The San Diego Padres face the New York Mets tonight in the middle game of a three-game series at Citi Field.

The Mets took the opener in dominant fashion, tagging Michael King for eight runs in the first three innings. San Diego’s bullpen held New York hitless over the final five frames, but the early hole was too much to overcome.

Sean Manaea, used in a bulk relief role, quieted the Padres’ bats with five strong innings of one-run ball. Perhaps the special formula for the Mets is to pair their struggling starters in a single game.

With that win, New York maintained its grip on the third Wild Card spot, holding off the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, who remained 1.5 games back last night.

Tonight, the pitching matchup tilts toward San Diego. Nick Pivetta takes the mound for the Padres with a 13–5 record and a 2.73 ERA. He’s been one of the league’s most consistent arms, fresh off seven scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds. This will be his first look at the Mets in 2025, but he has proven capable against top-tier offenses all season.

For New York, David Peterson will try to steady things. “Try” is the key phrase. He’s 9–5 with a 3.77 ERA but has struggled badly over his last seven starts, posting a 7.13 ERA in that stretch.

Prediction

Peterson’s most recent outing against Philadelphia was at least serviceable, giving up three runs over five innings. If the Mets get something similar, they’ll have a chance to lean on their bullpen and lineup. Still, Pivetta’s dominance gives San Diego the upper hand.

Prediction: Padres 5, Mets 3

Starting Lineups

San Diego Padres

1. Fernando Tatis Jr. — RF

2. Luis Arraez — 1B

3. Manny Machado — 3B

4. Gavin Sheets — DH

5. Ramón Laureano — LF

6. Jackson Merrill — CF

7. Jose Iglesias — SS

8. Jake Cronenworth — 1B

9. Elias Diaz — C

Starting Pitcher: Nick Pivetta (RHP) — 13–5, 2.73 ERA

New York Mets

1. Francisco Lindor — SS

2. Juan Soto — RF

3. Pete Alonso — 1B

4. Brandon Nimmo — LF

5. Starling Marte — DH

6. Jeff McNeil — 2B

7. Brett Baty — 3B

8. Francisco Álvarez — C

9. Cedric Mullins — CF

Starting Pitcher: David Peterson (LHP) — 9–5, 3.77 ERA

How to Watch Padres vs. Mets

First pitch for tonight’s game between the San Diego Padres and New York Mets is set for 7:10 PM Eastern / 4:10 PM Central at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.

The game will air on SNY in New York and Padres TV in San Diego. Out-of-market viewers can stream it live on MLB.TV.

San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Time: 7:10 PM Eastern / 4:10 PM Central

Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, NY

TV: SNY, Padres TV

Streaming: MLB.TV