The Pittsburgh Pirates have found their stride offensively this weekend against the struggling New York Mets, scoring a significant total of nine runs in both of the first two games of their series. As they approach the final game of this three-game matchup on Sunday, the Pirates are in a favorable position to achieve their second sweep of the season, last accomplished against the Philadelphia Phillies in early June.
Pirates catcher Joey Bart emphasized the team’s recent success at the plate, stating, “Hitting is contagious; keep the line rolling and give guys a chance to get up there and do some damage.” The urgency for the Pirates is palpable as they seek to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
Their offensive output comes at a critical time for the Mets, who are reeling from a dismal stretch, having dropped 12 of their last 15 games. The New York team has faced challenges in its pitching rotation, notably with the recent loss of Griffin Canning, who underwent season-ending surgery. In a bid to turn their fortunes around, the Mets will turn to veteran right-hander Frankie Montas, who is looking to regain his form after a stint on the injured list. Montas showed promise in his first start back, completing five scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves, but the bullpen’s inability to hold the lead resulted in a loss.
Montas has faced the Pirates only once before, achieving a no-decision where he limited the Pirates to one run over six innings. Conversely, the Pirates will counter with rookie Mike Burrows, who is coming off a solid relief appearance where he managed to keep the Brewers hitless over 2 1/3 innings. Burrows, yet to face the Mets in his career, will pitch on three days’ rest after stepping in during a recent game against Milwaukee.
This matchup is pivotal for both teams, with the Pirates looking to solidify their offensive resurgence and the Mets aiming to break out of their slump. As the season progresses, performances like those from Bart and Burrows could be crucial in shaping both teams’ destinies.
The Pirates’ ability to capitalize on their recent offensive momentum is noteworthy, and with a potential sweep on the line, fans are hopeful that this weekend will mark a turning point in their season.