Mets @ Braves

Who will WIN this matchup?

New York Mets (9-4)

@ Atlanta Braves (7-6)

Starting Pitchers:

Vargas (NYM): 1-0; 9.00 ERA

Newcomb (ATL) 0-0; 1.64 ERA

Last 10 Games Played:

New York Mets: 7-3

Atlanta Braves: 7-3

Current odds:

New York Mets: (+138)

Atlanta Braves: (-148)

• Brandon Nimmo has shaken off a miserable start to 2019, and looks to build on his breakthrough week while helping the New York Mets record their third consecutive road victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. The Mets left fielder began his season with only two hits in 26 at-bats with 17 strikeouts in his first eight games, but Nimmo is 7-for-18 with eight runs scored in his past five games, slugging a two-run homer and finishing 3-for-4 in Friday’s 6-2 victory. The Mets are taking advantage of an early-season schedule full of games against their National League East counterparts, improving to 8-3 against division competition with eight of their next 11 games against division rivals.

• On the other hand, Atlanta dropped to 2-6 against NL East foes after Friday’s defeat. The Braves continue to hit center fielder Ender Inciarte in the leadoff spot against right-handed starters, but he finished 0-for-5 on Friday and is 7-for-44 overall on the season. Third baseman Josh Donaldson extended his hitting streak to five games Friday with two hits, and is 6-for-20 in that stretch after starting the season 4-for-27.

• Vargas appeared out of the New York bullpen Tuesday against Minnesota and struggled, giving up four runs on four hits in one inning. The 36-year-old has made one start so far this season, getting the win on April 2 at Miami in allowing two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts in five innings. Vargas is 2-2 in six career starts against Atlanta with a 4.01 ERA, giving up three hits across seven shutout innings to beat the Braves in his final start of 2018.

• Newcomb rebounded from a shaky start in his season debut to pitch well Sunday against Miami, giving up two runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. The 25-year-old, who was in line for the win Sunday until Atlanta blew a ninth-inning lead, walked four in four innings against the Cubs on April 1. Newcomb went 1-0 in three starts against the Mets a season ago, posting an ERA of 1.00 with eight walks and 21 strikeouts in 18 innings.

• Braves 1B Freddie Freeman walked twice Friday and has reached base in all 13 games this season, although his seven-game hitting streak ended.

• New York pitchers struck out 10 hitters for the second consecutive game and for the ninth time in 13 games this season.

• Atlanta is 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and has left 17 runners on base through the first two games of the series.