Opinion
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Pirates Set Sail to Conquer Mets at Citi Field Showdown

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to dock at Citi Field for their next encounter, the air is thick with anticipation. The Pirates, riding on a wave of recent successes, are set to face off against the New York Mets in what promises to be a riveting contest.


Aug 16, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third Base coach Joey Cora (56) congratulates right fielder DJ Steward (29) for hitting a home run as he rounds the bases against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates' bats have been blazing trails with an impressive .375 batting average from their last game on April 1st against the Washington Nationals. With 15 hits and 8 runs scored without committing a single error, they've shown both precision and power—a lethal combination that could spell trouble for the Mets. Their hitting statistics speak volumes: an on-base percentage (OBP) of .469 and slugging percentage (SLG) of .525 indicate that when they hit, they hit hard and effectively.


Pitching has also been commendable for PIT. Their bullpen ERA stands at 6.75 from their last outing, which may seem high but is mitigated by a formidable strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) of 3.0 and an impressive nine strikeouts over four innings pitched. This suggests that while they have given up some runs, their pitchers are capable of getting out of tight spots with key strikeouts.


Aug 16, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side, NYM will not make it easy for them; however, there's no denying that PIT has momentum in its sails. The team's ability to drive in runs when it counts—evidenced by scoring three runs with two outs in their previous game—is indicative of a lineup that thrives under pressure.


One potential concern might be PIT's bullpen which showed signs of vulnerability by blowing one save opportunity recently; however, this unit has also demonstrated resilience by securing one win and one hold under similar circumstances.


Aug 16, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder DJ Steward (29) hits a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Fans should keep an eye on how well PIT capitalizes on runners in scoring position (RISP). With seven hits out of twenty-one at-bats RISP during their last game against WSH shows room for improvement but also potential clutch performance when needed most.


As we look ahead to April 15th's clash between these two teams at Citi Field in Flushing Queens NY scheduled for 7:10 PM ET time zone fans can expect fireworks as both teams vie fiercely for victory. Will the Pirates' offensive firepower continue its barrage or will NYM’s defense hold firm? Only time will tell as we await another chapter in this storied rivalry.


For those unable to attend what promises to be an enthralling match-up can catch all the action live where it will be broadcasted on SportsNet PT.

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