Mets at Marlins
After the most successful road trip in franchise
history, Miami brought its winning ways home. The Marlins blew a 3-0
lead in Friday’s series opener against New York, only to rally with one
run in the eighth and two in the ninth to upend the Mets on Greg Dobbs’
walk off single. New York looks to begin a new winning streak after
seeing its five-game streak snapped.
A pair of four-game winners
take the mound in the second game of the weekend series. New York
right-hander R.A. Dickey already has beaten the Marlins once this
season, while Miami right-hander Ricky Nolasco pitched well against the
Mets in a no-decision last month. Miami has won nine of its past 10,
after finishing a nine-game road trip 8-1.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: New York RH R.A. Dickey (4-1, 3.76 ERA) vs. Miami RH Ricky Nolasco (4-0, 2.72)
Dickey
is 2-0 in his past three starts, lowing his ERA by nearly two runs in
the process. The streak started with a strong one-run, seven-inning
performance against the Marlins on April 25 in New York. Dickey beat
Arizona on Sunday, the knuckleballer allowing only four hits and one run
across eight innings. Nolasco gave up five hits against the Mets on
April 26 in New York, getting a no-decision after a strong seven-inning
outing. The right-hander has won his past two starts, going seven
innings and allowing five hits and two runs Sunday at San Diego.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami’s Heath Bell, recently demoted from the
closer’s role, pitched a scoreless ninth Friday for his first Marlins’
victory. Miami manager Ozzie Guillen said he is leaning toward returning
Bell to the closer’s role.
2. New York welcomed Ronny Cedeno from the disabled list Friday. Cedeno started at shortstop, going 1-for-2 with two walks.
3. Nolasco tied Dontrelle Willis for the franchise record for victories (68) in Sunday’s victory over San Diego.