New York @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 28, 2012 ) NY Mets 3, Arizona 6

The Arizona Diamondbacks might have a second-half run in them after all. After failing to generate a lengthy winning streak all season, Arizona has won seven of its last nine games to move within 4 1/2 games of National League West-leading San Francisco. The Diamondbacks aim for their third straight series win on Sunday against the Mets, who lost for the 14th time in their last 16 games Saturday despite three solo home runs by Arizona native Ike Davis.

While the Diamondbacks stand at 51-50, New York has fallen a season-worst five games under .500. Davis has hit four home runs during the series, but he’s getting little support from his teammates. Left fielder Jason Bay is hitless in his last 19 at-bats, and outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis struck out three times while going 0-for-4 on Saturday, giving him 98 strikeouts in 282 at-bats. New York has turned into sellers with the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, while Arizona will likely stand pat. Initial reports had Arizona interested in trading right fielder Justin Upton and shortstop Stephen Drew, but it now appears the team may hold onto both players.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, PIX 11 (New York), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH R.A. Dickey (13-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Joe Saunders (5-6, 3.51)

After a stellar first half, Dickey is 2-1 with a 5.36 ERA over his last six appearances (five starts). He had his career-high 11-game win streak snapped Tuesday against the Nationals. In two career starts against Arizona, Dickey is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA. He allowed one run over eight innings against the Diamondbacks on May 6 at Citi Field.

Saunders has made three straight quality starts since returning from the disabled list, giving up eight runs over 19 innings for a 3.79 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 18-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio during that span. He’s 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in his last four home starts. Bay is 5-for-10 lifetime with two homers against Saunders.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks are 43-9 when scoring more than five runs.

2. Mets reliever Frank Francisco did not make a scheduled rehab appearance for Double-A Binghamton on Saturday because of soreness in his side.

3. Arizona is 8-1 in its last nine home games against the Mets.