Marlins vs. Mets
David Wright and the New York Mets seek to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Thursday. Wright became New York’s all-time leader in career RBIs when he hit a two-run blast in Wednesday’s victory over the Marlins. Wright has 735 RBIs, two more than former star Darryl Strawberry. Miami has just two runs and nine hits in the series and has tallied just four runs total while suffering four consecutive defeats.
Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes is 1-for-8 in the series and has been booed frequently during his first visit to Citi Field as a visiting player. The former New York All-Star is batting just .217 and has scored just six runs in 17 games. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is homerless in 58 at-bats after slugging 34 homers last season. New York is 3-3 during a seven-game homestand.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida (Marlins), SportsNet New York (Mets)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (2-0, 3.93 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jonathon Niese (2-0, 2.89 ERA)
Nolasco has given up three runs or less in each of his three starts. He has received 18 runs of offensive support from a team that has been struggling to score all season. Nolasco is 5-7 with a 5.27 ERA in 21 career appearances (19 starts) against New York.
Niese took a no-decision in his last start after beating Atlanta and Philadelphia in his first two outings. His best effort was 6 2/3 shutout innings of five-hit ball against the Phillies. Niese has been hit hard by the Marlins in his three-year career and is 1-4 with a 5.67 ERA in six starts against Miami.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Wright is batting with .389 with four homers, five doubles and 13 RBIs in 54 career at-bats against Nolasco.
2. Miami second baseman Omar Infante hit his fifth homer in Wednesday’s loss after having seven all of last season.
3. Mets first baseman Ike Davis was dropped to seventh in the order and is in a 1-for-20 slump after going hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday.