The New York Mets and San Francisco Giants open up a 4-game series as both teams look to find some consistency at the plate. The Mets rank 20th in batting average (.211) and are averaging just 3.8 runs per game, while the Giants have struggled even more offensively — sitting 26th with a .201 average and scoring only 2.3 runs per game. Despite those offensive struggles, pitching has been the story early on. The Mets have been dominant with a 2.50 team ERA, while the Giants have held their own with a 3.74 ERA. 

It will be a battle of left-handers in this one, with David Peterson getting the nod for New York. Peterson was sharp in his first start, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing 6 hits and striking out 3. On the other side, Robbie Ray will take the mound for San Francisco after allowing 2 runs on 5 hits across 5.1 innings in his last outing. Neither lineup has found its rhythm yet, but the Mets do have the edge both on the mound and offensively. It’s encouraging to see Juan Soto and Luis Robert swinging hot bats early, and it’s only a matter of time before Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette start to heat up as well. Look for Peterson to deliver a better starting performance than Ray in this matchup as the Mets win a low-scoring battle at Oracle Park. 

Mets vs Giants prediction: NY Mets ML  (-125) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.