Marlins at Mets
Following a rainout Friday and a marathon affair Saturday, the Miami Marlins and New York Mets finish an awkward two-game set Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. The Marlins won 2-1 in 20 innings Saturday to improve to 7-3 against the Mets, who were 0-for-19 with runners in scoring position. Miami is 10-41 against all other opponents.
New York, which lost star righty Matt Harvey to a back strain after seven innings, played its longest home game since 1974. It left 22 men on base in losing for the fifth time in six games since a five-game winning streak. Neither team played Thursday or Friday so the teams were well rested prior to the 20-inning affair and both got lengthy relief outings from regular starters Kevin Slowey and Shaun Marcum to help spare the bullpens.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (0-4, 3.70 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jonathon Niese (3-5, 4.40)
Koehler has now made six career starts and is 0-5 in that role after giving up a season-high five runs in five innings of a 7-2 loss at Philadelphia on Monday. The 26-year-old, who was born in the Bronx and attended nearby New Rochelle High School, struck out five Mets in three scoreless innings of relief April 29. Koehler has a 5.01 ERA on the road compared with a 2.00 mark at home.
Niese was scratched from his previous start with shoulder discomfort but has been feeling better. The issue came at a bad time, for Niese was beginning to put things together. He has allowed only three earned runs in 20 1/3 innings over his last three starts and has not allowed a home run in that stretch. The southpaw limited the Marlins to one earned run in six frames earlier this year and has a solid 3.23 ERA in seven home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Harvey told reporters he is fine and expects to make his next start.
2. Marlins 3B Placido Polanco is 12-for-35 with five doubles and three walks against Niese.
3. Mets OF Rick Ankiel was designated for assignment following Saturday's game. OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis will be brought up from Triple-A Las Vegas to take his place.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Marlins 3