Mets at Rays
The New York Mets erupted for a season-high 11 runs during the series opener against the host Tampa Bay Rays. Considering how dominant R.A. Dickey has been, the Mets won't likely need to score too much in order for the hurler to become baseball's first 10-game winner on Wednesday. The veteran knuckleballer, who has won seven straight decisions, carries an impressive 24 2/3 scoreless innings streak into the contest.
Rookie Jordany Valdespin drove in a career-high four runs and Ike Davis belted a three-run homer in New York's 11-2 triumph. The victory was just the Mets' second in eight games and kept them five games behind surging Washington. The loss proved costly for Tampa Bay, which saw its four-game winning streak come to an end and fell out of first place in the American League East.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), SUN (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH R.A. Dickey (9-1, 2.44 ERA) vs. Rays LH David Price (8-3, 2.40 ERA)
Dickey has been downright sizzling in his last few outings. The 37-year-old has not allowed a run in his last three trips to the mound and has fanned 38 batters in his last four. Dickey scattered four hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a 3-1 triumph over Washington on Thursday. He has struggled versus Tampa Bay, dropping both decisions while amassing a gaudy 8.35 ERA and 1.85 WHIP.
Price has been pretty dominant in his own right. The 26-year-old has yielded just two runs in his last three starts - walking away with two victories in the process. Price permitted just one run on three hits in Thursday's 7-3 victory over the rival New York Yankees. He has yet to face the Mets in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Should Dickey's run of dominance continue, he could unseat Jerry Koosman in the Mets' record book. Koosman put together an impressive 31 2/3 consecutive scoreless inning streak back in 1973.
2. Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist sat out Tuesday's tilt with a sore right hand. X-rays were negative and Zobrist may see action on Wednesday. He is 1-for-12 in his career versus the Mets - and 0-for-4 specifically against Dickey.
3. Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada will test his strained right quad by running on it Wednesday. He has been sidelined since May 7.