Marlins at Mets
The Miami Marlins managed only one run in the season’s opening three games before waking up to post seven and capturing their first victory Friday. The visiting Marlins look to build off that effort as they continue the series against the New York Mets on Saturday afternoon. Greg Dobbs, Justin Ruggiano and Placido Polanco each came through with a pair of RBIs in a 7-5 victory on the 20th anniversary of the franchise’s first game. Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton is due, with only two hits in 14 at-bats.
The Mets have lost their momentum after scoring 19 runs in two victories to start the season. New York managed only one run Thursday and its bullpen gave up six runs in three innings Friday. Cleanup hitter Ike Davis is off to a 1-for-16 start, while veteran catcher John Buck has collected seven hits in four games.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (0-1, 3.00 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jon Niese (1-0, 2.70)
Nolasco gave his team a chance to win in its opener, surrendering two runs on three hits over six innings. The 30-year old started 2012 with four straight wins and finished with three victories in his last four - going 5-12 in between. Nolasco is 5-8 against the Mets with a 5.13 ERA in 128 innings. David Wright is batting .397 with six homers and 17 RBIs against Nolasco.
Niese was solid on Opening Day, allowing two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings while throwing 101 pitches. The 26-year old southpaw also finished his 2012 campaign with three victories in which he gave up a total of six runs. Niese is 2-5 lifetime against the Marlins with a 4.60 ERA over 58 2/3 innings. Placido Polanco is 11-for-32 with five doubles and seven RBIs against Niese.
WALK-OFFS
1. Buck has two home runs in his first four games for the Mets and 50 since the start of the 2010 season - third among catchers in the majors.
2. Miami LF Juan Pierre leads all active players in the league in stolen bases with 591.
3. New York has homered in each of the first four games of the season for the first time since 2006.