Dillon Gee has rebounded from a miserable start to the season and will look to continue his recent success at the site of one of his worst career outings Saturday when the New York Mets continue their three-game road set against the Philadelphia Phillies. Gee was 2-6 with a 6.34 ERA after his first 10 starts, but is 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA since. The Phillies contributed to two of those early losses, tagging him for seven runs during a three-inning effort on April 9 in Philadelphia.
The Mets have won four of five, with the last victory coming at the expense of the Phillies on Friday. Philadelphia has dropped two straight against National League East opponents after winning 18 of its first 27 against division rivals. The Phillies activated second baseman Chase Utley from the disabled list Friday after he missed over a month with a strained oblique, but the five-time All-Star went 0-for-5 in his first action since May 20.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Dillon Gee (5-7, 4.56 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jonathan Pettibone (3-3, 4.40)
Gee threw a five-hitter in Monday’s start at the Atlanta Braves, but surrendered a walk-off, two-run homer in a 2-1 loss – his first complete game since May 2011. The right-hander has fanned at least six and lasted at least 6 2/3 innings in each his last four outings after not being unable to top either mark through 10 turns. The Phillies have reached Gee for 11 runs already this season, contributing to his 2-3 record and 7.49 ERA against Philadelphia in eight career appearances (seven starts).
After a 3-0 start to his major-league career through seven turns, Pettibone has taken the loss in three of his last four outings. The 22-year-old right-hander was roughed up for career highs in runs (seven, six of which were earned) and hits (10) over a career-low three innings in last Saturday’s 10-5 road setback against the Colorado Rockies. Pettibone collected his first career victory in his previous start against the Mets, allowing three runs over five frames on April 27.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia, which saw its five-game winning streak against the Mets snapped Friday, has won nine of the last 11 meetings.
2. Mets starters have posted a 2.92 ERA over their last 16 games.
3. The Phillies are 26-8 when scoring four runs or more, but are 9-31 when tallying three or fewer.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Phillies 3