San Francisco @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 8, 2014 ) NY Mets 4, San Francisco 6

The San Francisco Giants look to build off the momentum of a skid-breaking victory over Pittsburgh as they begin a 10-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series against the New York Mets on Friday. San Francisco posted a 7-5 triumph over the Pirates on Wednesday, salvaging the finale of its six-game homestand by halting a six-game losing streak. Gregor Blanco went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Joe Panik scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning for the Giants, who enter Friday with a hold on a wild-card spot in the National League.

New York continues to hold on to postseason aspirations after taking two of three from NL East-rival Philadelphia following a 5-5 road trip. The Mets still are within reach of the top of the division and a wild-card berth but have five teams to overtake for the bonus spot. Neither team made a move as Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline passed, electing to stand pat as they pursue the postseason.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (5-8, 3.94 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jon Niese (5-6, 3.23)

Vogelsong's losing streak reached five games Saturday as he yielded four runs - two earned - and eight hits over six innings against the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The 37-year-old has won only one of his last nine starts but has allowed more than three runs just four times in that span. Vogelsong, who owns a 5.44 ERA in nine road outings this season, won his only career decision in six games (four starts) versus the Mets.

Niese lost both of his starts since returning from the disabled list, surrendering a total of seven runs and 16 hits over 11 innings at Seattle and Milwaukee. The 27-year-old has won only one of his last 10 outings but has given up more than three earned runs just once in that span. Niese's career record against the Giants remained at 1-2 after he settled for a no-decision at San Francisco on June 6, when he allowed two runs and five hits in seven frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants are likely to release 2B Dan Uggla soon as the veteran has gone 0-for-11 with six strikeouts in four games since joining the club and did not accompany the team to New York.

2. The Mets scored 18 runs in their three-game series against Philadelphia after totaling only 22 on their 10-game road trip.

3. San Francisco could regain the services of OF Angel Pagan (back), 1B Brandon Belt (concussion) and C Hector Sanchez (concussion) during its road trip.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Giants 4