Pirates Host Struggling Mets in Sunday Afternoon PNC Park Showdown

The Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the New York Mets to PNC Park at 1:35 PM ET, and the records tell a stark story before a single pitch is thrown. Pittsburgh sits at 58-61 while New York has stumbled to 51-67, making this a game between two clubs fighting for relevance in very different ways.

The pitching matchup is worth your attention. Sean Manaea is expected to start for the Mets, while Jared Jones is set to take the mound for Pittsburgh. Neither assignment is guaranteed until first pitch, but if it holds, this is a legitimate arms race worth watching — two starters who can keep a game close or unravel quickly depending on the day. The Mets desperately need length and efficiency from Manaea; at 51-67, they cannot afford to burn a bullpen in a game that should be winnable on paper.

On the offensive side, Brandon Lowe is the name that commands the most respect in this one. Pittsburgh's designated power threat leads his team with 25 home runs and 74 RBI — numbers that make him the most dangerous bat in this afternoon's lineup. Nick Gonzales adds a different dimension, hitting .309 and giving the Pirates a contact option who can string together innings. For New York, Bo Bichette leads the club with 56 RBI, and Marcus Semien has contributed 14 home runs. Carson Benge is hitting .270 and provides the Mets with a reliable average option at the top of the order. The Mets have the individual pieces to compete offensively — whether they can put them together consistently is the question that has defined their 51-67 record.

Our model does not have a validated read on this game, so we're not going to manufacture conviction where none exists. What we can say plainly: Pittsburgh holds the better record, plays at home, and has the most dangerous power hitter on the field in Lowe. The Mets need a strong outing from Manaea to keep this competitive. Catch it on MLB.TV or SNY.