Brewers at Mets
The Mets are two innings away from bringing an eight-game winning streak entering Monday’s series opener against the visiting Brewers. Instead, the Mets suffered ninth-inning relief meltdowns in two of the past three games and watched the Miami Marlins scored six in the bottom of the ninth Sunday. The Mets also were victims to a walk-off win by Miami on Friday. Milwaukee lost to the Cubs on Sunday.
The Brewers are 4-7 in May and have been inconsistent on offense. Milwaukee has scored 30 runs in their four wins and just nine in the seven defeats. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy (.326 average) and reigning MVP Ryan Braun (10 homers, 21 RBIs) are the only players providing solid offense. Mets third baseman David Wright has a seven-game hitting streak and is hitting an even .400. New York could be on the verge of replacing Frank Francisco as closer after two shaky outings in Miami. Francisco has an 8.56 ERA to go with eight saves and manager Terry Collins said he would consider making a change prior to Monday’s contest. Francisco was pulled prior to blowing the save on Sunday and it was Manny Acosta who allowed the game-ending grand slam to Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet New York
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (2-3, 5.35 ERA) vs. Mets RH Miguel Batista (0-1, 5.89 ERA)
Gallardo defeated Cincinnati in his last start for his first win since April 11. He gave up two runs and four in six innings while striking out eight. Gallardo is 2-2 with a 3.47 ERA in six career starts against New York.
The 41-year-old Batista is making his third start of the season. He took a no-decision against the Phillies in his last outing when he gave up four runs (two earned) and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Batista has a 2.72 ERA in 39 1/3 career innings against Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee second baseman Rickie Weeks (wrist) will likely miss his third consecutive contest.
2. New York’s Lucas Duda has homered twice in six at-bats against Gallardo.
3. Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez is batting just .143 in 14 at-bats against Batista.