Philadelphia @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 3, 2012 ) Philadelphia 1, NY Mets 11
After dropping a horrific series opener, the Philadelphia Phillies will look to struggling Cliff Lee on Wednesday to help them prevent a season-high seven-game losing skid. Lee, however, has yet to win at all this season while undergoing some nightmarish performances in the process. Philadelphia was brutalized by Daniel Murphy, who collected four hits and drove in as many runs as New York breezed to an 11-1 triumph in Tuesday's series opener.
The victory was the Mets' fifth in six outings overall and seventh in 10 games against the Phillies this season. Philadelphia, which is languishing at the bottom of the National League East, has declared that it will actively attempt to trade stud left-hander Cole Hamels should it fall further out of postseason contention. The Phillies are reportedly looking for help at third base and in the outfield.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Philadelphia), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Cliff Lee (0-5, 4.13 ERA) vs. Mets RH Chris Young (2-1, 3.30 ERA)
Lee yielded a season-high six runs in just 4 2/3 innings in a 6-2 loss to Miami on Friday. The 33-year-old has fared well versus New York, winning two of three decisions while registering a 2.25 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Lee allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out seven in a no-decision versus the Mets earlier this season.
Young has pitched well over the last month, highlighted by a strong effort in his last trip to the mound. The 33-year-old allowed two runs and struck out a season-high six in 6 1/3 innings in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Young is 3-2 in his career versus Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Murphy recorded his second four-hit effort of the season and has 14 RBIs in his last five starts. Murphy is 4-for-11 with three doubles in his career against Lee.
2. The Phillies are 10 games under .500 for the first time since July 22, 2002.
3. Mets center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis suffered a right hand contusion during batting practice on Tuesday. Should Nieuwenhuis be unable to play on Wednesday afternoon, Andres Torres will receive his second straight start.