New York @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 25, 2014 ) NY Mets 3, Milwaukee 2

The New York Mets look to ride the momentum of an improbable victory when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday in the third contest of a four-game set. New York struck for three ninth-inning runs – the final two on Lucas Duda’s 17th homer of the season – to record a 3-2 victory Friday to halt Milwaukee’s four-game winning streak. The Mets are 4-4 on a 10-game road trip that began with stops in San Diego and Seattle.

The Brewers were on the verge of extending their lead in the National League Central to four games before closer Francisco Rodriguez blew his fourth save of the season. Outfielder Ryan Braun had his 12-game hitting streak halted with a 0-for-4 effort while Carlos Gomez homered to give the Brewers 10 long balls over their last four games. New York third baseman David Wright has three two-hit outings in the past five games while Duda has homered in three of the last four games, including each of the first two games of this series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (5-5, 3.13 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (11-6, 3.58)

Niese lost to Seattle in his last start in his return from a shoulder ailment. He allowed four runs and a season-worst 11 hits while striking out six in six innings. Niese is 2-0 with a 4.64 ERA in six career starts against Milwaukee, including a no-decision June 12 when he gave up one run and six hits over 7 2/3 innings.

Peralta has won seven of his past eight decisions and his next victory will surpass last season’s win total. He has allowed one earned run and six hits in 14 innings over his last two turns, winning both decisions. He is 2-0 with a 0.63 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, including a win June 11 in which he allowed one runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 2B Scooter Gennett (quadriceps) is expected to miss his fourth consecutive contest.

2. New York RF Curtis Granderson is 0-for-16 with 10 strikeouts over his last four games.

3. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez (6-for-16, two homers) and C Jonathan Lucroy (5-for-15) have fared well against Niese.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Mets 3