Miami @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2012 ) Miami 3, NY Mets 7

The battle for last place in the National League East between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets isn’t drawing much national attention, and that’s probably a good thing. The teams will continue their three-game series on Saturday after the Mets won 7-3 on Friday in a contest that Miami manager Ozzie Guillen called “embarrassing.” Among the lowlights, Mets outfielder Lucas Duda was benched after failing to run out a pop-up in the first inning, and Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes botched a double play and made a throwing error on a ground ball. On the bright side, New York scored at least three runs for the first time in its last 16 home games.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has missed the last four games with a sore left intercostal muscle, and he’s not expected back until Sunday at the earliest. Rookie infielder Donovan Solano will never be confused with Stanton, but he’s making a strong bid to open next season with the Marlins. The rookie went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the series opener, and he’s batting .309 (38-for-123) with three doubles, two triples and 14 RBIs since Aug. 17. New York's Ike Davis hit his 28th homer on Friday, the fourth most by a first baseman in franchise history.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), PIX11 (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Mark Buehrle (13-12, 3.78 ERA) vs. Mets RH R.A. Dickey (18-6, 2.67)

Buehrle, who is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in his last three road starts, gave up four runs over 7 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Reds at Marlins Park. He’s 0-2 with a 3.92 ERA in three career starts against the Mets, all of them coming this season. Buehrle is close to reaching 10 wins, 30 starts and 200 innings pitched for the 12th straight season, which would extend the longest active streak in the majors.

Dickey’s start was moved up a day so he could make two of his final three starts at home. He’s 9-2 with a 2.81 ERA in 13 career games (11 starts) against the Marlins, including a complete game win on Aug. 31. Dickey’s 18 wins are the most for any Mets pitcher since 1990, when Dwight Gooden won 19 and Frank Viola had 20. Reyes is 2-for-19 with one walk in his career against Dickey.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins 1B Carlos Lee needs one home run to mark his 14th consecutive season with 10-plus home runs and at least 25 doubles.

2. The Mets snapped a nine-game home losing streak on Friday and improved to 5-24 at Citi Field since the All-Star break.

3. Marlins LF Justin Ruggiano left Friday’s game in the fifth inning with a sprained right shoulder after attempting a diving catch.