MMO Game Thread: Pirates vs Mets, 1:10 PM

The Mets conclude their series with Pittsburgh in Citi Field this afternoon at 1:10 PM and hope to come away with a series victory to close out a losing homestand. Bartolo Colon (3-5, 5.34 ERA) opposes right-hander Charlie Morton (1-6, 3.29) for the Bucs in the series finale.

Colon received the win in the Mets’ 5-2 victory against the Nationals on May 17, tossing a season-high 8.0 innings, allowing five hits and two runs, earned, including one home run. It was his longest outing since going 8.0 innings in Oakland’s 1-0 win on September 14, 2013.

Jenrry Mejia has not allowed an earned run in eight appearances since moving to the bullpen on May 12 and overcame another big hurdle on Tuesday when he picked up a two inning save. He has also worked back-to-back days and in both ends of a doubleheader previously, leaving working on three straight days as the final step toward becoming the official team closer.

Dillon Gee and Eric Young Jr. are now in Port St. Lucie for their rehabs. Young is on the disabled list, retroactive to May 25, with a right hamstring strain. He underwent an MRI today but has not had a reading on it yet. Gee is trying to return from a strained right lat muscle and suffered a setback which he blames on trying to rush back to quickly.

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud is back with the team today, although he will not be activated from the disabled list until Thursday when the Mets travel to Philadelphia for a four-game series against the Phillies.

Starting Lineup

Juan Lagares – CF
Daniel Murphy – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Curtis Granderson – RF
Chris Young – LF
Lucas Duda – 1B
Juan Centeno – C
Ruben Tejada – SS
Bartolo Colon – RHP

The Mets look to build off the momentum from last night’s win with tonight’s game. Yesterday the offense was able to string hits together to score runs, something they just haven’t been able to do consistently throughout the season. Today Morton gets the start for the Pirates as he faces off against Colon.

Colon is 3-5 over 9 starts and 57.1 innings with a 5.34 ERA. Last time out, wasn’t really a time out. He allowed 2 runs in 4.0 innings or so against the Diamondbacks, but the game was called due to rain, so it is as if it didn’t happen. In his last official game, he allowed 2 ER over 8.0 innings of work against the Nationals. He has made five starts against the Pirates with a 3-1 record with a 1.46 ERA over 37.0 innings. The Pirates have the following numbers against Colon:

Stewart 4-9
Snider 3-8
Martin 1-6, 2B
Marte 0-4
McCutchen 1-4
Tabata 2-4

Morton is 1-6 this year with a 3.29 ERA over 10 games and 63.0 innings. His last start was a good one and he was finally in the win column as he allowed 1 ER over 5.2 innings against the Nationals. He has made 5 starts and pitched 32.0 innings in May with a 2.25 ERA while striking out 20 batters. Last year he allowed 2 ER in 7.0 innings against the Mets who have the following numbers against him: