.