In the heart of the postseason, the Milwaukee Brewers (93-69) are poised to battle the New York Mets (89-73) in Game 2 of their critical three-game series on Wednesday night. The contest will unfold at American Family Field, kicking off at 7:38 PM ET.
On the mound for the Mets will be Sean Manaea, boasting a record of 12-6 and a 3.47 ERA. Meanwhile, the Brewers have yet to reveal their starting pitcher for this pivotal matchup.
Historically, Milwaukee has had the upper hand against New York, winning seven of their last ten encounters and taking the regular season series 5-1. However, the Mets kicked off this series with a strong 8-4 victory in Game 1, putting them in a favorable position.
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New York Aiming for Series Victory
The Mets rebounded impressively from their earlier loss to Atlanta, showcasing a potent offense that managed to score eight runs against a Brewers pitching staff they previously struggled against. This offensive surge will be crucial as they aim for another victory in Game 2 against a Milwaukee team known for its offensive prowess.
During the regular season, New York averaged 4.75 runs per game, landing them 12th in the league. They recorded a .247 batting average (12th), .320 on-base percentage (8th), and .416 slugging percentage (9th).
Key players include Francisco Lindor, who led the team with a .273 batting average and 91 RBIs, and Pete Alonso, known for his power with 34 home runs. Mark Vientos emerged as a standout in Game 1, contributing significantly with two RBIs.
On the defensive side, the Mets allowed an average of 3.91 runs per game, with opponents batting .229 against them, ranking them second in the league. However, Manaea will need to improve after a tough outing in his last start, where he surrendered six runs in just over three innings.
Milwaukee’s Quest to Keep Season Alive
The Brewers started strong in Game 1, scoring twice in the first inning, but faltered as the game progressed, ultimately managing only two additional runs. After a disappointing playoff sweep last season, they are determined to change their fate this time around.
Milwaukee’s season statistics reflect their offensive capabilities, with an average of 4.80 runs per game and a .248 batting average, ranking eighth in the league. Their .326 on-base percentage was fourth, while their .403 slugging percentage placed them 13th.
Willy Adames, leading the team with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, and William Contreras, who recorded a .281 batting average, are key figures in their lineup. However, in their Game 1 defeat, Contreras managed only one hit despite driving in two runs.
Defensively, Milwaukee excelled, allowing just 3.62 runs per game and holding opponents to a .237 batting average, placing them 10th in the league. Their pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, will need to step up to avoid further damage.
Best Bets for New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers
The Mets have showcased impressive form lately, winning three of their last four games, while the Brewers have only managed to split theirs. With New York scoring 16 runs across their last three games compared to Milwaukee’s 10, they hold a clear offensive advantage.
Milwaukee’s struggles against left-handed pitchers have been evident, particularly in their recent outings. Despite Manaea’s previous struggles against the Brewers, he has had some success in the past. Meanwhile, New York’s bullpen has performed admirably, yielding only two runs in their last two games. Given these trends, a bet on New York to cover the money line seems prudent.
