New York @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 23, 2012 ) San Francisco 7, NY Mets 2

The Giants have lost four straight and their scoreless streak stands at 20 innings, but they might catch a break against the free-falling Mets, who have dropped 14 of their last 16. San Francisco is in a first-place tie with Los Angeles atop the National League West after being swept over the weekend by the Dodgers, but their troubles pale in comparison to the Mets, who have sunk 12 1/2 out of first in the NL East while going 3-13 since the All-Star break.

The Giants were outscored 19-3 during the three-game sweep against the Dodgers, but at least they’ll avoid knuckleballer R.A. Dickey during the four-game series against the Mets. San Francisco’s lineup has gone quiet without third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who’s on the disabled list with a hamstring strain. The Giants need Angel Pagan and Brandon Belt to break out of their lengthy slumps. Pagan is hitting just .218 (17-for-78) in July, and Belt is 8-for-57 (.140) with 26 strikeouts in his last 21 games.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSNBA (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jeremy Hefner (1-4, 5.40 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (11-6, 3.10)

Hefner is getting another start in place of Johan Santana (ankle), who’s expected to return on Aug. 8 or 9. Hefner, who gave up three runs (two earned) in his fourth big league start Wednesday against Washington, pitched three scoreless inning in his one relief appearance against the Giants on April 23.

Bumgarner is 1-1 in his last three starts with a 2.14 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 21 innings during that span. He gave up two runs with nine strikeouts Tuesday against San Diego. Bumgarner allowed one run over seven innings in his first career start against the Mets earlier this season on April 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets LF Jason Bay went 0-for-3 on Sunday and is hitless in his past 22 at-bats.

2. Giants C Hector Sanchez (knee) is expected to come off the disabled list when he's eligible Thursday.

3. The Mets demoted OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to Triple-A Buffalo and activated OF Mike Baxter from the disabled list.