NY Mets vs Astros live updates, score and analysis of Friday game

NEW YORK — Let the spoiling begin for the Mets.

After dropping two out of three games against the Brewers, the Mets now welcome the Astros for a three-game series beginning at 7:10 p.m. on Friday night at Citi Field.

While the Brewers are a near-lock to reach the postseason with the best record in baseball with one month to play, the Astros hold a meager one-game lead over the Rangers for the lead in the AL West. The Rangers are two games out of the final AL Wild Card spot.

Suffice to say, every game is super meaningful for the Astros down the stretch, while the Mets are simply looking to finish the regular season strong with their playoff hopes drifting away.

The major test for the Mets will be attempting to silence Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who leads the American League in home runs (36) and batting average (.319) while tied with Pete Alonso for the league lead in RBI (91) on his quest to capture the league's first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera did it for the Tigers back in 2012.

The mission of stopping Alvarez and the Astros offense will fall to Christian Scott in the series opener. Scott is 4-3 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 19 starts but has allowed three earned runs or more in his last four starts.

The Astros will counter with Hunter Brown, who has made 14 starts with a two-month absence between April and June due to a right shoulder strain. The 27-year-old is 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 74⅓ innings.

Check back for more updates and analysis as the Mets and Astros open their three-game series on Friday night at Citi Field:

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: SNY

Streaming: MLB.TV

Mets: Christian Scott (4-3, 3.73 ERA)

Astros: Hunter Brown (3-3, 3.51)

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets vs Astros live updates, score and analysis of Friday game