New York @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 29, 2012 ) NY Mets 3, Philadelphia 2

Philadelphia has played better of late, but Wednesday served as a reminder of just how difficult things have been for the Phillies this season. Vance Worley, who started Tuesday, landed on the disabled list and will undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow. Wednesday’s starter, Cole Hamels, was scratched with an illness. The Mets have rebounded nicely from losing nine out of 11. New York has won four in a row.

The Mets aim for a sweep in Thursday’s series finale as two pitchers enjoying strong months face off. New York starter Jon Niese possesses a 2.29 ERA in five August starts and has not lost in four starts against the Phillies this season. Philadelphia starter Kyle Kendrick brings a three-start winning streak into the contest, but has endured two rough relief outings against the Mets earlier this season.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSN (Philadelphia).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jon Niese (10-7, 3.51 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (7-9, 4.12).

Niese had won three of four starts before losing to Houston on Friday, but pitched well in the defeat, allowing three earned runs in seven innings. He has walked just 10 hitters in his past 70 1/3 innings. Niese is 2-0 in four starts against Philadelphia this season with a 2.55 ERA.

Kendrick makes his first start against the Mets. In two relief appearances against New York this season, he has allowed five earned runs with four walks in 2 1/3 innings. He has blossomed in his return to the rotation, going 3-1 with a 3.10 ERA in five starts this month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia OF Domonic Brown did not play for the third time in four games Wednesday due to a sore left knee.

2. New York leads the season series 10-4.

3. The Phillies have lost two straight after a four-game winning streak.