Miami @ New York preview
Citi Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 22, 2012 ) Miami 3, NY Mets 4
For all of their considerable troubles over the last few months, the New York Mets have certainly felt better about themselves when they face the Miami Marlins. Manager Terry Collins' charges will vie for the three-game sweep on Sunday when the struggling National League East clubs reconvene at Citi Field. The Mets also swept the Marlins in their last series, taking all three in the Sunshine State on Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Happiness has been hard to find for both struggling clubs this season. Miami has dropped three in a row and 19 of 28 to reside in the division's cellar - just 2 1/2 games ahead of New York. Jason Bay belted a two-run homer and Scott Hairston extended his career high with his 19th blast as the Mets posted a 4-3 triumph on Saturday. The shorthanded Marlins were playing without outfielders Justin Ruggiano (shoulder) and Giancarlo Stanton (left intercostal muscle).
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSFL (Miami), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (12-12, 4.42 ERA) vs. Mets RH Chris Young (4-8, 4.37)
Nolasco enters Sunday's action riding a three-game winning streak, but he has struggled versus the Mets. The 29-year-old fell to 5-8 in his career against New York after yielding six runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings in a 9-3 loss on May 12. Nolasco has permitted just two homers in his last eight contests.
Young suffered his third loss in four decisions after allowing three solo homers in a 3-0 loss to Milwaukee last Sunday. The 6-foot-10 hurler pitched well in his last start versus the Marlins, holding them to one run on five hits in as many innings in a 5-1 triumph on Sept. 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York's David Wright is hitless in eight at-bats this series and has collected just three in his last 27 overall. Wright could get healthier against Nolasco, as he is 24-for-60 in his career versus the hurler.
2. Former Met Jose Reyes saw his seven-game hitting streak come to an end with an 0-for-4 performance on Saturday. Reyes is just 3-for-17 in his career versus Young.
3. Hairston, who has homered twice in as many days, has gone deep among his two career hits versus Nolasco.