Mets starter Zach Wheeler has pitched well in four of his last five starts. He's backed by the better offense and a team with better morale than the hopeless Padres, who already have started to deal off their best players.

New York is 7-1 the past eight times during Game 3 of a series. The Mets are 6-1 in Wheeler's last 7 road starts against an opponent with a losing record. San Diego has lost eight of its last 11 games and rank last in many of the major offensive categories, including average and runs.

Odrisamer Despaigne had a terrible record in the minors and has been pitching way above his head in the majors. The Mets have won eight of their last 10 and playing with more confidence than San Diego, which is playing with reserves in three of its four infield spots.