Mets Favored Over Pirates in Sunday Matchup

New York looks to stay undefeated against struggling Pittsburgh

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:12pm

The New York Mets (2-0), ranked #3 in the NL East, are favored with a -180 moneyline to win against the Pittsburgh Pirates (0-2), ranked #5 in the NL Central. Nolan McLean will start for the Mets, facing Carmen Mlodzinski for the Pirates in the Sunday afternoon matchup.

Why it matters

This early-season game between the Mets and Pirates could provide an early indication of how the two teams' seasons may unfold. The Mets are expected to contend for the playoffs, while the Pirates are projected to struggle in their division.

The details

The Mets, led by their young ace Nolan McLean, will look to stay undefeated on the young season against a Pirates team that has yet to win a game. Pittsburgh's Carmen Mlodzinski will try to slow down a potent Mets lineup that has already scored 12 runs in their first two contests.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM ET.

The players

Nolan McLean

The Mets' young ace pitcher who will start on the mound for New York.

Carmen Mlodzinski

The Pirates' starting pitcher who will face the Mets' lineup.

New York Mets

The NL East team that is 2-0 to start the season and favored in this matchup.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The NL Central team that is 0-2 to begin the year and the underdog in this game.

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The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Mets and Pirates could provide an early barometer for how the two teams' seasons may unfold, with the Mets looking to continue their hot start and the Pirates trying to get in the win column for the first time.